Getting From Here to There . . . Nonstop

Travelers who want to have breakfast in D.C. and swim in the Caribbean that afternoon now have more options than ever.

A number of airlines, including United and Independence Air, are launching or have already begun nonstop flights from here to the islands in time for the peak winter season.

Many of the new routes start in mid-December, including United Airlines' flights between Dulles and Montego Bay (Jamaica), Nassau, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) and St. Maarten; and Independence Air's flights from Dulles to San Juan, Puerto Rico. New flights by discount carrier USA 3000 and expanded service by US Airways have already started.

The competition among carriers for the rush of vacationers headed for the Caribbean has brought some affordable fares. For example, United is offering nonstop air to St. Maarten -- which often costs more than $700 -- for $380 round trip, while USA 3000 can get you from BWI to Bermuda for $259 round trip, including taxes. AirTran has flights from BWI to Grand Bahama Island for $198 round trip, plus taxes.

But be warned: Not all of the nonstop flights are offered daily. Tobago-bound passengers will find that BWIA Airways can get them to that tropical enclave in just under five hours. However, the flight from Washington Dulles only runs on Thursdays. Likewise, United's nonstop flights to St. Maarten will be limited to Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Some islands not linked by nonstop flights are easy to reach via Miami, San Juan or Fort Lauderdale, Fla. One example is Curacao, at the bottom of the Carribbean chain near Venezuela. An American Airlines flight leaves Reagan National just past 7:30 a.m., connects in Miami and arrives on the island by midafternoon.

Here is a guide to islands accessible by nonstop flights from the Washington area, including tips on new or refurbished hotels and other attactions. Round-trip airfares, which include taxes, are for post-holiday travel, are subject to change and often have restrictions, such as Saturday-night stays and advance-purchase requirements. Hotel rates listed are per night, double occupancy, for winter months, unless otherwise noted.

Aruba

Getting there: United, which now offers nonstop service from Dulles on Saturdays, will add flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning Dec. 16. Flights from $463.

Flight time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Hip hangout: The beloved Dutch Mill restaurant (330 J.E. Irausquin Blvd.), which has reopened after a major overhaul, offers international and Polynesian cuisine in a 200-year-old windmill.

Hot lodging: After extensive renovation, the Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club (2 L.G. Smith Blvd., Oranjestad, 011-297-582-3380, http://www.talkofthetownaruba.com/ ) is a stylish, low-key oceanside alternative to bigger resorts. Rooms start at $145.

Info: 800-862-7822, http://www.aruba.com/