Aruba

The Caribbean pick for anyone nervous about weather. Aruba lies just outside the main hurricane belt, so it is rarely affected by storms, which makes it a safer bet than most islands for a fall or early-winter trip you have been saving for. It is dry, breezy and sunny, with long white beaches on the calm west coast and rugged desert scenery in Arikok National Park on the other side. The local languages are Papiamento and Dutch, but most hotel, restaurant and tour staff speak English, and US dollars are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and on tours. Two bits of paperwork matter: every traveler, children included, needs an online ED card before arrival, and flying home you clear US customs in Aruba before boarding.