Have you been thinking about visiting the Caribbean for a while? If so, why haven't you gone yet? If cost is what's holding you back, you must not be aware of the secret to saving money on Caribbean vacations.

Secret #1 Location

Some islands are more expensive to visit than others. Based on a survey done by the Fodor's Travel Guide, the least expensive islands to visit in the Caribbean include Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe and Montserrat. The most expensive include Barbados, St. Lucia and Grand Cayman.

Secret #2 Always ask for discounts

As the saying goes, "If you don't ask you don't get." If you're a member of AAA, AARP or some other group that offers travel discounts, let everyone you come in contact with know about it. Hotels, airlines, car rental places and even some restaurants offer discounts for members. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much you save.

Secret #3 Get a room off the beach

Sure, it would be nice to look out the window of your hotel room in the morning and see the ocean, but if you get a room a block or two from the beach, the rates you're charged will be significantly lower.

Secret #4 Travel midweek

Caribbean vacations, and vacations just about everywhere for that matter, will be less expensive if you travel on the less desirable travel days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Secret #5 Timing

If you don't want to spend a lot on your vacation, the best time to visit the Caribbean is during the off season - which runs from mid-April through November. You can find cheap hotels and more affordable airline tickets when it's not so busy.

Courtesy of ARAcontent