Thinking of heading to the Caribbean? Maybe the Bahamas? If you're going to a beach for soft pink and pearly white sands, snorkeling over coral reefs filled with tropical fish, diving into long-ago shipwrecks, or surfing away from the crowd, choose Eleuthera and her neighbor, Harbour Island.

Two of the "Out Islands" of the Bahamas, Eleuthera and Harbour Island are between 1 and 3 miles wide, and provide over 110 miles of achingly beautiful beaches. Harbour Island offers one of the Travel Channel's Best Beaches but my first choice is Eleuthera, with glorious pink sand and white sand as fine as powdered sugar. These islands aren't famous for nightlife, but if you're there for beaches and gorgeous water, they're the best.

There are dozens of beaches on these two islands. For pink sand, hit Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, or choose French Leave Beach on Eleuthera, just outside of Governor's Harbour. If white sand is your choice, head for Cotton Bay, with two private beaches stretching over a mile. The Cove Eleuthera beach near Gregory Town provides privacy and a great view of the cliffs. My favorite beach is Lighthouse Beach. On the Atlantic side of Eleuthera Point, behind some sand dunes, this beach is a secluded oasis of rosy pink sand, the perfect place to watch a sunset with the one you love.

If you're a surfer, the two best beaches for you are Surfer's Beach and James Cistern Beach. Blue Hole and Oleander Reef provide great snorkeling, with hundreds of tropical fish just off the beautiful beaches. You can rent boats on both islands.

Take a good-sized tote like this Cape Getaway from Columbia. This darling bikini from Moschino lets you wear your heart on your - well, bikini, with a red heart on white print on the bandeau top and ruffled bottom. Keep your feet from burning with these comfy and stylish Ohana W sandals from Olukai, adorned with a sea urchin. Pack sunscreen, shades, a towel, a book and a bottle of water and you're ready to hit the beach!

This past May we were fortunate enough to take a nine day trip to the Cayman Islands. Although I still wouldn't mind being a mega superstar financial executive for some fabulously wealthy offshore bank, alas I do not happen to live in that particular universe, so I cannot say that this trip was due to riches or business. Let me just say, we were blessed with a once in a lifetime opportunity that probably wont happen again, at least in the near term.

Being the unflinching urbanites that we are, we had no idea how to proceed in this island nation still governed by the United Kingdom. And although you may think that because this is still a British Commonwealth it is totally safe and everything is fine and dandy, you would be slightly mistaken. Although the islands are quite safe physically (no one was mugged and we weren't afraid walking the streets at night), there are still some things to watch out for and from what I hear, this advice translates well when discussing many other Caribbean islands.

1. Exchange your money before you go - Try to either use plastic or stock up on the currency before you go. A lot of times when the exchange is being done at the register, the cashier tends to hold back a few cents (unless you notice, which you probably won't , which adds up.

2. Beware of pickpockets - The night before we left we hit up a nightclub. We were dancing with people and everyone was having a good time. . . until two random people tried to steal our wallets right out our back pocket. We also encountered something similar at a gas station. BEWARE!

3. Barter, Haggle, Barter - Never except the listed price, they will drop it if you're ready to head to their competitor next door.

4. Why buy when you can rent - We spent $140 on snorkeling gear only to realize we probably will not ever use it again. We also noticed - after the fact - that most hotels rent gear for $15 a day, you can't beat that.

5. Rent a car - Taxis will almost literally steal your money, so rent a car, it will save you in the long run.

6. Make your own path - Why be the "usual" tourist. Ask the locals, look it up online, check reviews. The best restaurants are off the beaten path and the best sights are the least known.

7. Know the customs - The Cayman Islands is a VERY conservative place, much like many other Caribbean locales, such as Jamaica, Barbados, Anguila, etc. You don't want to be caught doing something that will offend the locals.

8. Travel light - This way you can pack everything up before you leave your room. Remember, you cannot take large tubes of liquids or bottles with you on the plane anyhow. Also, I tended to notice that I pretty much wore swimming trunks every day and brought way more pants than I needed.

9. Bring lots of reading material - You'll be waiting for quite some time in airports, so make sure you have something to do.

10. Have fun!

So, I hope this short list of to do's and not to do's has helped you or your next tropical vacation. The Caribbean islands are a true treat and very cost effective for Americans. A round trip flight to the Cayman's was $380 round trip from Vegas (can you believe that??). So, check for the deals and plan in advance and you are destined to have a fabulous time!