Editor's Note: We encourage readers to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (opens in new tab) for the latest information on how to travel safely during a COVID-19 pandemic.

If you want to be almost certain of good weather on your next trip, go to Aruba. This island in the Dutch Caribbean (close enough to the Venezuelan coast to see Venezuela) is outside the hurricane belt and always warm and breezy. In addition to the white sand beaches one would expect in the Caribbean, the rugged Alycock National Park (open in new tab), which covers nearly 20% of the island, are just two of the reasons Aruba has the highest rate of repeat visitors in the Caribbean. Aruba's capital, Oranjestad, is home to most of the resorts, but there are other attractions outside the tourist center. The local language, Papiamento, is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and Creole, but English is also widely spoken on the island. You can also learn more about the current health requirements for COVID-19 visitors on the Aruba travel website (opens in new tab).

Sure, there are tables on the sand, but be sure to ask for the ankle-deep water drooling tables at Flying Fishbone (opens in new tab). The restaurant is located in a traditional Alban Knuk house in the fisherman's town of Savaneta. You may come for the experience, but the food will surely keep you coming back.

Renaissance Island (open in new tab) is home to Flamingo Beach, a paradise owned by the Renaissance Hotel. There, you can kayak, float in the calm waters, relax in a hammock, and of course, meet the private island's colorful residents.

Aruba's Alicok National Park (open in new tab) is a protected area that covers about 20 percent of the island. Most tours are conducted in four-wheel-drive vehicles (though the roads can still be rough). Guides will take you through rock formations, caves, pristine beaches, and conchs (natural sea pools).

The award-winning Eagle Beach (wide shoreline, sugar sand) is home to the Manchebo Beach Resort (open in new tab). With only two floors, it offers an attractive alternative to mega-resorts. It offers a wide range of health-oriented activities, attracting those who enjoy beach vacations and yoga and meditation. Relax on the stunning grounds dotted with palapas, palm trees, and hammocks.

Manchebo Beach Resort's Spa del Sol (open in new tab) is a Balinese-style spa with gorgeous open-air cabanas facing the beach. 5 private treatment rooms offer everything from hot stone massages to body wraps. treatments ranging from hot stone massages to body wraps. The Moreu Facilitation & Healing Center (open in new tab) is also Aruba's only energy healing center.

With a large wine selection and many unique Dutch dishes on the menu, such as scadellappen (flank steak braised in red wine and herbs), Quinta del Carmen (open in new tab) is a lovely restaurant to sit back and watch the sunset! The restaurant has a courtyard and a 100-year-old mansion. You can dine in the courtyard or in the 100-year-old mansion.

At the southern end of Aruba, about a 30-minute drive from Oranjestad, San Nicolas (opens in new tab) is an art district featuring large colorful murals and tile mosaic benches. The winding streets are lined with galleries and cafes.

In downtown Oranjestad, the casually elegant Wilhelmina (opens in new tab) offers chef Dennis Van Datzeler's excellent cuisine, including house-made fresh pasta, steaks, and seafood. From the top-notch service to the expertly paired wines, a meal at Wilhelmina will be an unforgettable dinner.

Apotek Speakeasy (opens in new tab) is the best craft cocktail bar in Aruba. The bar and the drinks themselves will be customized to your taste, inspired by the cures for ailments prescribed by the bartenders.

Since you'll be spending your days in Aruba in a swimsuit (open in new tab), along with cut-off shorts (open in new tab), you'll need one (or seven, depending on how many you wear) swimsuits that you can wear from the beach to the boat to lunch. Leave the heels at home and get some espadrilles (open in new tab) that won't sink into the sand. At night, a light dress (opens in new tab) will get you anywhere you want to go.

If you fall in love with Aruba, book your trip here (opens in new tab).