When you think of the Caribbean islands to travel to the cheap, Barbados may not be the first to appear in your mind. You may not see a lot of transactions to all-inclusive resorts in the e-mail as you did from the Bahamas or Jamaica, but it certainly does not mean that no agreement could be obtained. It’s a recession – it’s time to rethink your travel strategy.

Front of the beach resorts nix: Barbados is a beautiful, but often very expensive, luxury resorts lining the pristine beach. If you’re on a budget, look farther into the interior for your accommodation, which may be better for your money. Sweetfield Manor, 15 minutes walk from the beach on the island Browne Caribbean, is a bed and breakfast chic (and I mean breakfast – three-course, gourmet, take-you-to-eat breakfast) with a pool that will run you from $ 145 to $ 265 a night. On the other side of the island, Sea-U Guest House also includes breakfast and a full service restaurant for dinner ($ 109-189 per night).

Eat where locals eat: This is a sure thing that the rates in the hotel restaurant and hot spots in the tourist areas will be far more expensive than what the locals eat. Wondered. Visit the rum shop (a local restaurant-bar that can be found throughout the island – they said there were no church) for the accumulation basin cheaper meals. Lunch at the out-of-way cafe. Not only will you stay on budget, but the food may be better at these places. For some wok dishes, try the Village Bar in Lemon Arbor, St. John’s.

Explore the cultural offerings: Island vacation should not only about the sea and sand. Barbados is an island rich in culture and history, from the interesting (and bleak) past the sugar trade to local artists and musicians. Museums and galleries are the perfect way to avoid the heat and learn more about Barbados and its people. Many museums and galleries are either free or very cheap. Check out the Lancaster Great House local arts, Arlington House for a child-friendly history of Barbados or Barbados Museum (warning, there is no air conditioning!) For more in-depth look at the island past. Also, the high-end restaurants have opened Champers-to-the-public art gallery. If you’re willing to splurge for the night, stay for dinner!

Scope out a deal flight: Probably too expensive to fly to Barbados last year, but what about this year? Emerging flight at any time. This month, Jet Blue began non-stop service from New York’s JFK airport to Barbados.