Whether you’re looking to stay in the main town of Kailua-Kona, or out east in Hilo or anywhere in between, deals at these affordable Big Island hotels and resorts can be had for less than $200 a night.

Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo by Doubletree, Big Island

The city of Hilo, found on the Big Island’s east coast, is much less touristed than Kailua, delivering great deals and the chance to get closer to Mauna Kea and the Hamakua Coast. A top hotel pick here is the 379-room Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo by Doubletree with room rates as low as $150-199 in summer.

Those rates get you into a sleek, modern room with coffee and a microwave, plus free breakfast. The coastline here isn’t sand, but rather smooth black lava rock—the upside of which is that green sea turtles love sunbathing on this stretch. The Doubletree does charge a hotel fee, but that covers the onsite golf course, along with watersports and bike rentals.

Hawaiian Sanctuary Eco-Retreat

Set on 44 acres amid the forests of the inland Pahoa area on the eastern tip of the island — a hub for hippies and other nature-lovers — Hawaiian Sanctuary is an 11-room, rustic eco-retreat specializing in wellness and healthy living.

Onsite, you’ll fine a sauna and hot tub, as well as daily yoga classes. Room rates start at $160 a night to stay in the main lodge, with stand-alone cabins also available. A breakfast bounty of granola, fresh fruit, and coffee and tea is included in the stay. Those who want to spend time lounging on a Big Island beach should note that Isaac Hale Park is the closest ocean access point, located 30 minutes away.

Ka’awa Loa Plantation Bed-and-Breakfast

Ka’awa Loa Plantation Bed-and-Breakfast gives island-lovers all the best of Kailua-Kona without the crowds. This lush property sits 8 miles south of Kailua-Kona, and 1,200 feet above Kealakekua Bay in the Captain Cook area. The result is a quiet garden sanctuary where the bed-and-breakfast owners grow the fruit that’s served at daily breakfasts alongside homemade goodies such as pineapple-macadamia-nut cornbread.

As one of the most affordable hotels on the Big Island, the main lodge offers four rooms that rent for around $139 a night, with another stand-alone cottage. We love this site not only for the gardens where guests can pick avocados and passionfruit, and also for the Jacuzzi with ocean views, perfect come sunset at this west-facing property.

Hilton Waikoloa Village, Big Island

Water lovers couldn’t ask for more at Hilton Waikoloa Village, a 40-minute drive north of Kailua. This expansive, 649-room property offers a private black-sand beach, a flat-water protected lagoon and three outdoor pools with slides and a lazy river, as well as an adults-only pool. The protected lagoon is a hit with kids thanks to its white-sand beach and always-flat waters that create a safe, friendly experience for paddle boarding and other water sports, or just playing.

Beyond the water, this resort delivers plenty of entertainment, including tennis, luau shows and bicycle rentals. Rooms are extremely comfortable, but with décor that could be at any Hilton. Granted, the brand delivers a high standard for cleanliness and service, making the nightly rates starting at $225 a screaming deal.

Kona Islander Inn Hotel

The Kona Islander Inn Hotel offers visitors one of Hawaii’s best deals for a private room: Rates start at just $89, making this one of the most affordable hotels on the Big Island. Best of all, book at this 142-room hotel and you can hoof it to most sights in Kailua if you’re reasonably fit. The property is built in a Hawaiian plantation style, with rooms that have been updated with fun, trendy décor — much nicer than their website suggests.

Maureen’s Bed-and-Breakfast

In Hilo on the east coast of the Big Island lies Maureen’s Bed-and-Breakfast, which travelers who tread off the beaten path will treasure. The five rooms feature a Hawaii-meets-country décor, with quilts patterned with tropical taro leaves and other designs.

A breakfast spread of waffles, fruit, local coffee and more is included. Have your fill, then take on the 10-minute walk to Wai’olena Beach Park, which offers some of the clearest water on island (perfect for snorkeling), but no food vendors. Rates at Maureen’s start at $150 per night.

