8 affordable tropical vacations you can take this winter, according to a travel writer who skips the snow every year

Susan CampbellNov 11, 2022, 18:10 IST

Aruba is a one-stop destination for a tropical vacation and crystal-clear water.Divi Phoenix

As a travel writer who covers the Caribbean, I like to share tips with friends for affordable island trips.
I try to avoid spring break spots, and look for resorts with access to local culture and sites.

As a freelance travel writer from Canada who's specialized in the Caribbean for the past 25 years, I've been fortunate enough to escape the worst of winters by island hopping.

At Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.Susan Campbell

As a freelance travel writer from Canada who's specialized in the Caribbean for the past 25 years, I've been fortunate enough to escape the worst of winters by island hopping.

I head to Eagle Beach, Aruba, as an ideal base to access all the best the island has to offer easily and affordably.

All of the beaches in Aruba are free to the public.Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino

In Willemstad, Curaçao, I love to admire the colorful Dutch architecture and outdoor art, and attend street festivals.

I've found beach chair rentals at Mambo Beach in Curaçao for just $4 a day.Susan Campbell

I go to Kralendijk, Bonaire, for a laid-back small town feel and fabulous snorkeling nearby.

The uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire is just a water taxi away from Kralendijk, Bonaire.Tourism Corporation Bonaire

Nassau in The Bahamas might be well-known for high-roller casinos and five-star resorts, but I think it's one of the most affordable Caribbean islands thanks to cheap public transit and accessible, beautiful beaches.

Cable Beach in Nassau, the Bahamas, has gentle waves and is great for swimming.Susan Campbell

Nassau in The Bahamas might be well-known for high-roller casinos and five-star resorts, but I think it's one of the most affordable Caribbean islands thanks to cheap public transit and accessible, beautiful beaches.

Providenciales in Turks & Caicos has one of my favorite beaches in the world, and lots of free or affordable activities.

Grace Bay Beach is just a quick drive from downtown Providenciales in Turks & Caicos.Susan Campbell

For a laid-back, Bohemian vibe and hiking to waterfalls, I visit Kapaa on Kauai, Hawaii.

Kauai is generally less-visited than Oahu and Maui and has a more relaxed vibe.Oliver Le/Shutterstock

I head to the tiny island of Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, Mexico, for a more affordable stay with all the natural perks of Cancun without the crowds.

The northernmost point on Isla Mujeres is where the first ray of sun hits this region of Mexico.Susan Campbell

For an affordable all-inclusive resort with endless perks on a gorgeous beach, I go to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Choosing an all-inclusive resort in Montego Way is a great way to get more out of your budget.Lucky-photographer/Shutterstock

I always vacation somewhere with snow during the holidays. These 9 US places are my favorite quintessential winter wonderlands.

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8 affordable tropical vacations you can take this winter, according to a travel writer who skips the snow every year

As a freelance travel writer from Canada who's specialized in the Caribbean for the past 25 years, I've been fortunate enough to escape the worst of winters by island hopping.

I head to Eagle Beach, Aruba, as an ideal base to access all the best the island has to offer easily and affordably.

In Willemstad, Curaçao, I love to admire the colorful Dutch architecture and outdoor art, and attend street festivals.

I go to Kralendijk, Bonaire, for a laid-back small town feel and fabulous snorkeling nearby.

Nassau in The Bahamas might be well-known for high-roller casinos and five-star resorts, but I think it's one of the most affordable Caribbean islands thanks to cheap public transit and accessible, beautiful beaches.

Providenciales in Turks & Caicos has one of my favorite beaches in the world, and lots of free or affordable activities.

For a laid-back, Bohemian vibe and hiking to waterfalls, I visit Kapaa on Kauai, Hawaii.

I head to the tiny island of Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, Mexico, for a more affordable stay with all the natural perks of Cancun without the crowds.

For an affordable all-inclusive resort with endless perks on a gorgeous beach, I go to Montego Bay, Jamaica.