10 Island Destinations That Will Help You Plan A Budget-Friendly … – TheTravel

Going on a trip to an island can be a daunting prospect at first blush; between getting to the location and finding things to do, planning the perfect island adventure can be so stressful.

But for many tourists, the biggest stressor is the financial cost. However, all around the world are affordable and cheap island destinations waiting to be discovered, especially outside the peak summer season during the fall and into winter. So when the cold autumn winds blow, tourists can pack their bags and head for some of the world's most affordable island getaways.

Here, travelers can find out all about the most affordable island destinations in the world, with all the must-know details like plane ticket costs, hotel prices, and affordable activities. Pack a bag and prepare a not-so-packed wallet; these are some of the cheapest island vacations in the world, particularly when summer's peak period has ended.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Eco-Tourism Destinations In California (And What to Do There)

Mountains in Crete with a bright blue sky and a deep blue sea

Traveling to Crete in the autumn is not only very rewarding in terms of cultural activities, history, and fun but is also very affordable! Greece's largest, southernmost island is the perfect place to go for fall travelers who want to learn about ancient Greek history while still maintaining a budget.

Many hotel rooms here range from $33 per night to $120, meaning that travelers who are within a budget can sleep easy knowing that they aren't breaking the bank on their Grecian vacation.

Depending on where they're coming from, the biggest price point for travelers heading to Crete will likely be airfare. The cheapest flights from NYC to Heraklion usually cost around $800 USD. However, once visitors get to the island, they'll find that the off-season offers lots of budget-friendly opportunities. Car rentals in the fall on Crete range from $25 per day to only $7!

Autumn on the island of Crete is considered part of the off-season, so tourists traveling here will not only find great prices but will quickly realize that they'll have some of the most popular destinations on the island practically all to themselves.

While exploring the ancient Minoan ruins at Knossos (one of the oldest cities in Europe) may be too pricey of a day trip for those on a budget (15 per person, or about $16.50 USD), some of the other ruins are much more affordable. For example, the Minoan palace of Malia only has an entrance fee of 6 (about $6.60 USD), and the Doric hilltop site of Archaa Pli Tis Lat has an entrance fee of just 3 (about $3.30 USD).

Many of Crete's natural wonders are free to see, like the pink Elafonissi Beach, which is a must-see for anyone going to the island of Crete. Similarly, walking the Preveli Beach Trail is also free and lets visitors see the many biomes of Crete, from the beach to the forest to the mountains.

For airfare, travelers may find cheaper flights through booking sites for students (such as StudentUniverse) or through booking a flight to a more affordable European city, like London, and then buying a Ryanair ticket to Crete.

Nature and houses in Ketchikan, Alaska

For breathtaking natural beauty, tourists looking for affordable island vacation ideas in the fall especially should head to the Alexander Archipelago of islands in Southeast Alaska. The city of Ketchikan, located on Revillagigedo Island, is a great starting point for travelers who wish to explore the dense northern rainforests and steep cliffsides of this region.

Hotel prices can be as low as $110 per night here, which is definitely worth it for cozy interiors and stunning views. Even the local Super 8 has incredible views of the ocean and nearby mountains! Flight costs from NYC to Ketchikan in October can cost around $550, but US or Canadian-based tourists can choose to travel by car as part of a road trip.

However, what visitors will really save money on is activities. The Tongass National Forest, one of the world's most beautiful ancient forests that's been restored, is one of the top things to do in this region, and visiting the park's Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan is free from October to April. Visitors can also explore the park's many hiking trails and even get a chance to see Alaskan animals such as bald eagles.

October is a great time for whale watching in Ketchikan, as many whales are either passing through or just leaving on their annual migration to warmer waters. Some of Alaska's most majestic whales, including humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales, can all be spotted in October by lucky tourists along the coasts. Whales have even been spotted in the city's harbor!

Being one of the most budget-friendly island vacations in the world, there are even more zero-cost things to do in Ketchikan. Other free activities include walking around quaint Creek Street, exploring the tide pools and chilly waters of Rotary Beach, and seeing the famous Chief Johnson Totem Pole. One activity that does have an entrance fee that visitors should still definitely check out is the Totem Heritage Center, where visitors can learn more about Tlingit Native Americans and their culture (entrance fee is $6 per adult).

Related: Domestic Island Adventure: This U.S. State Has The Most Islands

Dozens of Blue Reef Fish Congregating in the Maldives

Traveling to the Maldives on a budget may seem to some like an impossible task. However, in the off-season of October, the Maldivian atolls are much more affordable than people might think. Plus, there are many amazing budget-friendly islands in the Maldives for those willing to leave the confines of luxury resorts on private islands.

As always, the biggest expense for a Maldives vacation is airfare, with the cheapest flights to the Maldives starting at around $900 from NYC. However, once there, visitors will be shocked at how cheap some of the accommodations and attractions are outside peak season. For example, a decent room in the Maldives can cost as low as $35 to $50 per night in the month of October. Most of these hotels have gorgeous island views and ocean access, even at a reduced price.

One of the best things to do in the Maldives is (of course!) lounging on the beach. Beaches like Gulhi Beach and Hulhumal Beach are free to access, with tourists paying for things like food and drinks. Meal costs are likely to cost between $10-$30.

Professional snorkeling trips are usually too high of a cost for those on a budget (between $60-90), but free snorkeling opportunities do exist here. For adventurous tourists who want to bring their own snorkeling equipment, Ukulhas Beach has beginner-level self-guided snorkeling with free shore access.

Visitors who want to go snorkeling on their own should be wary of rough seas, mangrove swamps, reef drop-offs, and tide changes. Visitors should always swim in the ocean with caution and familiarize themselves with local fish species. Visitors should never damage/vandalize corals or intrude on local wildlife. Respect for marine life is key!

Even though snorkeling on one's own can be dangerous, it is also a great opportunity to see lots of different fish species! For those who don't want to set off on their own, tourists can still see plenty of marine life just from the shore or by visiting local beaches. With so many different marine reef conservation projects going on, the Maldives are so full of wildlife that visitors are sure to see some wherever they go.

That said, the Maldives is home to some of the world's reefs that look different from a decade ago due to damage; however, marine conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore many of them.

Lake of fire in Azores Portugal

One of the most surprisingly affordable island vacation spots outside peak season is the Azores. Although formally part of Portugal, these islands are actually about a thousand miles away from Portugal's coast, with the vast expanse of the North Atlantic separating them. Flights to the Azores from NYC range from between $600-730, and hotels can cost between $50-100 per night in October.

The Azores have a unique natural environment that will captivate tourists on their budget-friendly vacation. Made up of laurisilva forests (subtropical forests made up of broadleaf and evergreen trees) and farmlands settled across sprawling green mountains, the Azores is truly a biome like no other.

The best part is that many of the islands' natural wonders are free to see. Lagoa do Fogo is a unique volcanic mountain lake that's free to visit and hike at. This mountain lake has sky-blue water and dense nearby forests. Salto Do Cabrito is a waterfall that is easy to hike to and offers a beautiful view of the local forests.

One paid excursion is Algar do Carvo, an extraordinary cave made from an ancient volcanic vent. The price for this excursion is around 15 (~$16.19), but it is well worth it to see the bright green entrance to the cave and to see the lagoon at the bottom.

Quiraing, Isle of Skye, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The largest island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland is one of the best affordable vacation islands in the fall especially. This ancient landscape has been a site of spiritual pilgrimages for hundreds of years; the island is said to have been visited by mythic figures such as Saint Columba and the legendary folk hero C Chulainn.

Being among the world's cheapest islands to visit outside summer, flights to the Isle of Skye in the fall can range from $458 to $750, making it an island destination with a surprisingly low flight cost (but not necessarily the lowest - but hotels make up for that). Hotels on the isle can range from $68-135 per night.

One of the most popular free activities on the Isle of Skye is to visit the famed Fairy Pools. Known around the world for their bright blue water, these pools provide tourists with a gorgeous place to hike, with trails viewing mountains and mini waterfalls. The pools are also great places for tourists to go birding.

Another free and popular visiting location is the Fairy Glen. After walking on a path lined with moss-laden trees, visitors will come upon a tall, natural rock structure called Castle Ewen. The view from this location is absolutely magical; one can see the nearby hills and craigs covered in lush grass. It is easy to imagine why such a location would inspire local fairy stories!

Finally, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls on the Eastern Cliffs of Skye are spectacular. Visitors will fall in love with the sheer cliff face, the stream of the waterfall heading down into the sea, and the churning gray water below.

Related: Is The Beautiful & Distant Isle Of Skye Actually Worth Visiting?

Overseas highway to Key West island, Florida Keys, USA

One of the most easily affordable island adventures in the fall is Key West in Florida. Flights here outside the peak summer season can be very cheap, with a typical airfare from NYC costing between $225-400, depending on the departure date. In the region of the Florida Keys, hotel prices usually range from $106-150, depending on location.

This island getaway vacation offers tourists the white sandy beaches that many seek after while traveling to the Caribbean. This destination is perfect for those who want to escape from the cold autumn weather. Sitting on one of the island's many beaches, visitors will truly feel like all their troubles are far away. One free beach that tourists can go to is Smathers Beach, which is known throughout the region for its clear blue water and sandy shore.

Visitors should also head to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park for hiking, snorkeling, and birding. When visiting in October, tourists may spot some rare birds, as autumn is the time of year when many northern birds are migrating south for the winter, with Florida being an important stop for many as they journey to Central America. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park does have an entrance fee, but at a price of only $6, visitors can definitely fit that into the budget.

When visiting some of these beaches, visitors have the opportunity to bring their snorkeling equipment to see some unique Caribbean fish.