The Palms Cliff House Inn

The Palms Cliff House Inn, an eight-room bed-and-breakfast in the town of Honomu, north of Hilo, stands out for its quiet grandeur. This sweeping estate, spread across 3.5 acres, occupies a cliff overlooking the ocean, creating a dramatic stage for weddings or just mornings spent savoring coffee or tea. The inn will also arrange high tea for your party for an add-on charge. Tropical flowers, exotic fruits or massage treatments can also be prearranged. Rooms feature a traditional, plantation-style décor, and start at $199 per night, making this one of the most affordable hotels on the Big Island.

Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel

Located on the edge of Kailua Kona, Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel puts guests within walking distance of much of the city, and yet, sits right on its own quiet, natural beach, creating a relaxing retreat to come home to each night.

The property has on Old Hawaii feel, and the 436 rooms are a bit vanilla, but for rates around $130 a night, you won’t mind. Onsite, there’s not much by way of amenities — although there is a pool and coin-operated laundry — but this also means you save further as the hotel explicitly does not charge resort fees.

Royal Kona Resort

The Royal Kona Resort is easily the sweetest deal to be had in Kailua-Kona, located right on the water with room rates starting at $150 a night. We love the sunset views from this west-facing hotel, where 436 rooms are spread between towers of nine and 10 stories — elevated enough to create an epic viewing experience.

The property offers four onsite dining options, including the open-air, waterfront Don’s Mai Tai Bar, specializing in the state’s most beloved cocktail. Lastly, we love that seeing green sea turtles is a given right on property: The hotel’s coastline is smooth black lava rock where these protected reptiles catch sun almost daily.

Kona Seaside Hotel

The Kona Seaside Hotel, a gem located in the northern part of Kailua, is situated just a minute’s walk from the beach. The 225-room property merges clean lines with a Polynesian vibe — with rooms feeling fresh thanks to extreme attention paid to upkeep.

The hotel offers four categories of rooms, starting with their best rate of $149, which does not include breakfast. The deluxe room includes an ocean view, a small balcony as well as breakfast. Note: This property also charges no resort fee.

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Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

If you’re coming to Oahu and want to stay right on the beach with a pool and all the amenities to match, your best value is the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. The property has a spa, as well as free included activities, such as lei making, hula lessons and ukelele lessons.

You’ll find several restaurants, including a pool bar and a Starbucks Café. Rooms during high season fetch prices around $289, but drop to $239 a night in slower months, such as August.

The Modern Honolulu

Hip and fun, The Modern Honolulu hotel caters to single and social travelers who appreciate nightly live music at several onsite venues. The Study, a swank watering hole found behind a rotating bookshelf wall, is rated one of Waikiki’s best bars, and Addiction is a nightclub on property.

But The Modern isn’t all party, all the time. The outdoor space packs two pools, one for adults only, and one for families. Regardless of your age, you’ll appreciate that this hotel is right on the water — although, technically, it’s located along a marina, not golden sand.

As for the 353 rooms, each features a color palette of whites and neutrals, with blues courtesy of the ocean views from the hotel tower and its balconies. Oh, and room service is available 24 hours a day, helping you keep a late-night party going with drinks and pizza, or start an early morning off with a green smoothie. Room rates around $199.

Hotel La Croix

Completely renovated in 2017, Hotel La Croix features 188 rooms with glass walls, modern décor with pops of color and fun, quirky touches that make the rooms feel personal. It’s a 15-minute walk to the beach, which you can skip thanks to the hotel’s free shuttle.

For dining options, Lacroix Bistro serves breakfast, and the hotel is adding an oyster bar, and a craft coffee and juice bar pouring Hawaiian coffee and espresso drinks. Rates start at around $160 per night, making this one of Oahu’s most affordable hotels.

Ke Iki Beach Bungalows

Every one of the 11 Ke Iki Beach Bungalows offers slightly different décor, and range in size from studios to two bedrooms — and all are located right on the beach of Oahu’s north shore, renting for about $200 a night.

We like that every unit comes with a free kitchen, helping you save further by preparing your own meals. Plus, with onsite hammocks, grills and picnic tables, you’ll have plenty of room to relax and dine al fresco.

Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club

We love the vibe of the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club, a 112-room boutique property merging funky beach décor with mid-century modern style to create a one-of-a-kind trendy space just five blocks from Waikiki Beach, one of the best things to do on Oahu.

Onsite eatery Mahina and Sun’s dishes up a modern take on island cuisine. The menu highlights local, seasonal fare including Kualoa oysters, Kauai shrimp, and Uncle’s ice cream sandwiches, made with Kona coffee ice cream with salted caramel. The property also features a coffee bar and a boutique with his and hers surf and beachwear.

Plus, the hotel hosts hip events, from silent disco parties to art workshops. Bonus: Guests enjoy free use of bicycles. Rates start at $159 per night, making this one of the most affordable Oahu hotels.

Paradise Bay Resort

Located in Kaneohe on Oahu’s east coast (a 35-minute drive from Waikiki Beach), is Paradise Bay Resort, offering 40 guest rooms across five budget categories, all decorated in plantation style with rich woods and tropical decor.

Choose this escape if you’re seeking a quieter getaway closer to the elements, or if you’re looking for a family-friendly Oahu resort. The resort is on the water, and offers complimentary kayaks and snorkel gear, as well as yoga and meditation classes. A full breakfast spread is included for a nightly rate around $200.

Lotus Honolulu Hotel at Diamond Head

For travelers who want beach access without the late-night noise, consider Lotus Honolulu Hotel, a 10-minute walk south of Waikiki and just a 1-minute walk from the beach. This property is also one of the best Oahu hotels for couples, thanks to its spacious rooms and wonderful views.

Each of the 51 rooms comes with an in-room Illy brand espresso maker, and all guests have access to free use of beach chairs and bicycles. One fun perk of the hotel is a complimentary wine happy hour in the late afternoon. As one of the most affordable Oahu hotels, rates start at $162 per night.

Turtle Bay Resort

Located on a choice stretch of the northernmost tip of the island, Turtle Bay Resort brings together the best of scenic Oahu, from cliff jumping into clear, turquoise waters to soft, caramel-colored beaches. Plus, Turtle Bay delivers the best of resort amenities, starting with two pools and two golf courses. You can also find some of the best snorkeling in Oahu in front of the resort at Kuilima Cove.

The resort compound includes seven restaurants and bars, including Roy’s Beach House created by the famous Roy Yamaguchi. There’s also Surfer, an unpretentious bar with live music several nights each week. Rooms evoke the serenity of the sea, with a color palette rich with blues and the neutral hues of the beach. Side note: We love the fact that this resort was the setting of the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Rates start as low as $280 in shoulder season.

Hotel Renew

Hotel Renew does not offer your typical beachy, islandy resort experience, but rather, a sleek, urban-feeling escape located just a few blocks from downtown Waikiki proper, and just a 2-minute walk to Kuhio Beach.

What Hotel Renew does offer are 72 clean, modern rooms, as well as a free breakfast that includes smoothies, pastries and eggs, all for around $150-195 per night, depending on season. The hotel offers free Wi-fi, as well as beach chairs, bamboo mats and boogie boards to borrow for the day.

Owen’s Retreat

If you’re traveling to Oahu to get in sync with nature, there’s no better place to bed down than Owen’s Retreat in Mokuleia on the North Shore. This little compound offers a studio, as well as one-bedroom, two-bedroom and four-bedroom units, with the studio renting for $240 a night.

Inside, each unit is pristinely clean but super basic. But you’re renting here not for the décor, but for the privilege of staying steps from the golden Oahu beach. You’ll wake up and have coffee on the outdoor balcony while enjoying ocean views where you may catch sight of humpback whales or monk seals.

Hawaiian Princess Resort

Head to the Hawaiian Princess Resort on the western side of Oahu for a high-rise hotel experience with ample amenities, all located right on the quiet Papaoneone Beach, part of the Waianae Coast.

Enjoy hotel perks such as tennis courts, a pool and a hot tub. The rooms have plenty of personality, with tropical, bright colors and an updated, fun feel. Rooms start at around $200 a night.

