Average Trip Cost: What You Really Pay for Caribbean Vacations

When people talk about a average trip cost, the total money spent on a vacation including flights, lodging, food, and activities, they’re usually guessing. The truth? A Caribbean vacation can cost anywhere from £800 to £3,500 per person—and it’s not just about the resort you pick. It’s about when you go, how you book, and what you expect to get for your money. Many assume all-inclusive means everything’s covered, but hidden fees, airport transfers, and tipping can add hundreds before you even reach the beach.

Let’s talk about the big pieces. flights, the cost of getting from the UK to the Caribbean vary wildly. A direct flight from London to Jamaica in high season might set you back £700. In January? You might snag it for £400. Then there’s accommodation, where you sleep during your trip. A mid-range hotel in Barbados could run £120 a night, while a luxury all-inclusive might hit £300. But here’s the catch: a £250-a-night resort might include breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and even snorkeling gear—while a £150 hotel might charge you £15 for a sandwich and £10 for a soda. That’s where the all-inclusive resort prices, packages that bundle meals, drinks, and activities into one upfront fee make or break your budget. Some travelers save money by choosing all-inclusive. Others end up spending more because they overindulge and don’t realize how much they’re using.

And don’t forget the small stuff. Airport taxis, sunscreen, souvenirs, local tours, and even bottled water add up fast. One traveler we spoke to spent £200 on tips alone at her all-inclusive—because she didn’t know tipping was expected. Another saved £400 by renting a car and cooking a few meals instead of eating out every night. The average trip cost isn’t a number on a brochure. It’s what you actually spend when you factor in timing, choices, and habits. The posts below show real examples: how to cut costs without cutting corners, why some islands are cheaper than others, what’s really included in those "all-inclusive" deals, and how to avoid the traps that make vacations blow past your budget. You’ll see what others paid, what they wished they’d known, and how to plan smarter so your Caribbean trip doesn’t end with sticker shock.