Aruba Scuba—Wrecks Go Diving!

Though many Caribbean islands boast excellent diving, Aruba takes the prize for wreck diving—in fact, the only island that can beat it is Bermuda, which isn’t even technically in the Caribbean at all. There are at least seven notable wreck sites off the shore of Aruba, as well as many fascinating reefs and drift diving sites.

Some of Aruba’s best wrecks date back to World War II, when ships were scuttled for tactical reasons. The Antilla Wreck is one of them. This 400-foot-long (give or take a few feet) German freighter is often listed among the best dives in the Caribbean. It’s near enough to shore that it breaks the surface in low tide, making it a popular snorkeling destination as well.

Another great wreck is the Pedernales, which is actually the center section of an oil tanker that was severely damaged by German submarine fire in 1942. It’s interesting to consider that, while the two other sections of the tanker went back to “active duty” after being reconstructed, this mid-section now lies peacefully beneath the waves amidst a colorful undersea garden of coral where schools of angelfish and parrotfish play.

Five Romantic Aruba Moments

Renowned as a destination for honeymoons, destination weddings, and other romantic escapes, Aruba is also a place that gets a lot of return traffic. Which means that special occasions don’t just take place here; they’re celebrated in such a way that makes people want to return and commemorate them over and over again.

If you’re planning a special occasion in Aruba, consult the calendar carefully. Hurricane season, winter, and other low seasons can turn this bustling, socially engaging destination into a quiet, somnolent island where the crashing waves will be your only company.

If that appeals to you, there are many places along Aruba’s seven-mile coastline where you can spend quality time with your sweetie. If you require an umbrella drink in hand to be truly happy, stick with the hotel beaches. If you want something a little more secluded, Arashi is recommended by locals and visitors alike.

Top 3 Money-Saving All-Inclusive Trips to the Tropics

When food, drinks, and activities are included in the price, a tropical resort vacation can feel like a downright bargain. Here's a guide to three Caribbean island resorts where the price is right.

Nassau, Bahamas
Accommodations at the Paradise Island Harbour Resort include three meals daily, unlimited house drinks, snacks throughout the day, snorkeling, bike rentals, use of the swimming pool, activities for kids ages 4 to 12, and more.

Top 10 Travel Tips to Avoid Getting "Greenwashed"

As the importance of sustainable tourism continues to grow, environmentally sensitive travelers should be aware of the difference between authentically green resorts and "greenwashed" resorts and hotels that position themselves as environmentally friendly, but only have minimal green practices in place. Ewald Biemans, owner of Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba, has been an environmental advocate for more than 30 years and has lead Bucuti to become a model resort in sustainable tourism throughout the Caribbean and the world. Here are ten green tips from Biemans to help savvy travelers identify the greenest resorts: