Aruba, known as "One Happy Island," has dazzling beaches, luxury hotels and a variety of attractions and activities. Visitors can drop in at the Caribbean Festival, a family-friendly street party taking place every Thursday evening in San Nicolas. U.S. travelers to Aruba are precleared by customs at Queen Beatrix Airport.

Barbados has retained much of its British flavor, with cricket a national pastime and high tea a daily event. Known for its pink sand and aqua waters, Barbados attracts more than 550,000 people every year.

The Dominican Republic greeted 6.1 million tourists last year, a 6.4% increase. New hotels range from luxury resorts to family-friendly, all-inclusive properties and boutique getaways. Visitor activities include whale-watching tours, horseback riding and ziplining over tree canopies.

Blessed with beautiful beaches, soaring mountains, fun all-inclusive resorts and a rich culture that gave the world reggae, Rastafarians and Red Stripe  not to mention spicy jerk chicken  Jamaica continues to top many Americans' sun-and-fun vacation wish lists.

St. Lucia's palm-fringed beaches, miles of unspoiled rain forest and majestic Piton Mountains make it a favorite for those seeking romance, rejuvenation or adventure. Hotels throughout St. Lucia offer kid-friendly menus and activities and adjoining rooms, making the island an appealing choice for a family getaway.

St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, packs a ton of visitor-friendly activities into its 32 square miles. Aside from its picturesque beaches, visitors can check out attractions such as the 99 Steps of Charlotte Amalie, offering impressive Caribbean views, or Fort Christian, which dates to 1680.