We’re just a few weeks away from the last holiday of the summer, and the people flocking to the northeast are forgetting our common refrain — the Caribbean is even better in the summer. What makes Labor Day different, of course, is that it’s typically just a long weekend, not a week or two-week-long getaway. That means a different region of the Caribbean, with an emphasis on shorter flights and quicker trips. 

So where do we recommend for your Labor Day vacation in the Caribbean?

Here are five great options, all of which are less than two hours from Miami and less than four hours from New York. 

Nassau, The Bahamas It’s always been the perfect weekend getaway from New York, thanks to its quick flight time, terrific resorts and abundant list of things to do. But in recent years, Nassau has gotten even better. Think world-class, chef-driven restaurants; a booming art scene; a vibrant cultural offering (one that includes the recently-transformed Queen’s Staircase); and a walkable, attraction-filled downtown. That only adds to what was already a fantastic beach destination (whether you’re in Paradise Island or anywhere on the north coast of New Providence) with an enviable collection of resorts, from large options like Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar to lovely boutique stays such as the Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant and the sleek new Goldwynn. Flight time from Miami: 35 minutes.