SUMMER is near and of course families are asking themselves what to do over the holidays; or even what can they can afford to do. The smart thing to do for summer vacation is to plan ahead, which means saving ahead.

Credit unions are a good way to put money aside for the holidays. There are also special low fares available now to most of the popular destinations for persons travelling May to August.

Every penny counts, and a family summer vacation can cost a small fortune. This year, consider an alternative plan. Why not vacation the Caribbean way? Check these out.

Curacao for shopping fanatics

Unique in its design, Curacao is adorned with rows of narrow townhouses better known as ginger bread homes. It is also a very friendly island. There are all-inclusive resorts or bed and breakfast inns to choose from. For shopping fanatics, there are pedestrian malls.
Whether it is perfumes, clothing, shoes or jewelry, the choice is yours. They have it.

One can also tour the cave and the underwater park.
And nightlife in Curacao is far from boring with its buzz of clubs and dining experiences and a variety of tasty meals to choose from - Chinese, Mexican and Dutch, and if you want to play it safe, there is also KFC.

Barbados for its hotel gems

Barbados is a great get-away spot for relaxation and fun. The island, with an area of 430 square kilometres, is also one of the cheaper destinations within the eastern Caribbean.

Barbados is great for families and couples, with a lot of waterspouts activities and beaches to choose from.
The Savannah, Silver Rock, Blue Horizon, and Time Out At The Gap are well known hotels.

And, the MV Harbour Master offers night-time party cruises. You are treated to a live band, spectacular floor show and a fantastic dinner buffet.

Cayman Islands for watersports

The Turtle Farm, the only commercial Green Sea Turtle Farm in the world, attracts many visitors.
Watersports, scuba diving, and snorkeling are some of the fun things to do in Cayman.

But since Hurricane Ivan, most hotels are being used as homes for residents. So accommodation may be high-priced and availability and choice of hotels limited.

St Maarten for nude bathing

Here, the resorts or villas become like home, friendly and familiar. This, and other Dutch and French islands welcome nude bathing. It's part of the culture.

Dominican Republic for meringue

The Dominican Meringue Festival is held during the last week of July and the first week of August. Persons visiting the island can experience the culture in the form of music, dancing, art and their delicious island cuisine.

Jamaica for a taste of yard

Believe it or not, you do not have to go overseas to enjoy an exciting or relaxing vacation. Swimming with the Dolphins in Ocho Rios and rafting down the White River are two of the many activities to do this summer.

Chukka Cove offers packages including horseback riding, climbing the falls at Dunns River, tubing down the White River, Jeep Safari tour, and more.

Prospect Plantation Tour gives insights on fruits and other crops.
Twin Sister Caves in Hellshire gives a glimpse of the history of the Arawaks.

Hiking or biking to the Blue Mountain peak from Ocho Rios or Kingston is also exciting for adventure lovers.

But for those for whom a walk from the pool to the bar or food table is sufficient adventure, there are all-inclusive resorts that cater for families and offer day passes for persons who are not check-in guests.
The island is also peppered with villas, which are great for vacation and weekend getaways.

Villas are normally reasonably priced and often come with a personal chef, maid, and/or gardener. Most villas feature a hammock, washer, dryer and a welcome bar, and some have a bit of history or celebrity status.

Golden Foot Jamaica in Oracabessa, for example, is actually the same villa where Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond thrillers, did some of his writing.

And Round Hill in Hanover is home away from home for international celebrities and royalty.

Nadine Wright is a travel agent. Email: nadluv@hotmail.com or cutiefash@yahoo.com

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