Chat Plus: Airfare to the Caribbean

During our online chat (most Mondays at 2 p.m.), you ask and we answer your travel questions -- mostly. Here's one we couldn't get to last week.

Any chance I'll get an air-and-hotel deal for less than $600 per person to the Caribbean in January? Where should I look for cheapish packages?

It's sorta kinda possible, if you're willing to settle for a three-night vacation and to take connecting flights. January is high season, after all.

Check budget booking agents such as Liberty Travel (888-271-1584, http://www.libertytravel.com) and Apple Vacations (800-517-2000, http://www.applevacations.com), and focus your search on Jamaica and Cancun, Mexico, traditionally among the cheapest Caribbean destinations. (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, also is affordable, but most resorts there are all-inclusive, so prices will reflect that.) Be aware that the prices you'll see quoted probably won't include government taxes and fees, which can add $100 or more per person to the tab.

-- K.C.S.