Choosing an island for summer vacation
 

I am starting to think about where we will go for a summer vacation in August. 2 adults and 2 kids, ages 10 and 12. If we go the the Caribbean, the beach will obviously be a big part of our vacation but I really want to pick a place that offers something more. Last summer we went to Europe and hopefully next summer will be Israel, so this summer we are trying to keep the costs down a bit by sticking to this hemisphere and don't need super luxury on the whitest sand beach. We aren't interested in AI resorts.

I'm searching for a place where we can experience a little bit of history (a cool fort or some interesting sight), I want the kids to learn something about the culture of the place we are visiting ( food, music, meet locals) and have an opportunity to do some fun activities (like snorkeling, see some wildlife). I would consider PR but my wife and I have been there several times, although there is plenty we haven't seen but I'd like to go somewhere new for us. So that rules out Anguilla, Aruba, St. Bart's and St. Martin too.

I am considering Curacao as it seems to offer a nice mix of beaches, history/culture, good restaurants and adventure. It's also a non stop flight from NY. I also like that many of the visitors are European and South American. We prefer a place where we can walk around at night with the kids even if it's just having an ice cream and people watching and Willemstad seems to offer that. I don't want the only kind of night time activity to be entertainment put on by a resort but on occasion that's fine too (especially if I can have a rum drink from the resort bar!).

Any thoughts about Curacao? Any suggestions are appreciated!

have you checked on the weather? The Caribbean isn't where I think of for a summer vacation because so many places it's the rainy season, hot and humid.

suze normally gives very good information on this forum but this time her comments implying that it is the rainy season and hot & humid on Curacao in August is way off the mark.

Weather statistics for Curacao in August show average daytime highs are in the mid-to-high 80's (vs. low-to-mid 80's in winter), while humidity remains fairly constant year round and only 5 rain days (days with some measurable amount of rain) giving a total of 1.7" for the entire month. Nothing to worry about weather-wise.

It was a question. That's why I used a question mark. I've never been to Curacao.

We spent the day on a cruise stop and were impressed with the island. W-sted is lovely, there are some beautiful beaches (slightly rocky on entrance) and wildlife areas. We visited a cave with an interesting history as a hideout for runaway slaves.
I think the challenge is finding a nice place to stay. And it might get a little boring beyond a week.

Thanks for the replies and the information.

I've been to the Caribbean several times during the summer and the weather has not been a problem for us. I am considering Curacao because of it's location which makes it a lower risk of being affected by a hurricane but I realize there is always a risk. However, after having vacations rained out in New England (where the water is always freezing!) and the mid-Atlantic where you might also have to deal with stifling humidity and I even had a vacation cut short due to a hurricane (Irene), I've decided to have a nice beach vacation it's worth it to travel to the Caribbean. I'd also rather spend 4 hours in an airplane than be stuck in traffic on 95!

Anyway, we are definitely intrigued by Curacao and I agree that a week will be plenty of time.

We have only been there in the winter but we loved it. There are usual beach activities and on the rough side of island(nature wise not safety wise) there is some hiking. Not sure if there is any real night life/activities beyond bars and shows. If you want a great private tour guide who was reasonable we used Edo if you are interested I could find his contact info

Love Curacao and we've been all over the Carribean to 30+ islands.

We went to Curacao last September and stayed at an AI. Even with no kids, we could see it is family friendly with something for everyone. Its a great island where you feel free to walk outside the walls of your resort. In fact we took a local bus from our resort into town. There is a lot to see and do there. Must see though is the synagogue. There is also a Jewish tour available if interested

Jelijo,

Glad to hear that. We have decided to visit Curacao and really looking forward to everything it has to offer. From what I am reading and hearing, it sounds like a great place for us to visit this summer.