We're novices to island travel and planning a quick 3-4 day getaway for early-March. We'd like something warm, but not too pricey. We plan on beaching it or doing some hiking while there. What are the "usual" spots for this time of year.

Thanks all!

Terms like "not to pricey" mean different things to different people and are somewhat meaningless without a point of reference. If you can give us an idea as to your budget it would help with recommendations. Also, if when you say early March you mean prior to or around President's Day week you should realize that time of year is still "High Season" in the Caribbean so you are likely to encounter some of the highest prices of the year. If you could delay your trip until after Easter you'll generally find lower rates. All that being said, many resorts in Cancun, Cozemel, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are know for having rates that appeal to those on a budget. Finally, with only 3 or 4 days for your getaway you should look at destinations you can reach non-stop from your nearest gateway city. Avoid islands that will take multiple flights to reach as you'll spend 2 of your 4 days in airplanes rather than the beach.

Actually islands that are not TOO pricey are Jamaica , Dominican Republic , And of course Cuba !! St. Barts and Anguilla are probably the priciest .....

Grenada is guaranteed warm and over 80 deg. water, even late winter. Some very reasonably priced beachfront hotels, lots of "nature" to explore.

Grenada, St. Barts and Anguilla are wonderful islands to visit but I agree with A_Traveller that, on a 3 or 4 day quick vacation, you want to go to an island that you can reach on a non-stop flight so two of your days aren't wasted with air travel. Depending upon where you're coming from, A_Traveller's destination suggestions make the most sense. I'd add Puerto Rico and St. Thomas to the list as well.

Of these non-stop destinations, I'd choose Puerto Rico because it offers the beach and hiking options you prefer. El Yunque National Forest is a spectacular destination, a relatively short distance from San Juan and its nice beaches. If you want to experience the beautiful Puerto Rican countryside and rainforest, you might look into staying at the Villa Sevilla Guest House (http://www.villasevilla.net/) just outside of the charming town of Rio Grande. Villa Sevilla is very highly rated by tripadvisor.com and it charges $125 a night for its one bedroom cottage (which has air-conditioning in the bedroom). Hard to beat that price for a high season vacation.

Thanks all. Let me be a little more specific.
-We'd like to stay in $150-200 per night range. Something hotelish, Marriott, Hilton, etc. Clean!
-On the beach. We're really planning a beachside vacation. probably very little sightseeing.
-We'll be doing a Wed-Sat or Sunday stay. We can certainly avoid President's Week, but we'd like to take a break from the NYC wint, so early is better.
-Would prefer a non-stop flight.

Thanks much!

$150 to $200 a night in high season at a Marriott/Hilton type beachside hotel? I'm not sure that's possible, at least not in San Juan. You might try the Isla Verde Beach Resort (http://www.sjcourtyard.com/). It's owned by Marriott and is a little lower priced than some of San Juan's other major beachside hotels. But I'd be surprised if you can get a rate as low as $150 to $200. Can't hurt to check it out though.

NYGirl: There isn't much in the entire Caribbean, let alone a "Hilton" or "Marriott" that one can find, on the beach, for under $200 per night. And that is true in "low" season as well. Mexico may be a better choice for you budgetary concerns.

Well, Cozumel would certainly be less expensive than the rest of the Caribbean due to the exchange rate of the peso vs the dollar.

The resorts should be up and running by then and could certainly use your tourist dollars.

Try and find one of the smaller privately owned hotels.

Check out Curacao Marriott. We paid $231 AAA rate last year for an oceanfront room and the garden view and "resort view" rooms were cheaper than that. It's a great resort and a fabulous value for high season. It might be a little bit of a hike for you if you only have four days -- it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Miami. Another of my votes for a great value is the Shangri La Caribe in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. It might not be enough like a "hotel" though for you -- it's more like a tropical/Robinson Crusoe type place. The rates include breakfast and dinner, which is great if you are on a budget. And you fly into Cancun, which is an easy direct flight from lots of places. PDC did not sustain significant damage from Hurricane Wilma and most places are back to business as usual.

I have also been looking into island getaways that are not too pricey and I think it is doable if you try to find a package deal. I've been looking at applevacations and expedia deals. I've been finding combos with flight and all inclusive hotels that would cost between 700 and 900 per person for 5 nights. These packages are mostly to the DR or Jamaica i think. Anyway, don't be discouraged, your affordable island getaway is out there somewhere! As I hope mine is. good luck!