Affordable Island Getaways for Couples on a Real Budget

I suppose for a few years now my partner and I had been thinking that affordable couples’ vacations to the islands was a fiction created by travel influencers for content. We then booked our vacation to Curaçao last minute for less than $1200 per person. Crystal water. Empty beaches. We stayed in a small flat overlooking the sunset, and lost track of our credit card bill. It was on that trip that it all changed. Now we take island trips like some take sales at Target.

1. Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean

Most of the people miss over Curaçao and continue to their normal Aruba or Bahamas holiday. That’s their loss. This little island is located just north of Venezuela and boasts of one of the best snorkeling locations in the Caribbean without the resort price tag.

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It was an Airbnb in the colorful area of Pietermaai, with lots of street art and smaller restaurants. The cost of a dinner for two was seldom over $40. Rental cars are approximately $25 per day and you can enjoy a different beach each morning. The entrance is free to Playa Kenepa Grandi and it would seem as though it were on a postcard. When traveling from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, some flights may cost less than $250 round-trip on airlines such as JetBlue.

2. Roatán, Honduras

Roatán doesn’t appear on most couples’ list, and that is why it remains affordable. It is located on the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras, and is home to the world’s second biggest barrier reef.

We paid $18 each for a two-tank scuba dive. Eighteen dollars. The same dive in Cozumel will run at least $80. The small guesthouses around West End are $50 to $70 per night and street tacos cost around $2. It’s a casual and eclectic affair with no five-star lobby, so if you’re looking for that, this is not for you. However, if you are looking for turquoise waters and true quiet, Roatán can’t be beat.

3. Koh Lanta, Thailand

Thailand receives a lot of the budget traveller buzz and on one hand it’s well deserved. But if you can, avoid the packed Phi Phi Islands and take a trip to Koh Lanta. Less noisy, sanitary and MUCH more romantic.

The bungalow we rented was situated right on the beach and cost $35 a night. It was furnished with a hammock on the porch and waves singing all night. A street eater’s pad thai will run around $1.50 and a couples’ hour-long Thai massage will run around $15. The long beaches on the west side of the island are always uncrowded. The price for sunset drinks at the beach bar is approximately $3 per drink. The most difficult part of Koh Lanta is getting up and leaving.

4. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar may sound like an exotic and expensive destination, but the reality is quite different once you’re there! Europe is a popular starting point and often the cheapest way in from Europe is via a layover and to and from Turkey via Turkish Airlines.

The old town of Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its narrow streets, spice markets and rooftop restaurants. Fresh seafood was had at the Forodhani Gardens night market for less than $5 per person. Nungwi is a beach bungalow property in close proximity to the north coast with beach bungalows costing between $40 and $60 per night. Water is warm all year round and sunsets are truly hysterical. The spice tour is quite cheap (around $15) and is a surprisingly fun couples’ activity.

5. The Azores, Portugal

The Azores are in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean and they have a feeling they are a hidden Europe yet to be discovered by Europe. The Portuguese islands feature volcanic lakes, hot springs, green landscapes reminiscent of Iceland and Hawaii.

The primary island is called São Miguel and you will find guesthouses in the price range of $50 to $80 a day. At Furnas, stew was cooked slow-cooked in the earth using volcanic heat. SATA Airlines and Ryanair both offer cheap flights from Lisbon, some offering flights for less than $60 round trip. It was not a typical beach-and-cocktail island, but rather a perfect place for couples that enjoy hiking, nature and exploring together.

Affordable Island Getaways for Couples on a Real Budget

Here’s the secret of travel on islands which no one ever tells you: it’s only half the story. The timing is as important. We have saved hundreds of dollars just by travelling during our shoulder season — time around the peak tourist season of a few weeks in either direction.

• That is from the end of April through mid-June for the Caribbean.
• In Southeast Asia, try in October or early November.
• Airfares are lowered, hotel rates are cut, and beaches become deserted.

It’s a good idea to always see what Google Flights has to offer with a flexible date, and to set fare alerts on apps such as Hopper. If you can book directly from small guesthouses via WhatsApp or email, rather than through Booking.com, you may save an additional 10% to 15% as the property does not pay a commission.

6. Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Yes it is popular. However, popularity has not been responsible for the demise of the budget here like it has on other islands such as Santorini. Airbnb has gorgeous villas in Ubud with private pools available for $45–$60 per night.

The small local restaurants (known as warungs) offer an amazing nasi goreng that costs approximately $1.50. You spend a full day with a driver on sightseeing and it is about $35 per day, but you share that cost. The secret to Bali is not to be fooled by the tourist traps in Kuta and Seminyak. One goes to Amed for undisturbed black-sand beaches, and Sidemen for rice terrace vistas, minus the people. IMO, Bali is the most romantic place in SEA, for the money.

7. Dominica, Caribbean

Not the Dominican Republic! Dominica. This is a small volcanic island, in the Lesser Antilles group, that has been dubbed “the Nature Island” and is certainly that.

