3 little birds-ABC islands
 

They say it's going to be a rough year for hurricanes. I'm traveling somewhere tropical in the middle of August if it kills me. I know from reading this board that the ABC islands are the best bet. <BR><BR>Now that being said, I know that Aruba is desert like, Bonaire for the diving and Curraco I havn't explored in depth yet. <BR><BR>If you had to pick from these 3 little birds, which one should it be and why. Experience, opinon etc. Help me get my feet in the sand and my bootie in the water. <BR><BR>OH and I gotta stick with the Caribbean, have already done Hawaii and just want so see what all the excitment is in this part of the world.

I'd say Curacao; there's a great cross there between great diving and land activities.

Curacao. Friendly people, lots of good, unique shopping. Unpretentious. Really outstanding food. If you have a genuine desire for a truly different travel experience, this is it.

However, if you love getting your toes in the sand, Curacao has man made beaches. Palm Beach in Aruba is great.

Have been to all three: I'd say Aruba if you like a bit of nightlife, casino's, some shopping and big beautiful beaches. The island is somewhat Americanized but very easy to get around and we always felt completely safe. People very friendly.<BR>Bonaire is more 'natural', more low-key and quiet, with a beautiful nature preserve with flamingoes, and very popular with divers. Not much in the way of beaches though.<BR>Curacao was for some reason my least favorite of the three. We did not feel entirely safe there (though nothing ever happened!) - the locals seemed a bit hostile somehow. We stayed in a wonderful hotel though (Avila Beach), and Willemstad is certainly worth seeing.<BR>So I would say Aruba if you like nightlife and shopping and beaches, and Bonaire if you like diving and very low-key, quiet surroundings.<BR>Hope this helps!

Bonaire is the best. Even if you don't dive it has more to see on the side than the other two islands. Aruba is kind of high rise heaven but the beach is nice and Curacao just wasn't that great compared to all the other islands we have been to.