The Bahamas on a Budget Await: Discounted Cruises, Beach Resorts, and more

What is the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the Bahamas? Beaches? Glimmering waters? Warm air? Yes, yes, yes. A once-in-a-life-time trip? Expensive? Heck no! We've tapped into all your tropical travel notions and found Caribbean vacation packages for the budget-minded and budget-less travelers alike.

First off, why not book airfare and lodging together? You're bound to get a good rate on each this way. We found a 3-night hotel stay plus flight package for two with a room at the Grand Lucayan Radisson's beach-front property (from $371.90 via code "LUCAYAN350A", a low by $183 per person). With this vacation package, you'll have more money to spend at the nearby Port Lucaya Marketplace, or at two nearby championship golf courses. Feeling more adventurous? Why not go horseback riding on the beach, swimming with the dolphins, or deep-sea fishing. Also close by is the Perfume Factory, which offers tours of its Bahama mansion replica. Here, you can explore the ins and outs of its fragrance production, plus mix and name your own perfume.

Alternatively, we found this 4-night hotel and flight package for two at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island (from $612 via code "PARADISE350A", a low by $106 per person). Stay here and you'll have access to the nearby Atlantis Paradise Island resort and Aquaventure Water Park. Additional water adventures include Snuba (for those who aren't SCUBA-certified), a stingray experience with a tropical fish viewing and a walk with the sharks.

If you're a fan of the truly all-inclusive experience, then consider this 3-night hotel and flight package for two at the Viva Wyndham Fortuna (from $537.60 via code "GRAND250A", a low by $154 per person). This resort offers a variety of activities, food, and alcoholic drinks complimentary to guests, so why not cozy up to the Beach Bar and order up a frosty margarita after some lounging in the sun? Or venture off the grounds onto a 2,000-foot long trail at the Rand Nature Center or view the 12-acre botanical garden at The Garden of the Groves.

Looking for more grandeur during your Caribbean vacation? Consider booking this 4-night Royal Caribbean Bahamas Cruise Suite package for two, which includes a complimentary 3-night hotel stay before or after your cruise (from $1,098, a price low by at least $18, depending on hotel stay). In addition to spending a day in the Bahamas, you'll also visit Cococay, the cruiseline's private island. Talk about exclusivity!

If the Bahamas aren't currently on your radar, be sure to check out our weekly roundup of the top travel deals from the past week for additional discounted flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

Front page photo credit: Atlantis Resorts
Photo credits top to bottom: Bahamas Weather and The Travel Peach