Inexpensive and non touristy trip
 

Hello

We are looking to travel in early March to a place that is low cost (flight) from Seattle and are looking for suggestions for a good place in the Caribbean islands. We are not really interested in the usual tourist spots and beaches, more in the culture and way of life.

We are hoping that by avoiding much in demand places we get a lower cost flight ticket. Any island suggestions would be great

Thank you

Grenada is a lovely destination that is still somewhat off-the-beaten-track - it has remained a very authentic Caribbean island with friendly and welcoming people who go about their daily business at a very leisurely pace. Although small, the island offers variety in accommodation, restaurants and things to see-and-do and it can be as active or relaxing as you want it to be. It is accessible from the USA via American Airlines, Delta or Caribbean Airlines. There are lots of lovely, quiet beaches, a range of natural and historical sites and attractions such as the Grand Etang Rainforest, waterfalls, forts, etc. Sounds like just what you are looking for.

Actually your thinking about airfare costs is a bit flawed. Generally speaking you'll find lower airfares to the more popular islands that are served by several different airlines - competition brings down prices. The smaller "non-touristy" islands don't have non-stop or direct flights from the the US or Europe since they rarely have airports big enough to handle any large planes so you have to take connecting flights on local commuter airlines which can add significantly to your travel costs.

Now, coming from Seattle you are going to be faced with at least one two different flights (and possibly a overnight layover while on route) to reach a major islands plus at least one "island hopper" flight or ferry ride to get to a smaller "off the beaten trail" island. the rule of thumb is the more legs you fly to reach your destination the higher your airfare is going to be. Be prepare to switch planes (or at least have a stop-over) in a US airport (such as DFW, ORD, MIA) in order to get to one of the bigger islands.

If low airfare is a big priority for you look at Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cozemel and Cancun as those destinations traditionally are among the least expensive to reach by air from the US simply because they are serviced by numerous airlines with multiple flights every day and they can be reached non-stop from most US International Gateway Airports.

Other islands that can be reached non-stop from one or more US Airports include Antigua, St. Martin, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Grand Cayman, Barbados, Grenada, Aruba, a couple of the bigger islands in the Bahamas and Providenciales (Turks & Caicos) but you may find flight schedules are such that one or more of these may entail some long layovers.

Also, March is still "High Season" in the Caribbean so expect to find some of the most expensive room rates of the year. If you could postpone your trip until mid-April or May you'll find room rates drop significantly.

www.spirit.com

will have your cheapest US Carib airfare usually out of FLL

Non-touristy rural areas of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic

work best for what you want to do...

bus around stay in local guest houses to save...

www.hostelbookers.com cheap lodgings usually.

www.cheapcarribean.com out of SEA may have packages

that will be cheap cheaper when you factor in airfare cost.

So I might do careful research in that regard.

Happy Hunting,

Your thinking on airfare is backwards. It costs more to get to less traveled places. It's cheaper when you go to a more popluar island.

Also March is high-season in the Caribbean. It's cheaper if you went in the summertime.

For example I flew Seattle to Jamaica this past summer for $575 which I thought was a good price.

On any island you could try to find the smaller less touristed towns, but realize sometimes those are more expensive because there is not the demand and selection of cheap places to stay.

The Sea/MoBay flight transfered just once, in Atlanta. It was a red eye out of Seattle, then arriving Jamica around Noon the next day. Very smooth. I went on Delta.

I saw your same question on the Mexico & Central America forum. I think in the most general terms either of those places are cheaper than most (any?) of the Caribbean islands.

I agree with Roamsalot. Try Mexico and stay at a secure resort. I now all inclusives may have a bad name, but the value is tremedous and the only way we can afford to go. Try the Occidental Grand Xcaret in the Riviera Maya. It has an eco park free next door that is very nice. It is far enough away from Cancun so as not be too touristy and the service is great. The food is only OK and gets quite boring, but the activities more than make up for the food. DO NOT GO Snorkeling from Xcaret, but take the farey to Cozumel from Playa De Carman. The snorkling there is much better and you'll have guides who care if you have a good time or drown!

If you want to try Mexico, there is no reason you have to stay in a "secure resort" which is neither inexpensive or non-touristy. The Mayan Riviera is a safe area to travel around on your own, and stay at modest local style places. An AI resort by definition IS "touristy".

Right now, fares to CUN and CZM are cheapest from Seattle in March in mid 400-range. Jamaica is mid 500-range.

I was impressed that Cozumel is around the same price as Cancun with only one-stop but staying at Playa Del Carmen might give you more options to explore as Cozumel is considered a destination for divers (and cruiseships which you CAN avoid if you want). I can't imagine from your request that you'd want to do an AI. Is it actually true that AI are cheaper? I've always thought AI's are more expensive than renting an apt or condo and eating at local joints when dining out - but perhaps that's my mis-perception cuz I've never looked into staying at an AI (although i see their rates pop up when I search for b&b's and hotels and they look high to me...)

Have you considered Hawaii -- the Big Island is beautiful and not at all developed, the active lava flow is just amazing, and the little towns are really charming. You can do a painless, nonstop flight from SEA on United for $418 and have more vacation time. I do the Caribbean cuz I'm in the midwest and flights are short and cheap but if I were on the W Coast, spring fares to HI are always pretty good.

fishee~ I don't believe there is any one answer if AI's or independent are more or less expensive. Depends what kind of hotel or resort you choose in either category. And if you are traveling solo or two people together another consideration (AI's are normally double-occupancy based).

Seattle to Hawaii airfare in March is often on sale , Kauai or even Molokai offer a low tourist impact destination