Our family of four, I have children 18 and 20, and we are planning a vacation for a week in the Carribean in October. We would like to find a not so crowded and not terribly expensive nice beach for us. Any suggestions would be appreciated?

<BR>You are in the hurricane season and you will want to see which islands have not yet been affected. My favorite is Timothy Beach Resort in St. Kitts. It is the only resort on the calm caribbean waters. They also have a hurricane plan in affect for your safety. www.timothybeachresort.com

Pattie: How about Aruba? <BR> <BR>It is not located in the "hurricane belt", it's just off the coast of Venezuela and I believe that October is still considered the "off season". There is something there for the entire family. <BR> <BR>Do a search at this website for "Aruba" and you will get a ton of info. Good luck!

Out of the hurricane belt - Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Tobago, Trinidad, Grenada, Barbados. Your first 5 are safest bets. Bonaire & Tobago are especially good for snorkelling & low key. No beaches of note on Bonaire, however.

Definitely stay south of the hurricane belt -- Aruba is the best overall choice. <BR> <BR>If you're willing to tolerate a little risk, then the western Caribbean is okay. Most October hurricanes hit the eastern Carib. Very few affect the west after September. That would open up Cayman and Cancun/Cozumel. <BR> <BR>

Thank you for all your help. Aruba is looking good! Thanks again, pattie