Looking for advice on the more economical islands, off the beaten path type adventures, nothing AI, although we would like to be as close to beaches as possible. Which Island is preferred for those traveling on a limited budget, say for lodging, under $100?
Right now, we are looking at Vieques, possibly Jamaica..any other suggestions?

Both Mexico & the Domincan Republic have very affordable deals, especially the Dominican.

It probably doesn't fit the description "off the beaten path," but the Nassau Beach Hotel on New Providence is a very good deal. It's clean, cheap and right on the beach. You can take the jitney (mini-bus) into town during the day, and there are plenty of reasonable places to eat both in Nassau and around the hotel. It's also not too hard to find cheap flights into Nassau, either.

Since you mentioned Jamaica as a possibility, you might want to look at treasurebeach.net for some very affordable rentals. And also at jamaicaescapes.com.

Treasure Beach is off the beaten track and worthy of some research. It might just be the place for you !

Marion

If you can afford the airfare St.Vincent and the Grenadines have nice places at unbelievably reasonable prices. I stay on the beach at Indian Bay for under $75/day in an efficiency apartment where I'm treated like family. There are many places to choose from. I travel on the local buses to and from town. I also shop at the local grocery store, just be careful when buying if you load up on heavy things hard to carry from the mainroad. If you want off the beaten path SVG is certainly the place to visit.

Port Antonio area of Jamaica ....... Incredibly beautiful , foothills of the Blue Mountains , unbelievably lush , very cool vibe , absolutely no highrises , waterfalls , caves , great beaches , cool lodging options , history , The Blue Lagoon , ......

Hi Faith!How are you?
Do you know how far Port Antonio is from Negril?I would like to go to both whenever we go to Jamaica.Thanks

I'm not sure in terms of miles, but Port Antonio is at least a 4+ hour drive from Negril. Seriously. It's literally as far on the island as you can get from Negril. Probably not possible to visit both in one trip, unless you really like to spend time traveling.

Porty is at least a good 6+ hours from Negri -- and probably more given recent effects of rain/slides on mt.roads. The only feasible way to do both Negril and Port Antonio is to fly to Porty from MoBay.

Thanks tiver and Doug.I guess it will be Porty OR Negril...not both.

How long will you be there? You can do Porty and Negril if you have alittle time, just split the vacation between the two and treat the travel day as a day trip with interesting stops along the way.

Negril isn't "off the beaten path" as the OP wanted, though.

In Jamaica, Treasure Beach, Little Bay, Lost Beach, Portland towns, St. Mary come to mind.