OCRACOKE ISLAND, N.C.

Location: 5 hours from Raleigh, N.C.
Best for: Families, couples
Gas: $180 (two tanks round-trip, one tank while there)
Ferry for car: Free from Hatteras; $30 R/T from Swan Quarter
Camping: $69
SUBTOTAL: $249 to $279

Ocracoke Island is where Blackbeard the pirate met his demise. But this barrier island offers nothing but charm and respite nowadays. Set up your base at the campground run by the National Park Service. It's steps from the ocean and secluded inside the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, so you'll find plenty of peace and quiet -- and wildlife such as wild ponies and dolphins. (There is no tree shade, so bring a camping canopy to make your own.)

The quaint village of Ocracoke is only a few miles away from camp for shopping, dining and sightseeing.