My friend Andrea and I have a bit of a tradition of taking an international trip together every March and, over the past three years, we have managed to keep each trip right around the $2,000 mark per person without compromising on quality. By quality, I mean comfortable accommodations, fun activities, and no bumming it in hostels.
Because of that track record, we went into planning this trip to Exuma with a pretty clear goal in mind. We mapped out our major expenses ahead of time so we could make sure the trip stayed within budget while still feeling like a true vacation. This breakdown reflects what we actually spent over seven days and should give a realistic idea of what to expect when planning a similar trip. Obviously, prices will vary depending on travel style and time of year, but this should provide a helpful ballpark.
Flights
Cost: $520 per person from Washington, DC to George Town, Exuma (in basic economy).
We bought our flights about two months out, and considering how
remote Exuma is, we felt like the price was reasonable. Other than the 6AM outbound flight, we didn’t have to choose a redeye or overnight flight to make this purchase feel worth it.
Where We Stayed
Total cost: $3,625
Cost per person (split by five): $725
Number of nights: 7
Our AirBnB was one of the biggest expenses of the trip, but it was absolutely worth it. The house was spacious, comfortable, and just a short walk from one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen.
Being able to cook meals and relax together made the trip feel more laid back and helped us save money on restaurants. For around $100/night each, we felt that this was far more value than we’d get for a hotel at the same price point.
Activities
This is where most of our fun money went, and honestly, it was all money well spent.
Boat tour: $399 per person + $50 tip
This was easily the highlight of the trip and something we would absolutely do again.
ATV tour: $170 per person + $20 tip
A fun way to see different parts of the island that we would not have explored otherwise.
Resort day pass: $50 per person + $25 tax/fees
A nice change of pace from beach days and a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Total activities cost per person: $638
Activities can add up quickly, but they are often the most memorable parts of the trip.
Food and Groceries
Groceries: $560 (including liquor)
Restaurants and drinks: $520 (includes one dinner out during our resort day + daily beach drinks at Brea’s Seaside Delight)
Cost per person: $216
Because we were staying a bit out of the way, we chose to eat most meals at the house. This ended up saving us money and made our days feel more relaxed.
Groceries were easy to find and cooking a few simple meals helped balance out the cost of eating out.
Transportation
Rental car (7 days): $754 (basic sedan, includes rental insurance)
Gas: $47 (includes one full tank + rental return top-off)
Total transportation cost: $160
Having a rental car was essential for getting around the island. The roads can be a little rough in places, but the flexibility to explore made it completely worth it. Consider a vehicle with slightly higher clearance if you plan to explore beyond the main roads.
Total Cost
Here is what our trip looked like overall:
Flights: $520
Accommodation: $725
Activities: $638
Food and drinks: $216
Transportation: $160
Total trip cost per person: $2260
Final Thoughts
Overall, Exuma is not a budget destination, but it is absolutely doable with some planning. We felt like we got great value for what we spent, especially for such a memorable week in a beautiful place.
If you are considering a trip to Exuma, hopefully this breakdown gives you a clearer idea of what to expect and helps you plan with confidence.
For more information about any of the experiences listed above, see my previous blog post The PERFECT Week in Exuma, Bahamas.
Hailey Goes 
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