Are all-inclusive resorts cheaper?

Rarely. While they bundle costs, you pay a significant premium for the convenience. You can almost always travel cheaper by booking independently.

What is the best way to get around if there is no bus?

If public transit isn't available, look for shared shuttle services or negotiate taxi rates with locals before getting into the car.

Visit Caribbean Islands on a Budget

To visit the Caribbean affordably, choose islands with strong local infrastructure like the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico rather than private resorts. Stick to local guest houses, travel during the shoulder season from May to June, and eat at local 'fondas' or street stalls instead of hotel restaurants.

Pick the right island. Avoid islands that require expensive private transfers or are heavy on all-inclusive resorts (like Turks & Caicos or St. Barts). Focus on islands with public bus networks like Puerto Rico, Barbados, or the Dominican Republic.
Fly mid-week. Use a flexible search tool like Google Flights. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of Friday or Sunday can save you $150–$200 on airfare per round-trip ticket.
Ditch the resorts. Book through platforms like Airbnb or local guest house websites. You want a kitchen. Being able to cook breakfast and dinner will save you $60 per day compared to eating out for every meal.
Use public transit. Taxis are a budget killer. Research the local 'colectivo' or public bus system before you land. In Puerto Rico, use the 'la guagua' buses; in Barbados, the government buses cost $1.75 per ride.

Are all-inclusive resorts cheaper?: Rarely. While they bundle costs, you pay a significant premium for the convenience. You can almost always travel cheaper by booking independently.
What is the best way to get around if there is no bus?: If public transit isn't available, look for shared shuttle services or negotiate taxi rates with locals before getting into the car.