When planning a family vacation last summer, I knew I wanted to travel somewhere with white sand beaches, warm, clear blue water, and sunny weather. However, I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a Caribbean vacation .

Instead, I booked a trip to Okaloosa Island, which is located on Florida's panhandle in an area nicknamed the Emerald Coast .

Okaloosa, which is a section of the larger Santa Rosa island, is only a short drive from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, making for an easy getaway from my home in New York.

Whether for a quick weekend trip or a relaxing family vacation , this under-the-radar destination is the perfect, wallet-friendly alternative to the Caribbean.