• Boiling lakes
• Waterfalls to be hiked to through rainforest
• Natural hot springs in the jungle

We stayed in a small eco-lodge near Roseau for about $65 a night, breakfast included. The cost of two dives at the Champagne Reef, where bubbles of magma bubble up from the ocean floor, was $70. While Dominica may not boast Instagram-worthy white sand beaches, it does have something better: natural beauty that is far from polished and pretty, that makes you feel like you are the only two people on the island.

8. Sardinia, Italy (Off-Season)

In July or August Sardinia will drain your bank account. Come in May or late September, though, and this Italian island becomes very affordable.

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We found a small apartment at Alghero for $55 per night. Beaches on the north coast are comparable to those in the Maldives and pasta with fresh seafood at a local trattoria is $12. Ryanair has service to Sardinia from dozens of European cities for the shockingly low prices. Hire a scooter together for $20/day and discover secret coves. By the way, the gelato in Sardinia is superior to that in mainland Italy. I’ll die on that hill.

9. Siargao, Philippines

Siargao is often referred to as the surfing capital of the Philippines, but that’s not what it’s all about. The island vibe is bohemian, with couples having the option of going without shoes.

Guesthouses in the vicinity of General Luna charge $20–$40 per night. Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island are just some of the islands that can be visited through a tour that costs approximately $15 per person. New coconuts on the beach are 50 cents. We hired a motorcycle for $7 per day and explored the rock pools and hidden lagoons in the afternoons. Siargao remains a place where people will still “discover” in five years, so head there now before it’s too costly.

10. Providencia, Colombia

For an island that very few people talk about, Providencia is one of them. This little Colombian island in the western Caribbean is home to some of the most bizarre water colors I’ve ever witnessed: locals describe it as “the sea of seven colors.”

It takes work to get there. To get to Providencia, you fly from Bogotá to San Andrés and then take a short flight or catamaran to Providencia. However, that effort keeps people away from the crowds. Small posadas range from $40 to $60 per night and fresh fish dinners on the beach are priced at less than $10. Snorkeling is top-notch and the island’s pace is slow and reggae, requiring you to take it easy. It was as if the Caribbean were pre-resorts.

How to Make Any Island Trip More Affordable as a Couple

Some of the quick tips that we have learnt after years of doing this:

• First, always share the costs of the accommodations, food, and transportation. Couples receive a discount on per-person tickets than travelling alone.
• Second, follow the advice of the locals and eat what they eat. If they provide a menu in 4 languages, pass by.
• Third, avoid the all-inclusive resorts. They appear to be a good value, but you’ll end up spending money for substandard food and beverages at a buffet, when you can get better food and beverages at local eateries and drinks for less!
• Fourth, have snorkel equipment. You can easily spend a fortune on renting it on the island, and a good set from Amazon is $30.
• Finally, use travel credit cards that do not have foreign transaction fees and earn points. Over the years, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has covered at least two of our flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Cheapest Islands for a Couples’ Vacation?

Koh Lanta, Thailand, Roatán, Honduras, and Siargao, Philippines, are always one of the most affordable. Accommodation, food and activities costs can be kept under $60–$80 per day for two people. Southeast Asia and Central America provide best value overall, particularly during shoulder season, and out of peak tourist season.

When Is the Best Time to Book Affordable Island Getaways for Couples?

Shoulder season is your best friend. Late April to mid June or November for the Caribbean Islands. October or early November is a good time in Southeast Asia. If you want the best rates, book flights anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks out and put fare alerts on Google Flights or Hopper to get price drops as soon as they occur.

Do We Need a Resort to Have a Romantic Island Trip?

Absolutely not. We stayed in a number of Airbnbs and local guesthouses, which were some of our most romantic stays. There’s nothing better than a private balcony overlooking the sunset than a packed resort pool. Small properties will have things that aren’t available at big resorts, such as a homemade breakfast or local ideas.

Is It Safe for Couples to Travel to Lesser-Known Islands?

Generally, yes. The islands, such as Curaçao, the Azores and Koh Lanta, are extremely safe for visitors. Common sense: Lock valuables, don’t walk alone on empty streets late at night and keep copies of important documents. Before booking, look at the travel warnings in your country, and ensure that you have travel insurance. All travels are made using World Nomads.

How Much Should a Couple Budget for a Week-Long Island Trip?

This varies depending on the country but is in the region of $1,000–$2,500 for two people, flights, accommodation, food and activities. The islands of Southeast Asia and Central America are at the bottom. In the middle are Caribbean and European islands. The most important is always the flight time, so flexible dates and fare alerts are the most important.

Conclusion

Everyone doesn’t need to be a trust fund or have a sugar daddy to wake up beside your partner on a beautiful island. There are several great trips that have been undertaken for less than the cost of a weekend in NYC. Which island is coming toward you first?