Aruba

Aruba is warm and sunny throughout the year, so there's no single bad season for a beach trip. January to April is a popular time to visit, while the quieter months can offer better accommodation deals. October to January tends to bring more rain, although showers are often brief.

Head into Arikok National Park to explore cactus-covered landscapes, caves and rugged coastal scenery. You can also visit the colourful capital, Oranjestad, snorkel offshore or explore the island's natural rock formations. Renting a car is useful if you want to see more of Aruba beyond the main resort areas.

Aruba sits south of the main Atlantic hurricane belt, meaning it's much less likely to be hit directly by hurricanes than many other Caribbean islands. That's one reason it's a popular year-round destination. However, it's not completely immune to tropical storms or heavy rain, so it's still worth checking the forecast if you're travelling during hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Aruban food reflects the island's mix of Caribbean, Dutch and Latin American influences. Try keshi yena, a traditional dish of cheese stuffed with meat and other fillings, plus pastechi, savoury pastries often filled with cheese or meat. Fresh seafood and pan bati, a local cornmeal flatbread, are also worth seeking out.