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If you plan ahead (or last minute) and avoid peak travel periods (the holidays, winter and spring breaks, mid-summer), you can score a room at affordable resorts in Maui with great locations, ample amenities and value-oriented rates that range from about $200 to $400 per night. That leaves plenty of extra money to explore all of the exciting things to do in Maui. Here are 10 options of where to stay in Maui on a budget.

Aston Kaanapali Shores

You can book a room at the Aston Kaanapali Shores, but the real draw here for couples or families on a budget are the condominium suites equipped with a full kitchen for prepping meals (especially breakfast and lunch) at a fraction of the cost of resort dining as well as washers and dryers.

The property, located on the beach in North Kaanapali, offers both standard hotel rooms and condo units with Hawaiian-inspired decor, two freshwater pools (including the newly renovated garden pool with hot tub and waterfalls), onsite dining (and Happy Hour specials) at the Beach Club Bar & Restaurant, and cultural activities for all ages.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Located on 11 oceanfront acres on Maui’s most famous of stretch of beach, the 432-room Kaanapali Beach Hotel and has a welcoming vibe centered around Hawaiian culture. Rooms are located in four wings, with the six-story Maui, Kauai, Lanai wings serviced by elevators (Maui is also 100 percent non-smoking and Kauai is oceanfront) and featuring full-size tubs in the bathrooms (great for families with young kids).

The newly renovated Molokai wing is three stories (without an elevator) and features bathrooms with a shower only. Guests can enjoy complimentary Hawaiian cultural activities such as ukulele and hula lessons, language classes and lei making, experience the Legends of Kaanapali Luau, and dine on local cuisine at Tiki Terrance.

Kohea Kai Resort Maui

If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Maui with great locations, or more specifically one that feels more local than touristy, the Kohea Kai Resort might be a good option. With just 26 rooms and suites, it’s a boutique property with a friendly ambience and is located across the street from the beach in Kihei, which offers easy access to both neighboring Wailea and is about 30 minutes by car from Lahaina.

All suites have kitchenettes or full kitchens and large lanais. Other amenities include a pool and hot tub, a rooftop lounge, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free snorkeling gear.

Royal Kahana Maui by Outrigger

Situated between the West Maui resort areas of Kaanapali and Kapalua, the Royal Kahana Maui by Outrigger is a condominium resort offering studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, all with fully equipped kitchens and a choice of garden or ocean view (which are pretty spectacular).

Independence-loving guests can opt to prepare meals themselves or venture to nearby casual eateries. The resort features an onsite pool, but the beach is only accessible to guests during spring and summer (Hawaii’s changeable currents claim most of it in fall and winter, when another beach five minutes’ walk away is the best option).

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

If you love a large resort with tons of amenities, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa offers its all: a great location at the center of Kaanapali Beach, 806 contemporary rooms and suites (each with a private lanai), six freeform pools with waterfalls, eight dining outlets (including restaurants serving Asian, Hawaiian, and steak and seafood, and a breakfast buffet), a nighty luau, an array of resident parrots and flamingos, and an oceanfront spa.

Yes, room rates are at the very top end of affordable (and jump substantially in price during peak travel periods), but this 40-acre property makes a great base for enjoying Maui, whether you’re on a family vacation or a honeymoon.

Royal Lahaina Resort

Its 12-story Lahaina Kai Tower offers 441 renovated rooms and suites featuring contemporary South Pacific décor and custom teak furnishings, all with terraces and some with sweeping ocean views. This 11-acre property is oceanfront on North Kaanapali Beach, making Royal Lahaina Resort an affordable and convenient base in West Maui.

There are also a number of Beach Cottages in various stages of renovation (as of early 2019), so for now the Tower rooms and suites are the best option. The resort also features the casual Royal Ocean Terrace restaurant, a Beach Bar, a beachfront luau, three pools, 11 tennis courts, a spa, and free Wi-Fi.

Honua Kai Resort & Spa

When it comes to affordable hotels in Maui that offer resort-like amenities, check out Honua Kai Resort & Spa, a property located on Kaanapali North Beach that offers 600 one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with large lanais, Hawaii-inspired décor, full kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers. Opened about 10 years ago, this family-friendly property is set on 38 acres and features a series of interconnected pools, slides and waterfalls that kids will love love.

There’s also a Duke’s Beach House on property for Hawaii-inspired cuisine (poke tacos, coconut shrimp, banana leaf-steamed island fish and shrimp) and Aina Gourmet Market for groceries, snacks and coffee.

The Kapalua Villas Maui

If golf is your game and you’ve dreamed of playing the two courses in Maui’s exclusive Kapalua Resort—the Bay Course and the Plantation Course, home of the PGA Tournament of Champions (although the course is now closed for enhancements through late 2019)—booking a condominium at the Kapalua Villas Maui will leave you with plenty of money to spend on extra rounds or post-play cocktails and dining.

The property features one- to three-bedroom units with a full kitchen, washers and dryers and terrific fairway and ocean views. When you’re no teeing up, you can enjoy access to Kapalua’s three beaches, 11 restaurants, tennis courts and hiking trails.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali

Another large Kaanapali resort that offers the setting and amenities to suit almost every type of Maui vacation—from destination wedding or honeymoon to family reunion—the The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali features 759 contemporary rooms and suites (in particular the sleek white and gray décor of the “luxury” categories).

Equally appealing: the super tropical ambience of the beachfront grounds, which include 87,000 square feet of pools (there are five, including one that’s adults only), waterslides, waterfalls and even a hidden Jacuzzi sheltered in a grotto; four restaurants (plus an onsite luau and a hot dog stand); and a 15,000-square-foot Heavenly Spa by Westin.

Pineapple Inn Maui

This intimate — there are just four rooms and one cottage — bed-and-breakfast is a low-key tropical oasis that’s big on Old Hawaii charm. One of the more Affordable places to stay in Maui, the Pineapple Inn Maui makes an ideal escape for couples seeking a relaxed vibe away from the crowds and energy of Maui’s larger resort areas.

All accommodations feature their own private entrance, a kitchenette and an inviting lanai that’s perfect for enjoying morning coffee or sunset cocktails. There’s a small pool area with a hot tub and barbecues and while the inn is tucked into a lush residential area above Wailea, with easy access to the beaches (less than a mile away), restaurants and shopping the resort area offers.

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Let’s be honest: traveling with children isn’t always a vacation, at least not in the pre-kids sense of the word. There’s the added stress of keeping your young humans alive, dealing with unpredictable mood swings — equally true for teenagers as for toddlers — and, of course, the expense. (Your 5 year-old may be a quarter of your size, but he still costs 100 percent as much.) We’ve rounded up some of our favorite family hotels that take (some of) the stress out of traveling with kids. And, because everyone loves a good deal, they won’t break the bank.

AlSol Del Mar Cap Cana – Dominican Republic

Many of the AlSol resorts aren’t exactly family-friendly — they’re known for their tranquility and high-end amenities, after all — but AlSol Del Mar is an exception, which means you get that same great service and quality in an environment where you don’t have to worry if your toddler shrieks and splashes their way around the pool. Bonus: if you spring for the all-inclusive option at this beachfront hotel, you get access to Del Mar’s two onsite restaurants, plus all the restaurants at neighboring AlSol properties. From $126 per night (including up to two children under 11; excluding meals).

Comfort Suites Paradise Island – Bahamas

Want all of the energy and goings-on of Atlantis resort without the hefty price tag? Comfort Suites gives you full access to the amenities at the iconic family hotel, including the Aquaventure water park and speedway. With 34 acres of fun at your disposal, you may not even need to hit one of the island’s legendary beaches, but they’ll be there if you need them. From $238 per night for two double beds.

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort – Playa del Carmen, Mexico

There is no possible way the kids are getting bored at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort. The property hosts 80 (yes, 80!) different activities every day, from nature walks to fire-filled Mayan shows to Survivor-style competitions. As if that wasn’t enough, the family hotel also houses Mexico’s first hotel aqua park with 29 waterslides, and has a daily kids club that runs until 10 p.m., in case, you know, you want to do something besides going down 29 waterslides. From $340 per night, all-inclusive.