Seljalandsfoss is located in the South Region in Iceland right by Route 1

For those who want to welcome the chill of fall, traveling to Iceland in October is a perfect affordable travel destination. This island nation is especially cozy at any time of the year, but the cold wind and rain make it feel even cozier.

Flying to Iceland in October, the off-season usually ranges from $700-$800, with hotels in Iceland ranging from $55-146. Visitors here will love traveling around the immense lava fields of the Ring Road, with towering mountains and glaciers looming not so far away. Iceland (known internationally as the "land of fire and ice") is famous for its many waterfalls, its volcanoes, and its black sand beaches.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland that is free to visit is Seljalandsfoss. Visitors can hike back behind the waterfall to the small cave lying behind the stream of water. After that, visitors should head to the famous Reynisfjara Beach near the small town of Vk, where they can see the black sandy shoreline stretching into the Atlantic. Lucky tourists will even get a chance to see wild puffins here!

A nurse shark in the waters around Belize

An aquamarine sea, coconut trees, and stunning views of the Belize Barrier Reef: could Belize's largest island get any better? With marine ecological reserves and dense mangrove forests, Ambergris Caye is the perfect vacation spot for adventurers looking for a connection with the natural world.

To get here, visitors should first take a flight from NYC (or their starting location) to Belize City, which should cost between $570-730. From there, visitors can take a smaller plane to the island, which will usually cost between $80-100, depending on the date. Hotels can vary in cost, but most cost between $100-200 per night.

After getting to the island, there are so many things for tourists to do. They can explore the largest settlement on the island, San Pedro Town, where they can see the brightly painted buildings of the main street and downtown area.

One of the best places to see mangrove forests, tide pools, and marine wildlife is at Belize's Secret Beach. Although the beach isn't much of a secret anymore, this beach is the ultimate place to go on Ambergris Caye. There are beach bars galore, water seating, evening bonfires, and more, all at this one location.

Visitors to the Secret Beach should also take time to learn about the local indigenous history by looking for offshore cenotes. In pre-Columbian times, this island was populated by the ancient Mayans, who left behind decorative red ceramics. To the Mayans, cenotes were sacred places of connection between this world and the underworld. On Ambergris Caye, visitors can still find some of these ancient cenotes just along the coast by the Secret Beach.

Related: 10 Semi-Secret Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Belize's Blue Hole

View of Martinique Island

In the Antilles Archipelago lies a picturesque island with dense green tropical rainforests, sandy beaches with sections of rocky tide pools, and steep mountains. This island, called Martinique, is one of the most affordable Caribbean islands to visit outside the peak season for those who are tired of rainy, gray skies. After a week of sitting by cerulean water in the warm sun, visitors will not be quick to return home!

Flights to Martinique from NYC in the fall are usually around $700-800. But hotels are much cheaper; prices range from just $33 to $114.

Some of the most popular activities in Martinique include exploring the area's many beaches, nature reserves, and the capital city of Fort-de-France.

One of the most important landmarks to see here is Diamond Rock, a rock formation off the island's coast that is a modern bird sanctuary and a great place to see reef fish and fan corals.

Visitors should also try to go to the pristine Grand Anse d'Arlet Beach, where visitors can walk along a long pier and get excellent views of the shoreline. This beach is also considered a prime location for witnessing sea turtles.

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island include the famous Saut-Gendarme and the waterfalls of Fonds Nicolas. Both of these waterfalls include easy hikes that are ideal for families!

Beautiful view of ocean water, forests, and cliffs, plus Mount Baker, from Whidbey Island

For an island with vibrant colors, visitors should take the ferry from the Washington State mainland to the Puget Sound island of Whidbey. Whether visitors are tooling around the local town of Coupeville or spending the day on a gray-stone beach lined with pine trees, an affordable vacation to Whidbey will be full of many adventures.

Traveling to Seattle and then to Whidbey from NYC is one of the cheapest options for travelers. A plane ticket from NYC to Seattle can cost as low as $223 in October. From Seattle, visitors can drive to the ferry point and pay just $18.95 for a ferry ride per vehicle to the island. Hotels also range from $84-$136 in October. This makes Whidbey the perfect road-trip island destination.

On the island, there are a wide variety of things to do. Visitors can drive to Deception Pass State Park, where, for a $5 entrance fee, visitors can hike, explore the shoreline, swim, and picnic. Visitors should also go to the famous Double Bluff Beach, which is known for its free entry, wide expanse of sandy shore at low tide, and its variety of marine life.

Whenever visitors are near the shoreline on the island, they should be sure to look for whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. On a lucky day, they may catch a glimpse of an orca!

Related: Seattle To Vancouver: 10 Things You'll Experience On The Scenic Cascades Train RouteWhether a traveler wants a tropical island getaway or a visit to a temperate rainforest in Alaska, the worlds most affordable island vacations can be found all over. And outside the peak summer season, autumn is just the right time to look! Visitors to each and any of these low-cost vacation islands will truly be able to see the splendor of nature on their affordable getaway.

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10 Island Destinations That Will Help You Plan A Budget-Friendly ... - TheTravel