When Spanish explorers reached Aruba and its sister islands of Bonaire and Curacao in the early 1500s, they dismissed them as the Islas Inutiles, the Useless Islands. History proved them wrong. The dry climate and lack of rain that put them off are exactly what make Aruba one of the sunniest, most dependable vacation spots in the Caribbean.

Aruba is known for dazzling white beaches, modern comforts and warm, welcoming locals who often speak four languages. The water is so clear that divers and snorkelers come from all over to explore its shipwrecks, including the SS Antilla, one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean and shallow enough for snorkelers to see. Add sunshine all year and a food, art and culture scene that's grown up with the times, and it's easy to see why the island is so popular.

There's a place to stay for every style and budget: big resorts, boutique hotels and all-inclusives, plus newer options like overwater bungalows and even desert glamping in an Airstream. Aruba is the smallest of the ABC islands, but it draws the most North American visitors and has one of the highest repeat-visitor rates in the Caribbean. I'll match you with the right resort and the snorkel and island tours worth booking.