As many seasoned holidaymakers will probably be aware, the Caribbean is bathed in sunshine for most of the year. People visit this part of the world and its many islands for romantic getaways, family holidays and life-changing experiences, but what often puts people off visiting is the cost. Fortunately, some countries are cheaper to visit than others without compromise.

FLICKR Image: Lonely Lighthouse in Barbados

A prime example is Barbados, which is one of the more popular countries with foreign visitors. Visitors come here in their millions annually, although it lives in the shadow of neighbouring countries like Jamaica and Bermuda. As a result, holidays are typically cheaper here, but they’re no less exciting to go on for a variety of reasons.

Sand and Sea

Central to Barbados’ charms is what you can do on the beach. Aside from getting a suntan, it’s also possible to try a few waterborne activities such as swimming, diving, scuba diving and snorkelling. The beaches are also within easy reach of some of the main resorts where there are bars, hotels, restaurants and shops in which you can spend a little time when you’re not so adrenaline-fuelled.

FLICKR Image: Sunset Beach in Barbados

In St Lawrence, the Barbadian capital, retail therapy is on tap, and you might be surprised at how cheap it is. As an example, a bottle of beer will cost you just £2, which is far less than what you might expect to pay on some other Caribbean islands. Visiting one of the many rum shacks isn’t too expensive either, especially if you just want a nightcap.

Sporting Life

Barbados is one of the best places in the entire region to watch sport. The Kensington Oval, one of the West Indies’ main cricket grounds, hosts world-class tests and league games. Meanwhile, there are several golf courses where you can play a round while basking in the sunshine, plus there’s also Garrison Savannah racecourse if you like a bit of horse racing.

Image Credit: Saint Christopher Island Beach at St Kitts

Some of Barbados’ neighbours including Trinidad & Tobago and St Kitts & Nevis offer similar value for money without skimping on things to see and do as well. In fact, the further south you go down the Caribbean, the more likely you are to find a great-value holiday to your liking.

Being home to dramatic landscapes and fascinating ancient sites, South America is a fantastic destination for walking. If you are interested in going hiking here, read our guide to the top routes to follow.

The Inca Trail
A trek that really needs no introduction, the Inca Trail is arguably the most famous of all South America’s walks. Following an ancient route to the lost city of Machu Picchu, this incredible path will see you walk through stunning mountain landscapes dotted with a number of other amazing ancient sites, such as the Phuyupatamarka ruins.

This world-famous track can be covered in just four days and is not too strenuous – with the exception of certain particularly high sections, such as Dead Woman’s Pass – for seasoned walkers. Beginning at an altitude of approximately 2,800 m at the Urubamba river near the Inca site of Ollantaytambo, the trail will see you ascend to 4,200 m at the Warmiwanusca Pass (the official name for the aforementioned Dead Woman’s Pass), before descending once more to reach Machu Picchu.

This awe-inspiring Inca city is the real highlight of an Inca Trail trek. Comprising temples, palaces, dwellings and stairways, it is even more impressive due to its harmonious design with the local landscape. In fact, it looks almost as if it has sprung naturally from the mountainside. Your first glimpse of the city will be from Inti Punku, which is also known as the Gate of the Sun, so make sure you have your camera at the ready here.

Torres Del Paine Circuit
If you are more interested in discovering staggering natural landscapes than ancient ruins, the Torres Del Paine Circuit in Patagonia is the perfect choice. This hike will take you to some of the most exciting sights in Torres Del Paine National Park over the course of eight days, including the famous three gigantic monoliths of the Torres Del Paine themselves.

This route is packed full of incredible experiences, but among the best are:
• Reaching Lago Paine, as this will give you a stunning view of the Paine Massif’s north side
• Walking along the Los Perros river, when you will also have the chance to wander through age-old virgin beech forests
• Reaching John Gardner Pass, as at 1,241 m this is the highest point of the circuit
• Seeing the south Patagonia ice cap and Glacier Greg. The latter is an absolutely huge blanket of ice covering a vast chunk of the valley – and it really does have to be seen to be believed

Roraima Hike
The final top walking trail in South America is the Roraima Hike in Venezuela. This six-day trek will see you walk to Mount Roraima, one of the planet’s oldest geological structures, before ascending to its summit. Interestingly, this is believed to be the site that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World.

A rather strenuous route, it is best for experienced walkers who are prepared to carry luggage – including clothing and sleeping bags – while making their ascent. You will trek for two days to a base camp at the bottom of the mountain, before hiking to the top to explore the eerie summit, which is punctuated with large rocks balanced in precarious-looking positions, black moss-covered pillars and quartz crystals. In fact, the landscape here is so strange that local folklore has it that this is the home of the gods.

These are just some of the wonderful walks to tackle in South America. Many companies offer a wealth of itineraries in the region, alongside the above.