In a nutshell, lkng for a nice beach vacation with scenic excursions, not too pricey..
best time of year to travel?

thinking aruba, caymans, mexico (anywhere beach without beer holding singles, teens, club music)

If you want something that is scenic and not too pricey..Aruba is definately out of the question.It is expensive and not very scenic.I have been there.

I would go to Mexico..Puerto Vallarto,Playa De Carmen.. or go to the USVI's St John.
The best time to travel for good prices..is in off or shoulder season..anytime after June 1st.

If you do not want the clubs,teens,and wild partying..avoid Aruba..it is like a Las Vegas on an island,in my opinion.

There are much prettier places to go.

We have been to Grand Cayman in June twice and love it. Plantana Condos are where we stayed. Very quiet part of seven mile beach. Has a pool and a bit of shade. Within a short walk to Governors House for off beach snorkeling. You can take a boat trip to sting ray city, take a Pirates Cruise, spend a day at Rum Point (Think Gilligan's Island). Food and liquor are pricy but staying in a condo helps with that. We like Cayman because we have 2 small children and it isn't a loud, party atmosphere. Though there are some popular night spots within close proximity to 7 mile beach. Not sure how the island is faring since last fall's hurricane but worth looking into.

We've been to a couple in the playa del carmen area of Mexico with our kids. That's a great area and very accessible to sites beyond the resort. Check the Latin American board for suggestions. We stayed at what is now called the Gala resort, and also Barcelo beach resort.

I love Grand Cayman, but AI's are not popular there, and I know some people who were there recently who said there is still a lot of damage from the hurricane to deal with.
We went to GC last year, but are going to the Riviera Maya this year to an AI for a change.
Did a lot of research on Locogringo.com and ended up with Riu Palace in Playacar. The Gala and Iberostar Tucan in Playacar are family friendly. check out all the AI's on Loco-there are plenty to choose from.