ArcaMax

Psst! Looking for a summer beach bargain? You know, somewhere with white sand beaches, clear blue water and plenty of activities to keep everyone happy -- paddle-boarding, giant sand castle building, boogie-boarding and snorkeling. Let's not forget kayaking.

Sure it's high season in places like Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the towns along the Southern California coast.

But in the Caribbean, where you will stay cool by the ocean, you'll find bargains galore and cheaper air fares. In fact, there are so many family amenities and kids-free deals that many call summer in the Caribbean family season. I also learned recently that in Mexico there is an extra plus to visiting with your kids in the summer: They'll be able to practice their Spanish while making friends with Mexican kids whose families traditionally vacation at the beach in summer!

According to the metasearch hotel site Trivago, hotel rates in Caribbean destinations, like the U.S. Virgin Islands and Aruba, are less than half ($207) in the summer than in February ($430, and up), for example. You might save anywhere from $42 a night in Cancun to $150 a night in Montego Bay. Airfare can be as much as 9 percent less in July than in February, according to Cheapflights.com.

Entire islands are getting into the game. The British Virgin Islands, where my family has had memorable trips sailing amid the 60 islands, is celebrating the second annual Summer of FREEdom with special deals, including one from Horizon Yacht Charters, which is offering 10 nights for the price of seven, or a 10 percent discount on seven-night charters.

Consider what your family likes to do. (For more ideas for summer fun, check out the Taking the Kids Best Summer Fun Guide.) If your kids are sailors or want to learn, there is The Bitter End Yacht Club’s Super Saver Family Package, which includes more than half off the second room for kids and sailing school for the whole family. The resort is famous for their sailing fleet of boats. There are also snorkeling and diving expeditions, windsurfing lessons and more. You'll all love the hammocks on your porch. My kids did!

If you are golfers, the Super Summer Sale at the all-inclusive Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall not only includes more than half off, but also a complimentary round of golf per guest and cart rental. Up to two kids, 12 and under, can stay, play (complimentary kids' club) and eat free. Rates for a family of four, including two kids under 12, start at $351 a night.

TIP: If you book your flight and hotel together, you can save significantly this summer wherever you go -- as much as $675, according to Orbitz.com, where you can compare the price for booking separately or together. Remember to make sure there are activities for your kids, whether they're preschoolers or teens. Ask what extra amenities are being offered -- room upgrade, free breakfast, kids eat free, free activities. The best part: You will likely be able to afford a place that was out of reach in the winter.

Here's a sampling of what's out there:

-- Bravo to the oceanfront Los Cabos Hacienda Encantada where kids up to 12 eat free and are not limited to the kids' menu this summer, both at the resort and through a Dine-Out plan with an array of participating restaurants. There's a new kids' play area, complete with new kids' pool and water playground.

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