St. John is a mecca for tropical campers, and Maho Bay Camps is renowned for its environmental bent. Imagine Swiss Family Robinson — lush jungle, a latticework of connecting wood walkways, and 16 x 16 canvas tent cottages on platforms, each with a private deck. Public bathhouses have pull-chain showers, but you are doing your part for the environment. Want to go a bit more upscale, but still stay under $100? Try (off-season) Maho’s cousin. Concordia’s Eco-Tents have more elaborate kitchen facilities and their own showers. (800-392-9004, www.maho.org)

9 Trinidad: Coblentz Inn
Small (16 rooms), colorful (billed as Trinidad’s first boutique hotel), and located right in the capital Port of Spain, the Coblentz Inn was once a hospital, then a nursing home, and now a quiet, nearly unknown escape, complete with an intimate 15-table gourmet restaurant. (868-621-0541, www.coblentzinn.com)

10 Puerto Rico: Playa de PÁjaros or Playa Sardinera
To really get away, go camping on Isla de Mona. Roughly 45 miles off Puerto Rico’s west coast, this uninhabited nature reserve may be the wildest island left in the Car­ibbean. You’ll get dropped off by boat and left to explore the island. Factoring in the transport cost ($100 to $135 round trip per person), it’s still a bargain — camping (you bring your own food and gear to one of two lovely beaches) is $10 per person a night. (For transport, call Mona Aquatics, 787-851-2185. For camping permits, call the Department of Natural Environment/Resources in San Juan, 787-724-8774.)

a frequent contributor to american way, also writes for sports illustrated and outside magazines.