The Caribbean is a lot closer, and cheaper, than you think. As one of the areas hardest hit by the economic meltdown, the Caribbean is having a serious sale. Even some of the region's most notoriously exclusive resorts are putting up vacancy signs and making no bones about the deals and discounts being offered to lure timid travelers to the sun everything from free airfare and free hotel nights to free meals and free spa treatments.

Which means if you've been dreaming of a weekend escape, you can make it a reality and for less than a grand.