I am looking to book an anniversary trip for my husband and I - I am not interested in the All Inclusive Experience, rather than exploring the area. Calm turquoise waters. snorkeling, good inexpensive food and places to visit. I am planning this on a budget so ideally I would like to find a place where going out to eat will not break the bank!
I find that there are so many choices it can be overwhelming. I have already been in Puerto Rico and Mexico - and would like to try a new place. Some of the places I was thnking about are:
- Barbados
- Punta Cana
- St. Thomas
- Aruba
- Curacao
- Nassau

What do you think? Which one do you believe to be the most affordable (in terms of food cost?)

Thank you in advance for all your help!!! I need it (I have been glued to the computer for the past 2 days "reasearching" - unfortunately all I have accomplished is getting even more confused!!).

What is your budget?

Aruba and Barbados have a wide variety of restaurants with different price points. We did AI in Aruba and would not choose to do so again. However, food prices anywhere in the Caribbean are going to be high. It truly aggravates me to pay $5 or $6 for a can of beer.

Check out this site for Aruba dining:

http://www.restaurantsaruba.com/

I am currently researching Barbados for next year and the prices are quite high. I'm looking at taking $1,000 to $1,500 for just food and drinks, which is about on par for the other destinations we've been to that we did not do AI.

St. Thomas and Curacao you really need a rental car to get to restaurants or pay for taxis. We did AI at the Wyndam in St. Thomas, but ate a few meals out. In Curacao we stayed at the Lions Dive in a 2 bedroom apartment (the have regular hotel rooms also). The apartment had a full kitchen and the hotel provided a free shuttle to a local grocery store. The hotel has 3 restaurants on site and more within walking distance.

In Nassau, we did AI also. We were told many times do not venture into town at night. I'm sure others can you better more updated info about eating out there.

"On a budget" and "won't break the bank" mean different things to different people. Those terms are meaningless without a actual dollar point of reference. We need to know how strong (or weak) "YOUR BANK" is in order to determine what price range works for you.

That said, in general terms I would rate the destinations on your list from most expensive to least expensive as follows:

Nassau
Barbados
Curacao
St. Thomas
Aruba
Punta Cana

The list doesn't take into account the fact you can find inexpensive places to stay and eat on any of the islands but rather that as an overall experience your money will go somewhat further on the islands at the bottom of the list.

Really, we need to know what your actual budget is in rider to make meaningful recommendations.

Other comments - comparing the destinations on your list to your "wish list" you'll probably find the calmest turquoise waters around Nassau, St. Thomas, Aruba and Curacao. You'll find the best snorkeling around St. Thomas and parts of Aruba.. You'll find the most "lower priced" dinning options on St. Thomas, Punta Cana and Aruba.

One last observation, without knowing where you stayed in Mexico and Puerto Rico I'd venture to say other than Punta Cana you'll probably find that, in general, all of the destinations on your list will be more expensive than Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Good call RoamsAround! I did not share my budget (duh!). I was hoping to spend about $100 per day in food/drinks. We dont drink alcohol so that should not be too bad. I hope this helps put more perspective.



I would love to rent a car and just explore the area - different beaches and landscapes!

I appreciate both of you for the information! Thank you!

rockhousehotel.com Jamaica good price point cheap flights

down on Spirit atlantis.com good sales for more of a resort.

maho.org St John great snorkel pretty cheap.

Happy Hunting!

Hi Zabka78...
My choice for you would be Aruba. Rent a Jeep and explore the island; have the best sailing & snorkeling experiences; and enjoy the fabulous food! (check out http://www.arubahotelsbeaches.com/ar...staurants.html for all links to restaurants that will show you the menu and the prices). Many to choose from in all price catagories. The high rise hotels (Palm Beach),tend to have higher prices for food. If you stay on Palm Beach there are many other restaurants within walking distance. Although some couples prefer Eagle Beach (low rise resorts)since it is more serene but you will need to drive or take a Taxi (they have set rates and are not expensive).
There are beautiful high rise,low rise and smaller resorts on the island. Some vacationers prefer a timeshare rental and make their own breakfast and lunch while saving their budget for a lovely dinner out. It is a very safe and lovely island, with warm friendly people and much to do. Romance is always in the air on the island of Aruba! Wherever you choose to go I want to wish you a very Happy Anniversary!

Like qwo I'll throw Jamaica into the mix.

Negril is a wonderful place to hang out with so many places to stay/eat that you might have trouble choosing. The beach is so beautiful and with 7 miles to explore you can head one way for breakfast and the other way for dinner

We've stayed at Idle Awhile (12 room boutique resort owned by the chap who owns Couples so you can use their sports area) and Coco LaPalm which is next door to Idle Awhile.

I'd go back to Coco again mainly because it has 2 pools and a jacuzzi.

We've been to Negril twice and would go back in a heart beat - we've never even left the beach I did want to explore further last year but sadly we were too lazy