If you think all Caribbean islands are the same, you"ve got some reading to do. Lucky for you, this budget-guide"s "Islands in Brief" section provides thumbnail sketches of 20 different island groups, from Antigua to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and there"s a handy island chart to further help you make up your mind, concisely summing up vacation costs as well as variables such as food, activities, and historic sites. Some decisive factors, however, don"t fit neatly in a comparative table. For these, authors Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince prepare their "Best Of" lists, as in Best Destinations for Low-Cost Vacations, Best Snorkeling, Friendliest Islands, Best Family Resorts, and Best Places for Sunset Cocktails. Read about Karel"s Beach Bar, for example, perched on stilts above the sea, and you might opt for Bonaire though it doesn"t stand out on the charts. Once you"ve chosen your island, Frommer"s in-depth chapters can help you plan your trip on as tight a budget as needed. Each island chapter provides an overview of the island, its atmosphere, and attractions--along with essential information such as how to get there, how to get around, and why (in the case of Bonaire, at least), mopeds might not be ideal. There"s also an official Web-site address; fast facts about banking, customs, electricity, and language; and everything you need to know about where to stay, where to eat, what to see, and what to do after the sun goes down. --Stephanie Gold