Pay special attention to what's included: Do you have admission to all parts of the resort or are there restrictions with your package? Is food offered 24-7? Any additional perks thrown in, such as golf lessons?

Also double-check the quality of the resort on a guest-review website such as TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.com) or the Caribbean-specific WhereToStay.com (www.wheretostay.com).

7. While on the resort'ssite, plug in your dates to determine the daily rate and whether the a la carte price is less than the package. Remember that packages often include airport transfers, taxes and gratuities.

Also, check for promotions. Call the resort (many have toll-free numbers) as well, because sometimes not all deals are listed on the website.

If the room rate seems substantially lower than the packages you've found on the other sites (minus the air), start shopping for flights.

8. If going a la carte, search for airfare deals. Go to the major booking websites (Orbitz, Expedia, etc.) as well as the sites of specific airlines, such as Air Jamaica (800-523-5585, www.airjamaica.com) and discount carriers such as USA 3000 (877-872-3000, www.usa3000.com). Also peruse Travelzoo (www.travelzoo.com) for island airfare sales. And if the resort arranges flights, see what price it's quoting.

9. Call or visit a travel agent. A travel agent knowledgeable about the Caribbean and/or all-inclusives can help you sort through the stream of properties and find the best package, hotel rate or airfare. For certified companies, visit the American Society of Travel Agents (www.astanet.com).

10. Book it. Once you have found the lowest price for your desired all-inclusive -- whether as a package or DIY air and hotel -- go back to the booking site or travel agent and get that vacation. Now, you can finally relax.

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