Best caribbean places to visit in september

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Hurricane season is always a concern when planning a trip to the Caribbean tropics. However, even a formidable forecast doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom. After all, hurricane season spans half the year (June through November) and covers a gigantic swath of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. As anyone who lives in a region prone to tropical storms can tell you, the weather can still be glorious more often than not. Still, avoiding risks altogether may be the most prudent plan.

Some islands have historically stayed out of harm’s way, especially those in the far south of the Caribbean. If you choose your destination strategically, the odds of a storm showing up are incredibly low. So go ahead: order that piña colada, stretch out at the pool and enjoy your getaway. These six destinations will likely keep you out of the eye of the storm.

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Aruba

When travelers think of safe islands to visit during hurricane season, the “ABC Islands” of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao often come to mind. Of the three, Aruba is the best option for points travelers. There are properties with all major hotel rewards programs, including options that range from basic bargains to luxury resorts. In short, there’s something for everyone.

That goes for what the island has to offer, too. Of course, there are postcard-perfect beaches, including stretches with calm conditions ideal for families. There’s also tropical snorkeling, national parks with otherworldly landscapes and a huge assortment of adventure activities when you’re ready to get your adrenaline pumping.

Where To Stay on Points: Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort (Marriott)

The Renaissance in Aruba takes paradise to a whole new level, set on a private island accessible to guests only via the resort’s water taxi. Don’t expect complete privacy, though—the island is home to free-roaming flamingoes to spice up your visit and pose for the perfect photo. Several reward redemptions book into the adults-only half of the resort, so double check before booking. While standard rooms cost 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, family suites cost 55,000 or more.

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Bonaire

Almost anyone will enjoy Bonaire—it’s a tropical paradise, how could you not?—but this small island is a mecca for divers. It doesn’t matter if your goal is reef or wreck, from shore or by boat. There are more than 85 dive sites, each one offering prime experiences for certified divers.

As luck would have it, Bonaire’s best dive conditions run from April to November, perfectly overlapping the time that’s hurricane season on other islands. You’ll find mostly calm conditions with warm water and little rain. Not only is this a destination that’s safe in hurricane season, it’s absolutely ideal.

Where To Stay on Points: Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort (Marriott)

Despite being a mid-range hotel, you’ll lack for nothing at the Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort. You’ll find proper rooms, a large infinity pool and an on-site dive shop and restaurant for when you don’t want to take the complimentary shuttle to Te Amo Beach or downtown Kralendijk. All of this is available for 15,000 to 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy nights per night with the fifth night free when you redeem rewards.

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Curaçao

As the largest of the ABC Islands, Curaçao offers plenty to keep active travelers occupied, assuming you can pull yourself away from the many cove-like beaches scattered around the coast. The reefs are teeming with life that attract both snorkelers and divers and several caves show off the island’s natural side while staying on solid ground.

The capital city of Willemstad is another big draw. The historic center is chock full of colorful Dutch architecture, ready for your next social media post. But more than that, the area is amazingly well-preserved with a rich history—it’s even been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking tours point out important monuments and tell the backstory of narrow alleys and European-style squares.

Where To Stay on Points: Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort (Hilton)

A member of the Hilton Curio Collection, the Mangrove Beach Resort is one of the island’s highest-rated all-inclusive resorts. In addition to four pools, including one that’s adults only, you’ll find a small waterpark with six waterslides, children’s playground and a man-made lagoon. Reward rates vary by date but are more affordable than you may expect for an all-inclusive, with rates starting at 63,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

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Barbados

Barbados isn’t completely immune to hurricanes but far fewer storms have hit this southern Caribbean nation than other islands. With some of the softest sands and clearest waters in the Caribbean, this one’s still worth considering if you’re seeking an idyllic locale.

What makes this destination so great, despite the risk of rains, is its well-rounded experience. In addition to the oceanfront, Barbados is known for golfing, cricket games and fine dining. There are wondrous caves to explore and rum distilleries to tour when you need an indoor activity. And if it’s local culture you’re after, head out for the island parties known as “limes” or join in at a Friday fish fry.

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Where To Stay on Points: Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados

Set on sparkling Carlisle Bay, the Radisson Aquatica has a top-tier location on the island. You won’t have to go far for snorkeling, paddle boarding or other water sports and if you’re up early, you can even watch racehorses taking a swim at sunrise right from your balcony. Rooms cost 45,000 Radisson Rewards points per night, though there are sometimes discounts during hurricane or other low-season dates.

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Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad offers something most Caribbean nations don’t—the option to partake in an urban atmosphere. You get all of the warm, sunny days while still having access to performing arts, museums and other city amenities. Don’t worry—there are also fabulous beaches, rainforest scenery and island cuisine when you want to feel like you’ve left home behind

Although Trinidad and Tobago may be best known for its wintertime Carnival, there’s a festival during hurricane season worth traveling for, too. Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated each fall, with millions of lights, firecrackers and specialty foods. The best place to partake is at the Divali Nagar cultural site in Chaguanas. Shows and other celebrations are held nightly in the week leading up to Diwali.

Where To Stay on Points: Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre

Don’t discount this hotel for its ho-hum name. The Hilton Trinidad puts you within walking distance of the Botanical Gardens, Queen’s Park Savannah and Emperor Valley Zoo. Though you’ll have to rent a car or grab a taxi to head to the nearest beach, there’s a large pool right at the hotel, plus lawn games and tennis courts for when you’re feeling playful. Like all Hilton hotels, reward prices vary throughout the year, but rooms often hover around 40,000 points per night.

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Panama

Panama may not be what comes to mind when thinking of the Caribbean, but if you’re chasing the experience rather than a technicality, you’ll be thrilled with this alternative. Sitting south of the hurricane belt, it offers gorgeous beachfront locations with relatively low risk. The first spot on your list should be the Bocas del Toro archipelago, a group of paradisiacal islands that are particularly sunny in September and October even while the Caribbean gets pummeled by rain.

Bocas del Toro is island-hopping at its finest since the small islands within this group are all close together—the ambitious can hit a few within a single day. Each one has its own identity, ranging from developed towns to rainforests to deserted beaches. What they all have in common is great snorkeling, fresh seafood and a laid back vacation vibe.

Where To Stay on Points: Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge

One major advantage to Panama is its selection of affordable overwater bungalows, like the Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge. No, it’s not affiliated with an awards program (nor are any others in the country), but you can book using most credit card points, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards®, as a fixed value toward the total cost. For an experience like this, it’s worth looking outside the box.

Reminder: Low-Risk Doesn’t Necessarily Mean No-Risk

Though these islands tend to fall outside of the main hurricane zone, that doesn’t mean you might not face rain or even heavy storms. To a certain extent, weather is always unpredictable, especially given the realities of climate change and the rise of new weather patterns.

Travel insurance, whether through an individual policy or via credit card protection, is always a good idea and is a smart safety net for travelers braving hurricane season. Policies can reimburse unexpected expenses, such as if storms delay your trip significantly—or strand you on an island.

Bottom Line

Traveling to the Caribbean during hurricane season isn’t risk-free, but by choosing the right island you can increase your likelihood of an easy breezy trip. Generally speaking, the closer to South America you get, the more likely you are to stay out of harm’s way. Compared to other islands, you’ll still find all the fun in the sun you’re looking for, making it the best of all worlds.

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