Getting the Idea to Visit Antigua
I’ve been dreaming of Antigua’s beaches for years but always assumed it was crazy expensive. Then one rainy Tuesday, I thought screw it let me actually Google “cheapest way to Antigua”. Started reading travel forums until 2AM while eating cold pizza. Everyone said flights cost a fortune but I found this one thread where backpackers mentioned ferries from nearby islands. That’s when I decided to try hacking this trip.
Digging for Flight Deals
First thing I did was pull up every flight comparison site I knew. Searched for three weeks straight during lunch breaks at work. Noticed flying into Saint Kitts instead of directly to Antigua saved almost 200 bucks. Told my buddy Kevin who’s cheap like me – he called it genius. Watched prices like a hawk and finally booked a sketchy redeye with two layovers. Total cost? 287 dollars. Yes, I did a victory dance in my pajamas.
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Key flight tricks:
- Searched alternate airports within 200 miles
- Used incognito mode after prices mysteriously jumped once
- Booked at 3am on Tuesday (cheapest time somehow)
The Surprise Ferry Gamechanger
Got to Saint Kitts thinking I’d need another flight but wait – turns out there’s a ferry! Almost nobody talks about this. Found the ticket counter near the fish market. Paid 75 bucks cash to this guy named Marvin who kept calling me “boss”. The boat was this rickety double-decker with chickens in crates below deck. Five bumpy hours later, saw Antigua’s coastline while eating a leaky tuna sandwich. Best view ever though.
Total Cost Breakdown & Lessons
Added everything up at a beach bar later:
- Flight to Saint Kitts: 287 USD
- Ferry to Antigua: 75 USD
- Rum punch reward drink: 8 USD
Would I do it again? Absolutely. But note to self: pack motion sickness pills next time. That ferry rocked like a drunk pirate. Also bring earplugs – the engine sounded like dying dinosaurs.
Biggest surprises:
Nobody checked my return ticket when entering Antigua. Could’ve stayed forever! Met four other travelers who paid triple for direct flights. Felt pretty smug not gonna lie. Pro tip? Check ferry schedules before booking flights. Sometimes they only run on full moons or whatever.
