Bid for a good deal. Auction websites let you compete with other interested travelers for big savings on Caribbean travel. If you have flexibility and patience to spare, you can keep a lot of cash in your pocket while still enjoying a dream honeymoon. SkyAuction, 501 Madison Avenue, New York, NY10022. http://www.skyauction.com
Ask for fly/drive. Airlines can swing you some great deals when you bundle your flight and rental car into the same package. Some packages even let you jaunt between islands for free. Contact TravelShop for the details. TravelShop. http://traveleshop.com/menus/flycar.shtml
Find a room with a kitchen. Preparing some of your own meals lets you avoid expensive breakfasts and lunches.
Stay with someone else. If you’re really strapped for cash and you don’t mind crashing at someone’s place, you can stay with a host family on the island you want to visit. SERVAS, an international non-governmental service agency, matches hosts with travelers through their website. SERVAS International, http://www.servas.org
Consider a vacation home. It’s easier than ever to find quality vacation villas in the Caribbean. At off-peak times, you can find yourself some true bargains. Just stay away from the monster party mansions. Villas Caribe, http://www.villascaribe.com
Reserve the smallest vehicle on four wheels. So few people reserve the lowly “economy” car, that most rental car companies don’t have them on their lots. When you reserve the tiniest car, you’ll probably get a complimentary update. Even if you don’t, you’ll save on gas in a smaller car. Caribbean Car Rentals, http://www.caribbeancar.com