Belcampo – Belize

Luxury eco-resort Belcampo may not be on the beach (it’s a 10 minute drive to the water), but its jungle setting is so cool that you may not even miss the ocean. Plenty of kid-approved activities are on deck, including chocolate-making classes (the resort doubles as Belize’s largest cacao plantation), zip-lining and exploring Mayan ruins. Kids will especially love the snorkeling with the chef excursion: they snorkel while the crew dives for conch, crab and lobster. The best part? Eating the catch of the day onboard. From $305 per night for a jungle suite with two queen beds.

Wild Dunes Resort – South Carolina

We really like Charleston, but we love the family hotel on Isle of Palms that’s just a 30-minute drive away. Wild Dunes Resort, set on a sprawling, white-sand beach, offers unique activities that will give kids the best-ever show-and-tell stories. Choose from family crabbing, dolphin-spotting sunset cruises and naturalist-guided boat tours for wildlife exploration. Or you could just hang out on the beach and build a killer sand castle. From $149 per night for a two-bedroom resort view condo.

Friendly Vallarta – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta may be a well-frequented spot (the beaches are definitely worth traveling to), but it still keeps its small-town vibe. One of the best home bases from which to explore the area is the Friendly Vallarta, where the staff is, well, friendly. Daily activities range from a foam party to yoga on the beach to surf simulators. The all-inclusive rate includes kayaks, boogie boards, pools, beach soccer courts, a game room for older kids and a newly renovated kids club for the younger set. From $230 per night, all-inclusive.

Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki – Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii isn’t known for its bargains, but this family hotel — just two blocks from famous Waikiki beach — is certainly a deal. (A room that sleeps four for well under $200 a night? We’ll take it!) The pool at Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki may not be anything to write home about, but who cares? You’ve got the crystal-clear Pacific right down the street, not to mention tropical waterfalls, luaus and world-class snorkeling galore. Deluxe room with lanai from $154 per night.

Hotel Verde Mar – Costa Rica

What tiny Hotel Verde Mar lacks in glamorous amenities, it more than makes up for in location. One of the only hotels located on Manuel Antonio beach (perhaps the most stunning beach in a country full of stunning beaches), this family hotel is a hidden gem for an adventurous crew. In addition to the beach, it’s located beside Manuel Antonio National Park, which is full of sloths, toucans and mischievous capuchin monkeys, which may or may not try to steal your sunglasses. From $95 per night.

Sanderling Resort – North Carolina

Oceanfront luxury meets down-home southern hospitality at charming Sanderling Resort in the Outer Banks. And, because its located where the Wright Brothers first took flight, a number of aviation-related activities like hang gliding, parasailing and bi-plane tours beckon the brave. Or stick to lower ground with dune buggy tours, surf lessons, kayaking and horseback riding. From $189 per night for a Sunset room with two queen beds.

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How does Deal of Fortune work?

First, choose from an ever-changing list of potential destinations. You’ll see a range of possible travel dates (usually a two- to four-month window). Resorts are rated on a scale of one (worst) to five (best) suns, and each mystery property is guaranteed to be at least a 4.5 sun rating. Past guest comments are available to peruse and you can also see a list of basic amenities like pools, mini bars, etc. Plus, you can see if the resort is family-friendly, adults-only or all-inclusive.

All mystery packages include airfare, so choose your travel dates, select flights, arrange ground transfers and optional activities, then take a leap of faith and click the book button. A week before you leave, you’ll find out the resort where you’re staying. You can add additional guests or rooms or make changes to your trip, but fees will apply.

puerto-rico-deals

What types of deals can you find?

When we checked out the site, CheapCaribbean was featuring primarily Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica, but packages change regularly. Two recent deals we found: four nights with airfare in Puerto Rico for $359 per person, and four nights with airfare at a Punta Cana all-inclusive resort for $589 per person. For those prices, it’s worth taking a leap of faith.

But what if I don’t like surprises?

