3. Margarita Island, Venezuela
With more than 50 beaches scattered along 100 miles of coastline, Venezuela's largest island is a little something different by way of Caribbean escape. Dubbed "the Pearl of the Caribbean," Margarita Island is an interesting amalgamation of colonial villages and secluded, sandy spots. While it has plenty of all-inclusive resorts, lower prices than the rest of the Caribbean isles mean you don't necessarily have to go that route. You can rent your own 1,500-square-foot beach house, complete with pool, like Casa Katy on Playa de Agua for a mere $110 a night, or an even larger house (still with pool) like the 2,700-square-foot Casa del Sol for $130. If you prefer someone else to cook and clean for you, book a room at the hotel-like Hotel Castillo El Milagro in the main town of Porlamar. (Just don't expect a five-star experience; most hotels on the island are three stars at best.)

Margarita is situated just 25 miles off the coast of mainland Venezuela, so you can hop a flight to Cumana and connect there via plane or ferry. But what will you do besides work on your tan while on the isle (as if that weren't enough)? Well, horseback riding is popular and an excellent way to cover most of the island; you can find tours at both Cabatucan and CabaCaribe. Deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, and dolphin-watching are other favorite activities. Plus, never-ceasing wind along Playa El Yaque makes it the perfect spot to try kite or wind surfing. Never tackeled either of those water sports? No problem. There's no time like the present to start.