5 Great Summer Destinations

Aruba, West Indies. — Ocean/Corbis

Aruba, haven from hurricanes

Most people visit the Caribbean during June through November — also the height of hurricane season. Luckily Aruba (not in the U.S., exactly, but nearby), along with other southern Caribbean countries like Bonaire and Curacao (remember "ABC"), rarely sees the rough weather experienced by other ports. A trip to Aruba is likely to be a sunny one (not to mention cheaper).

See also: Peter Greenberg on avoiding hurricanes, protecting your trip.

If you like action, Aruba has it: Cruise ships gleam in Oranjestad Harbor, and eager tourists scavenge through souvenir stalls. L.G. Smith Boulevard is lined with cafés, designer stores, and signs for the latest Vegas-style shows. Yet the countryside is more quiet, dotted with colorful cunucu (country-style houses) and small neighborhood shops. The landscape becomes startlingly austere with rocky deserts, cactus clusters, secluded coves, blue vistas and the trademark divi-divi tree.

On the southwestern coast is one of the Caribbean's — if not the world's — best beaches, Eagle Beach. The white sand is literally dazzling, and sunglasses are essential. Many of the hotels have facilities on or near the beach, and refreshments are never far away.

Aruba has many fine restaurants, so you can expect outstanding meals and international cuisine (Aruba is still part of The Netherlands, so it has a European flair).