If you’re slightly less adventurous, that’s OK. Packages are available that will tell you the names of a few possible hotels you’ll be booking, but they’re slightly less of a bargain. If you’re willing to spend $719 per person for three nights with airfare at an adults-only all-inclusive Montego Bay, the site will show your hotel as one of three five-sun rated resorts: Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, Secrets Wild Orchid or Secrets St. James Montego Bay. That way, you can rest a little easier knowing more details of your mystery hotel.

CheapCaribbean’s Deal of Fortune isn’t for the type A traveler, but if you’re looking for an affodable Caribbean vacation, and you’re willing to relinquish control and embrace the unknown, they’ve got a package — and a deal — for you.

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Grand Miramar Luxury Suites & Residences – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

At this 80-suite property, “all you can eat” is no joke when you opt for the new plan, introduced in April. Kick back with martinis and 360-degree views at the rooftop Gin Joint, or sample locally inspired fare at three restaurants, all lending ocean views. Rates also include 12 hours of open bar daily, as well as shuttle service to downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Beach House – Turks and Caicos

This 21-suite boutique hotel hugs the sugar sand of Grace Bay Beach. With its new package, all meals and drinks from sunup (crab eggs Benedict) to sundown (jerk grouper) at Kitchen 218 and Beach Deck are included — even upscale riffs on Provo’s famous conch, served Carpaccio style.

Laluna – Grenada

“La luna” means the moon and that’s pretty much where the perks stop at this 16-cottage boutique property now that there’s a new all-inclusive resort option. For one flat fee, the seven-night package includes all meals, drinks, a four-hour island tour, daily yoga and meditation, and — this is the best part — a Balinese-style couples massage.

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – Dominican Republic

The new Casa de Campo Vacation Experience at this 7,000-acre resort in La Romana means more than just eating and drinking at its seven restaurants and six bars — from sushi taquitos at Pubbelly Sushi to foie gras with plantain marmalade at La Caña by Il Circo. You also get access to unlimited tennis, horseback riding and nonmotorized water sports.

Palm Beach Resort & Spa – Maldives

The long flights became even more worth it when this resort rolled out its all-inclusive resort package. The property also boasts its own Dive Center and a three-mile white-sand beach. Daily snorkeling over the coral reef (via a traditional Maldivian boat), sports activities and two half-day excursions to nearby islands are all included along with all meals and beverages at its five restaurants.

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Editor’s Note: Some of the information below may be out-of-date. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. Please visit caribbeantravelupdate.com, fla-keys.com or the specific hotel’s website for updates.

Forget those often pricey international flights and long customs lines, and get right to the beach at these best vacation spots. Here’s how to save and splurge once you’re there.

1. Puerto Rico

When the snow won’t stop, adding some sun in your forecast is as easy as booking a seat. Puerto Rico is a major Caribbean hub and one of the best vacation spots, so nonstop flights are plentiful and affordable. Being a U.S. territory means your passport is safe at home and your favorite brew might be on tap.

SAVE Vieques doesn’t charge see-and- be-seen prices. Even at the new El Blok (elblok.com), a curving concrete hotel with rooftop bar and plunge pool overlooking Esperanza, rooms start at $160. Play on white-sand beaches in the national reserve, and eat a cheap but delicious lunch of chicken pinchos at the Sol Food truck at the entrance of this best vacation spot.

SPLURGE Old San Juan’s Festival of San Sebastian, held the third weekend in January, is a street party jumping with parades and hip-shaking salsa. Make home base the nearby La Concha Resort (laconcharesort.com). And though there’s no shortage of authentic street food, slide into Iron Chef Roberto Trevino’s Bar Gitano for tapas that will blow your mind. — Zach Stovall

2. Big Island

Perhaps only one nonstop destination can offer the traits of so many other best vacation spots. From a polar to tropical climate, the Big Island in Hawaii is a one-stop shop for location envy. Winter means clear skies for stargazing atop the snowcapped peak of 13,796-foot Mauna Kea, and November brings scores of humpback whales migrating from Alaska.

