You've planned and saved for your hard-earned vacation. Organized your time off. Done your research on destinations and activities. Gotten in touch with us seeking professional advice and to finalize your vacation. You are ready to go - and making the initial vacation deposit is the best money you've ever spent! Then - Mother Nature has different plans...

The above scenario happens to tens of thousands of people just like you EVERY year. If you travel in late summer and fall to the Caribbean, hurricanes are a very real possibility. And they can wreak havoc on all of your hard work! In 2017 alone, there were SIX major hurricanes (Category 3+) recorded in the Caribbean. Over $280 BILLION in damages were estimated. But not every destination if affected - some islands lie far south in the Caribbean, outside of the normal path of major hurricanes. Here are five of our favorite HURRICANE-FREE Caribbean destinations...

Aruba

One of the most visited islands in the Caribbean hasn't seen a hurricane since Felix in 2007 - and that was only Category 2 storm with VERY little damage sustained. If you are looking to avoid potential hurricane disruption, Aruba is about as sure a bet as there is in the Caribbean. Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are consistently two of the top beaches in the world - and the dry climate and low humidity are PERFECT for a beach vacation!

Hotel We Love: Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. This lush 15-acre resort occupies the original beachfront real estate in Aruba, situated in the direct center of world-famous Palm Beach. Water activities, sunset views, and beachfront restaurants are just steps away!

Bonaire

Located just over 800 miles north of the equator, Bonaire is one of the PREMIERdiving and snorkeling destinations in the world. Also, thanks in large part to its conservation planning and efforts, the island was designated as a marine park in 1979. The last major hurricane to hit here was way back in 1954 - and only brushes and small tropical storms have hit Bonaire since.

Hotel We Love: Harbour Village Beach Club. One of the few resorts in Bonaire with its own palm-studded beach, this marina resort is perfect for divers and families - with accommodations up to two-bedroom suites!

Curacao

Visitors to Curacao are often struck by how the island seems to have a little bit of everything! From nightlife, shopping and fine dining to museums to cultural events to world-class diving at over 60 locations, the island offers something for everyone. Curacao hasn't been hit by any Hurricane since Category 2 Felix - same as Aruba in 2007 - and sustained little damage.

Hotel We Love: Sunscape Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino. Part of the AM Resorts family of properties (like many of our Caribbean favorites), the all-inclusive Sunscape is perfect for families and sits on one of Curacao's best white-sand beaches!

Barbados

Barbados, the easternmost of the islands in the West Indies, is sometimes called "Little England" for its resolutely British character. Mount Gay Rum is the islands major export - along with singer Rihanna! Beaches here range from gentle golden sands along the Caribbean Sea west coast to rougher seas and waves along the Atlantic Ocean east coast. Hurricane Janet was the last major storm to hit here...almost 63 years ago.

Hotel We Love: The Crane Resort. Situated on a bluff overlooking one of the best stretches of beach in the Caribbean, The Crane is a honeymooners paradise - and perfect spots for hurricane-free destination weddings!

St. Lucia

One of the Caribbean's most LUSH islands, visitors to the island can expect to see lots of banana plantations and some of the Caribbean's most scenic mountain vistas! Only 14 hurricanes have moved closer than 60 miles to St. Lucia since 1850. Of those, only two have been considered major (Category 3 or higher) - In fact, the risk of a hurricane hitting St. Lucia is the same as the risk in Boston!

Hotel We Love: Jade Mountain Resort. This mountaintop sanctuary is the sort of place dreams are made of - and is one of the most sought-after honeymoon spots in the Caribbean. Think 4th wall open to views and fresh air - and private infinity pools!

Travel is one of the most important and enriching ways to invest in yourself and your loved ones. Don't let Mother Nature disrupt that investment! Get in touch with our team of experts at Susan Peavey Travel for your next hurricane-free vacation!