Getting From Here to There . . . Nonstop

Bahamas

Getting there: US Airways flies daily from Reagan National to Nassau, with fares from $393. United flies Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays to Nassau starting Dec. 16, with fares from $265. AirTran flies daily from BWI to Freeport, starting at $292. USA 3000 flies on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, depending on the month, from BWI to Nassau through January; fares from $241, but seat availability is very limited.

Flight times: 2 hours 39 minutes (Nassau); 2 hours 17 minutes (Freeport)

Hip hangout: Harl Taylor Bag (9 W. Hill St., 242-356-6782) is a Nassau boutique run by designer Harl Taylor, who's best known for beach bags made from area materials and favored by Oprah and other celebs. Shoppers can pop downstairs into the White Door, Taylor's stylish restaurant.

Hot lodging: For superb views, check out Stone's Throw Away (Tropical Garden Road, 242-327-7030, http://www.astonesthrowaway.com/ ), a B&B perched on a hillside above Nassau. Rooms start at $200.

Info: 800-224-2627, http://www.bahamas.com/

Barbados

Getting there: BWIA West Indies Airways flies from Dulles Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays starting at $793.

Flight time: 4 hours 35 minutes

Hip hangout: Ocean Park (246-420-7405, http://www.oceanparkbarbados.com/ ; $17.50), a new marine attraction, allows visitors to explore the region's sea life. The grounds, containing aquariums, two mini-golf courses and a restaurant, make for a good family outing.

Hot lodging: A top-to-bottom refurbishing of the Colony Club (St. James Parish, 246-422-2335) has made this posh 96-room property an excellent setting for a honeymoon or other special occasion. Rooms start at $275; a special good until Dec. 18 offers 20 percent off.

Info: 800-221-9831, http://www.barbados.org/

Bermuda

Getting there: US Airways has seasonal service daily from Reagan National April through August starting at $694. USA 3000 flies Tuesdays and Thursdays from BWI, starting at $259.

Flight time: 2 hours 7 minutes