I have a free travel voucher that I'd like to use to go somewhere in the Caribbean over spring break. I'm a 20-year old male college student traveling alone, and I'd like to go somewhere I can get by on a budget and someplace that's somewhat exotic. Beach would be nice, but I'd like to get away from high-rise all-inclusive touristy type places. I've never been to the Caribbean.

Any ideas for destinations I should look into?

I'm somewhat limited by where NWA/Continental fly. But some of the most interesting looking destinations include Aruba, Port of Spain, Antigua, St. Maarten, and Grand Cayman.

Try checking out Treasure Beach on the south coast of Jamaica for starters. It's on the "road less traveled" side of Jamaica and there are several places to stay that are quite reasonable in price. It's more like a community than any kind of resort-driven tourism and there would be plenty of places on or within sight of the water for the budget minded. Check out www.treasurebeach.net to get a feel for the community there--mostly a collection of fishing villages with an eye towards eco-tourism. For accommodation ideas, check out www.jamaicaescapes.com and www.marblue.com.

Of the places you're considering, Aruba and Grand Cayman are the most Americanized, but they both have the most outstanding beaches on your list. The Negril area (west coast) of Jamaica also has a fabulous beach area. It's very touristy, but it's among the best budget destinations in the Caribbean. Lots of variety & action here.

Antigua doesn't have a lot of comfortable budget accommodations--they seem to be mostly midrange to luxury there, but it's one of my favorite places to visit in the Caribbean. You could check out the Siboney Beach CLub on Dicksenson Bay (can't remember website) or check out Long Bay Hotel on the east coast at www.longbayhotel.com. If you email the hotel directly, they'll quote you a single rate.

If you can be a little more specific about your vacation wants, we'll give you more suggestions. Do you want to be in a place where lots of restaurants and beach bars are within walking distance? At 20, you might be too young to rent your own car in the Caribbean, so you'll either have to walk, take a cab, or rely on public transportation to get around.

Do you want to meet other folks your age? Do you want to strike out on your own for the week? Tell us more and we'll tell you more.

It might be a bit difficult to use your 'free travel voucher' during Spring Break. You might want to check first for flight availablity and then go from there.

Ejcrowe, thanks for all the suggestions; and sara, you were absolutely right. I tried at least 30 different city combinations using a range of dates, and I couldn't get anything to fit into the break.

So at this point it looks like I'm going to PUERTO RICO in August.. Good/bad move? This is the only possible time I can go--will the weather be really wet? (Not concerned with heat and humidity, I'm used to that.)

Also, I'm only 20, am I old enough to rent a car in Puerto Rico? I'm guessing not. Is there any way to get around the island and visit dif. cities/parks WITHOUT a rental car?

Also, any recommendations on where to go or what to see would be appreciated. I'd like to experience the local culture and food, and spend some time on a beach. I won't have loads of money, but I'd like to see more than just San Juan. I'll be there for about 5-7 days.

Thanks in advance!

You realize that this trip is going to cost you $500 to $1000 right. The caribbean is not a cheap destination and almost anywhere will cost you at a minimum $50 a night plus taxes and food is also expensive, figure each meal will cost you $10 to $20 or more.

Car rental is usually 25 with any major car rental so that's probably not going to work.

Hope you have a great time.

Yeah, I'm aware that the trip won't be cheap. However, I heard that PR was one of the cheaper islands, and I had hoped there might be youth hostels or budget hotels where I can get by on less, esp. since it's off-peak (I think?).

I've been reading some guidebooks and there doesn't seem to be much of a selection for cheap lodging. Could it be cheaper if I stayed in a smaller beach town rather than San Juan?

Can you fly to Cancun - if so, I'd suggest Isla Mujures which is about a 40 minute ferry boat ride from Cancun. Nice beach, away from touristy areas and they have hostels.

Continental flies to St. Thomas. From there you can take the ferry to St. John. If you bring your own tent, you can stay at V.I. National Park's Cinnamon Bay Campground for $27 a night. They also have tents that are already up as well as rustic cottages. Cinnamon Bay has a great beach and lots of hiking. It has a restaurant and a small store. The privately owned Maho Bay Camps is nearby. It has tents, a restaurant and small store plus an okay beach with other beaches an easy walk away. If you want to stay in a guesthouse, there are a couple of budget ones in the main town of Cruz Bay - St. John Inn and Inn at Tamarind Court.

I would try Grenada I know it was roughed up pretty badly by the hurricanes but I gather it is recovering quite well. It is true Caribbean with a night life and a general sense of safety...people are friendly and it is an easy island to navigate. You can swim in waterfalls, hike the rainforest and eat great food but also have a great dance up...and Grand Anse beach is beautiful - I think I heard that it still is. Finally, there are and will be for a while budget accomodations where you may get more for your money and they will appreciate the tourism!!

stay away from ARUBA..for what you are looking for (exotic,not touristy)Aruba is definately the opposite.Also it is not a very pretty island.It has alot of highrises.It reminds me of a Vegas on an island (the city that never sleeps).It is very commercialized.I feel that for what you want..you would not be happy with Aruba.

Check out..Treasure Beach,Jamaica..like someone else suggested.Or St.John USVI's.