Set Your Watch to Island Time on Your Next Caribbean Vacation

With the July 4th weekend upon us, we imagine most of you are all out in the yard barbecuing, on the beach celebrating, or enjoying a rooftop fireworks show with a cold refreshing drink in hand. We're planning on doing the same, but just not before we found some of the most affordable Caribbean vacations around. From San Juan to St. Marteen, these vacation packages are meant for the fiscally responsible who want to let loose.

If you're looking to enjoy a long weekend in Mexico, a flight package and all-inclusive stay at the Occidental Grand Xcaret is an ideal way to spend four nights (from $959.84, a low by $149; expires July 11). You'll really get to be one with nature at this eco-friendly resort that is nestled within an ecological and historical preserve. But that doesn't mean luxury can't be found: the resort boasts a meandering subterranean river that connects its five free-form pools and swim-up bars. And while this resort is about an hour from the Cancun airport, its proximity to Xcaret Park and Playa del Carmen make it the perfect location for a peaceful getaway.

To experience island time on an island proper, head to Puerto Rico. On this enchanted island you can stay in the capital of San Juan and enjoy a 3-night vacation that includes roundtrip flights and a room at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza (from $704.98, a low by $171; expires July 9). While the airport and Bacardi Rum Factory are just minutes away, you'll feel transported to a faraway land when you take in the views that only this luxury hotel has: it faces both the Atlantic and Condado Lagoon and offers majestic views of Old San Juan. Alternatively you can opt for 3-night vacation package in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico with a stay at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa bundled with a $100 food and beverage credit (from $667.94, a low by $11; expires July 9). The resort is situated between El Yunque Rainforest and Fajardo's bioluminescent bay, making it an outdoors-lover's ideal destination. For those who prefer a tamer green, the Wyndham Grand Rio also boasts two world-class golf courses as well.

If you've already explored the sands and mountains of Puerto Rico, we reccomend a visit to The Oyster Bay Beach Resort (from $122.58, a low by $23; expires July 9) in Oyster Bay, St. Maarten. Where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, here is where you'll find one of the most private and secluded hideaways in the West Indies. It may be their infinity pool, or it may be the hotel's proximity to both the French side of the island as well, but The Oyster Bay Beach Resort is "the perfect blend of paradise living."

If you're sold on only all-inclusive vacations, why not head to the Dominican Republic on a 4-night vacation, calling the all-inclusive Catalonia La Romana (airfare included; from $888, a low by $209; expires July 9) home. Here you'll find the perfect blend of playa and party: the white sand beaches give way to optimal conditions for scuba diving, wind surfing, and kayaking. And let's not forget all the fun to be had dancing at the resort's Disco Bar each night.

Speaking of dancing, we've now got The Beach Boy's Kokomo stuck in our heads, so... head to Aruba on a 4-night vacation package with a room at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba (from $1,405.81, a low by $138; expires July 5)... Or Jamaica on a 5-night vacation in Montego Bay, Jamaica with a stay at the all-inclusive Holiday Inn Sunspree (from $1,137.74, a low by $657; expires July 9) and get away from it all. Both Holiday Inn hotels feature free WiFi (a rare amenity for many Caribbean hotels) and are perfectly suited for families. The kid-friendly activities (a video game arcade and kids' centers) and the free-flowing adults-only beverages mean there's a little something for everyone.

Now, we know choosing a destination to spend you coveted vacation days on can be difficult. So why not not decide at all? Just book a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two on Norwegian Cruise Line (from $1,158, a low by $60; expires July 12) for December? You'll depart from Miami and board the Norwegian Epic on December 14th and be back (and fully relaxed) just in time for the holidays. Of course, if cruising isn't your thing and you can in fact decide on where to spend a long weekend this summer, go ahead and book your roundtrip flight to Mexico or the Caribbean on United Airlines (from $314.40, a low by $14; expires July 31) and get goin'!

If the hot summer sun and cool ocean breezes of a Caribbean vacation aren't what you're looking for in a getaway, be sure to check out our weekly roundup of the top travel deals that span the globe for additional discounted flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

^{At the time of publication, these travel deals offered the lowest prices we could find. Deals may include blackout dates, additional taxes, and fees. Some of our prices may be based on mandatory double occupancy.}