• Introduction
• 1. Aruba
• 2. Barbados
• 3. Key West
• 4. Oahu
• 5. Providenciales
• 6. Puerto Vallarta
• 7. Rincon
• 8. San José del Cabo
• 9. St. Lucia
• 10. St. Martin

Aruba

Everyone knows that Aruba’s beaches are among the best in the world, which explains the high rate of repeat visitors. The long, broad, white sand beaches are great for walking, while the almost constant breeze complements an always-sunny, hurricane-free island.

SPLURGE The all-inclusive Occidental Grand Aruba resort has more activities than the island has Divi-divi trees, including sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking. Besides the casino and Las Vegas–style shows, there’s a ton of ethnic food options, from Caribbean fusion to classic Italian to pan-Asian. $260/night per person; occidentalhotels.com/grandaruba

VALUE If you’re looking for a quiet beach, no kids, and an environmentally friendly resort, the Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba is the place to stay. Ask for a room in the Tara Beach Suites & Spa, a newly built wing of oceanfront suites that open right onto the beach. From $210/night; bucuti.com

GETTING THERE Direct flights from Atlanta (3.5 hours); Chicago (5 hours); Miami (2.5 hours); New York (4.5 hours)

See Aspen Travel Guide | See Nantucket Travel GuideSee Maine Travel Guide