tidy

My daughter is getting married in October and they are thinking of a Caribbean vacation. I think that is still hurricane season. They have considered Aruba, I think possibly because it may be cheap to reach from Denver. They are certainly open to other spots as well. She has been to Mexico so I think she'd like something other than Mexico. Can you Caribbean travelers share your expertise. I know they want a place to relax and probably would enjoy some activities as well if available. Gambling is not important and I do think that is part of the draw of Aruba but I may be wrong.

Odin

You can relax & have activities anywhere in the Caribbean, it's not much to go on. It's hurricane season until end of November. Aruba is not the typical Caribbean island with flat dry landscape, lots of cactus iguanas & Americans. But it does have lovely beaches, is easy to get around, lots of hotel choices & gambling is not obligatory, plenty of restaurants. Aruba can be affected by storms or hurricanes taking place elsewhere in the Caribbean, I have been going to the area for 30 years almost always in hurricane season & almost every year sometimes twice a year, so far, touch wood, have never been affected by a hurricane. Whether I would chance it for a honeymoon - not sure.
Can you get to Hawaii from Denver?

KVR

Islands to look at that time of year would include Aruba, Curacao, St. Lucia, Barbados and Grenada. Though there is no guarantee of perfect weather, those Islands will have the better chance for it.

We loved Aruba, but many people complain it's "too Americanzied" Like the Caribbean version of South Beach in Miami. I don't happen to agree with that statement. Eagle Beach is gorgeous. There are tons of restaurants and bars. Plenty of things to see and do, good shopping and so easy to get around. I feel the atmosphere is more directed to mature couples and families. There is a huge fan base for this Island and I know many people that return year after year. Historically for the past few years, Aruba has been getting it's share of tropical storms in December.

Depending on what type of honeymoon they are seeking, St. Lucia is gorgeous. Lush topography, waterfalls, and mountains. Great area for sightseeing and relaxing. However, the beaches are not a great as other destinations.

It is probably easier, less time consuming and less expensive to get to the Caribbean than it is to get to Hawaii from Denver. When we went to Hawaii it was a huge PIA to get there from Texas. We found the beaches sub par compared to Mexico and the Caribbean and the food meh. I hate the taste of grilled pineapple on everything. I would never return there unless we win the lottery, and then it would only be Kauai.

tidy

Our daughter has been to Hawaii and I do think it may be more costly to get there. I assume the temps are okay in the Caribbean in October it is just the chance of a hurricane that is troublesome???

schmerl

The temperature in October will be great. Just the hurricane season that causes concern.

KVR

I agree with schmerl.

Odin

The temps are fine in October, it's the chance of hurricanes plus it is the wettest time of year for some islands eg St Lucia that is the concern.

blamona

St. Lucia, Barbados and Grenada just got brushed by Tropical Storm Chantal. They have the same chance as anywhere else in Caribbean, and have been destroyed in past years by them.

Sounds dramatic, sorry I don't mean to, but picking an island during hurricane season, no one is better than others for weather, same chances. (Aruba might get hurricanes, but usually turns to tropical storm by then)

If there are no hurricanes, then weather is a great as it gets, crystal clear gorgeous water, puffy clouds on bright blue sky days.

I go during hurricane season every year. Been caught in a storm (or many) but other than a washed out 1 day, found the rest of the week to be scrumptious.

So, I say go to Caribbean, just get insurance for just in case.

Many people get married in Aruba, it is a general happy island pleaser.

But tell us How many are going to the wedding? little more about their tastes: do they need nightlife? excursions? diving? exploring?

I also highly recommend the bride gets away at least a long weekend before the wedding to check things out.

msteacher

Aruba is located just north of Venezuela, a considerable distance from most of the other Carribbean islands. It's chances for getting hit by a hurricane are very low.

tyler

October is the tail end of hurricane season, but like most posters have said, odds are you won't encounter one. This link shows the odds of a SINGLE named stormed between June and November - note that the Southern Caribbean is less than 10% for the entire 6 month period. http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G11.html

I have been to Aruba, which I liked, and Grenada (in late October/early November) which I LOVED!

tidy

The wedding will not be there, only the honeymoon. Possibly they could wait till November if that makes it less prone to a hurricane.

KVR

We have traveled several times the 1st or 2nd week of November with no issues. The exception was when Hurricane Wilma hit. We were in St. Lucia and though it didn't directly affect our trip it rained for most of the entire time.

We prefer the 1st or 2nd week of December instead. Much better weather in the Caribbean, low prices and crowds. The only weather issues we've had is coming in or getting out of an US airport do to snow/ice.