Nix the beachfront resort: Barbados has beautiful, but often very pricey, luxury resorts lining its pristine beaches. If you're on a budget, look further inland for your accommodations, which will probably be nicer for your money. Sweetfield Manor, a 15-minute walk from Browne's Beach on the island's Caribbean side, is a chic bed and breakfast (and I mean breakfast -- three-course, gourmet, lasts-you-until-dinner breakfast) with a pool that will run you from $145 to $265 a night. On the other side of the island, Sea-U Guest House also includes breakfast and has a full-service restaurant for dinner ($109-189 per night).

Eat where the locals eat: It's a sure thing that the fare at hotel restaurants and hot spots in touristy areas will be far more expensive than what the locals eat. Ask around. Visit a rum shop (local restaurant-bars that can be found all over the island -- they say there are as many as there are churches) for heaping portions of inexpensive Bajan food. Lunch at out-of-the way cafes. Not only will you stay on budget, but the food is probably better at these places. For some Bajan delicacies, try the Village Bar at Lemon Arbor, St. John.

Explore the cultural offerings: Island vacations don't have to only be about sea and sand. Barbados is an island rich in culture and history, from it's interesting (and grim) past in the sugar trade to its local artists and musicians. Museums and galleries are a perfect way to escape the heat and learn more about Barbados and its people. Many museums and galleries are either free or very inexpensive. Check out the Lancaster Great House for some local art, Arlington House for some child-friendly Barbadian history or the Barbados Museum (warning, no AC!) for a more in-depth look at the island's past. Also, the high-end restaurant Champers has an open-to-the-public art gallery. If you're willing to splurge for the night, stay for dinner!

Scope out the flight deals: It might have been too expensive to fly to Barbados last year, but what about this year? New flights are popping up all the time. This month, Jet Blue began non-stop service from New York's JFK airport to Barbados.

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