Planning a spring-break trip or an extra-special summer vacation? Think Caribbean and Bahamas. I know, I know. Bone-chilling winter seems the obvious time to travel to tropical islands. That's what I thought, too, until I started working for a Caribbean travel magazine and found out that most of the trips I'd be taking to the area would be between mid-April and mid-December, when the throngs of tourists disappear and prices at island resorts dip as much as 40 percent.

In 12 years of research, I've found that, despite the lower rates, the top family destinations in the Caribbean and nearby Bahamas don't skimp when it comes to service and activities. At the Casa de Campo in the Domincan Republic, your family will enjoy a variety of activities amidst a tropical playground swaying with palm trees and sand.

LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

At Casa de Campo's dude ranch, cowboys and cowgirls of all ages can horse around at rodeo lessons and trail rides, and even learn the sport of kings (polo). In addition to its stables, this 7,000-acre sport-lover's mecca offers three topflight golf courses, a luxurious tennis center (with a ball person for every court), 14 pools and water sports galore. The Kidz'n Casa program entertains children at the dude ranch, in the artists' village and on the beach. Open to kids ages four to 12, the cost is $40 a day with lunch (tax included).

All-inclusive packages start at around $208 a day per adult and cover accommodations and all meals and drinks, as well as unlimited horseback riding, tennis and water sports. These rates are available from May to October and are a huge savings off winter rates. Two children under age 12 stay and eat for free when parents buy the package. Call 800-877-3643.



Sharon Jaffe Dan, a former senior editor at CARIBBEAN TRAVEL & LIFE, writes from her home outside Washington, D.C.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.