Beaches, boats, banks and bikinis are Caribbean vacation essentials. So are snorkels, sun, sangrias and sugar cane. With the promise of so much goodness and so many islands, it's no surprise this idyllic area is known as the playground of the Americas. And with it all being so close, why settle for just one stop?

Try jamming in Jamaica, sailing to Antigua or Aruba, or taking in the British-influenced charm of Barbados and Bermuda. Carnival it in Grenada, sample the rum on each of Guadeloupe's seven islands, or consider being unsaintly on St. Lucia, St. Kitts or St. Martin. The Turks and Caicos promise superb swimming and snorkelling along an amazing coral reef. And just know that Grand Cayman has a lot more on offer than banking and bartenders.