Budget is a big concern when we plan a trip. And many times, it keeps us from going to the destinations we so dearly want to? Do you want to go to an island? Are you looking for cheap options? Then you’re at the right place. Read on to find some cost-effective islands to spend your vacation.
Are you planning a trip for the holidays? Do you have islands as a possible destination on your list? A getaway to islands can be really amazing. People love spending their vacations on islands for a number of reasons.
Long sandy stretches, rich cultures, alluring wilderness, clear open sky—some islands are literally heaven on earth. Enjoying the ocean breeze while sipping coconut water would be really lovely. Not to mention how fun bonfire nights can be.
But then comes the biggest of the obstacles between our wishes and reality—the limitations of your budget. But I have some good news. There actually are some cool islands that can also be pocket-friendly. If you want to know about them, read the list below.
Some Cost-Effective Islands for vacation
Romblon Island
Romblon Island is located very remotely in the Philippines. This is one of the main reasons why the island remains largely untouched by tourists.
Internal flights, local ferries, multiple bus rides—it can take several days to reach Romblon Island. However, it is all worth it for its mesmerizing beauty. Moreover, since the island is untouched by tourists, you might find yourself enjoying it almost alone!
So, if you want to swim in blue water, walk on the beautiful sandbar, relax on white sand on Bon Bon beach, and do cliff jumping, Romblon Island is the spot.
And the best part is—it’s cheap.
The entry fees at the beaches of Romblon Islands can be as low as 1 USD.
For stay, you can easily find a pocket-friendly place like Fun Divers & Inn.
Fiji Islands
Fiji Islands are located in the Republic of Fiji. It is an archipelago which denotes an extensive group of islands.
The place has a Polynesian culture with an incredible landscape, unspoiled waters, and tropical island vibes. It is definitely a chunk of heaven on the earth which is also highly affordable.
Viti Levu and Venua Levu are two main islands here. Both of these islands have good and cheap bus service. The public ferries system is also cheap if you want to go to the outlying islands.
As for stay, it is a great place. The infrastructure is developed enough to be of decent service but it is reasonably priced. You can find many places here that provide great value for your money.
However, the cost of flight may be the biggest one since it is very remote from the US. But if you manage to get your hands on cheap flight tickets, you’ll be golden!
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is located in the east of Africa. It is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. It is a greatly affordable tropical island with:
Warm waters,
White sand beaches,
Great food,
Rich coral life,
Beautiful surroundings,
Friendly locals,
Interesting culture, and much more!
The Stone Town of Zanzibar is a must-visit since it is a UNESCO heritage site. Its vibrant culture, local life, food markets, and local football matches are something you can’t miss.
Although Zanzibar is highly affordable, transportation within it can be a bit challenging since there is little to no public bus service. Apart from that, the accommodation is very cheap.
Cozumel
Cozumel is Mexico’s largest Caribbean island. It is off the eastern coast of Yucatán Peninsula.
Once a quiet fishing village, Cozumel has now become a hotspot for tourists. The island’s relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty are its main attraction. Moreover, it has clear blue waters that you can dive into or do scuba diving. Its coral reefs and perfect current conditions work as a cherry on the top.
Spending your holidays in Cozumel would be a great idea if you don’t want to hurt your pocket. However, you’d need to make sure that you don’t fall into a tourist trap.
Apart from that, staying at Cozumel is highly affordable with well-priced rooms and local eateries. All this makes the average daily cost about $40 per person. Your only major expenses in the islands would be activities like diving and snorkeling.
There’s a trick to saving money on traveling. Book a cheap flight to Cancun and from there, take roadway transport to reach Cozumel.
Kos Island
Situated in Europe, Kos is a Greek Island that is located close to the coast of Turkey. Travelers like to visit this island all around the year. However, it is especially attractive in the summers.
Kos has long sandy stretches of beach and a lovely climate. Greek ruins such as the Askleipion and the Odeon embellish the beauty of this island. And not to mention the vibrant and busy nightlife of Kos town.
Kos Island is an affordable and cheap destination for the most part. The flights are generally very cheap. Kos has many all-inclusive hotels and large beach resorts. The prices of food and alcohol are also quite cheap.
On an average, accommodation can cost you something from $45 for an average hotel to $20 for staying in hostels.
Bottom Line
There are many cheap islands out there that you can visit for your holidays. However, all this also greatly depends on how you manage your travel, accommodation, and other expenses. Whichever island you go to, just make sure to research it thoroughly. From cheap flight tickets to cheap hotels, activities, sight-seeing, and so on—plan everything thoughtfully!