SAVE Base yourself at Kona Seaside Hotel (from $110 a night, konaseasidehotel.com), where free breakfast and a killer location come cheap. September through November means better room deals and fewer tourists, so live like the locals. First up: a serious buzz at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Nov. 6-15), followed by a trek in Volcanoes National Park, where a $10 bill gets you entry for a week. The hot spots (pun intended) are marked with trail maps at the Jaggar Museum, so head there first. On the way home, hit up Da Poke Shack (dapokeshack.com) for $10 ahi and avocado poke that’s served with a sunset.

SPLURGE No need to leave the resort for snorkeling. Just step outside your room to King’s Pond, one of seven pools at the Four Seasons Hualalai (from $795 a night, fourseasons.com). The 1.8 million gallons of “aquarium” carved from lava rock are home to sea turtles and eagle rays. Rinse off in your out- door shower before exploring the highs and lows of the Big Island. Sure, you could hike to Akaka Falls or down to the coast, but ground-level views just don’t cut it. Blue Hawaiian (bluehawaiian. com) offers aerials of the sky-high waterfalls of Waipio Valley and a peek into Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. — Cami Miller

3. Sanibel/Captiva

Sleepy sister islands Sanibel and Captiva off Florida’s Gulf Coast make Mayberry look rowdy. No high-rises. No traffic lights. Just small, colorful B&Bs and inns flanked by seafood shanties and shops full of every- thing seashell (yes, you need that reindeer ornament made entirely of coquina).

SAVE Winter’s almost here. Let the only ice in your life be an ice-cream cone at Latté Da after a day of shell collecting. Home to 250 types of seashells, this is the No. 1 shell- ing destination in the world. Head to Blind Pass, as Sanibel gives way to Captiva, where a giant shell mound might just be Florida’s tallest mountain. Sanibel and Captiva have an east-west orientation (as opposed to north-south like most islands), so the curve of the shoreline acts as a natural scoop for all the seashells that collect here. Find horse conchs, lightning whelk, tulip shells and sand dollars, as well as clam and oyster shells completely intact — just make sure you don’t pick up a live one. Count ’em all up back at the Captiva Island Inn (from $99 a night, captivaislandinn.com), a mere block from the beach, and order grilled grouper reubens from RC Otters next door to eat on the balcony of your cottage.

SPLURGE Splurging here means just a little more than $200 a night, and that gets you a room in high season at the South Seas Island Resort, Captiva’s swankiest property (beach villas from $239 a night, southseas .com). This resort village sits on 21⁄2 miles of talcum beach and 330 acres of wildlife preserve, so year-round residents here are great egrets, white ibis and bottlenose dolphins. Spy all of them on a sailing trip arranged by the resort to the satellite isle of Useppa (adults, $40; kids under 12, $25), a storybook town that drew power players like the Rockefellers and DuPonts in the ’20s. Dinner is at Sanibel’s beachfront Mad Hatter, where a sort of well-to-do whimsy sets the scene for dishes like goat-cheese pillows, coconut risotto and black-truffle sea scallops. Don’t forget about those 21⁄2 miles of beach back at the resort where you can walk off some of those calories before bed. — Audrey St. Clair

4. USVI, St. Croix

St. Croix is the biggest of the three USVI, but it feels more like the middle child. It’s not as high energy as St. Thomas or as sleepy as St. John. Year- round, all beaches are public and rarely crowded: You need nothing more than a towel to have fun — and snorkel gear to double it.

SAVE Stay at Hotel Caravelle (from $75 a night, hotelcara velle.com) and skip the car rental — you’re in the heart of Christiansted, St. Croix’s bigger burg. On the ground floor of this waterfront mainstay is Rum Runners, drawing a large local following thanks to consistent fare and heavy pours of Cruzan liquor in painkiller cocktails (guests of the hotel get 10 percent off ).

SPLURGE The pool at Villa Mill Point (from $5,900 a week, villamillpoint .com) is perhaps the isle’s best sunset-viewing perch. The other centerpiece of the hilltop hide-away is a 1700s sugar mill; from December to March, spot humpback whales from here. — Brooke Morton

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