It's a great time of year for a family vacation in the Caribbean. When I can make it happen, Jamaica is really nice this time of year. Of course, so are half a dozen other island…

If I can't get to Jamaica, the Virgin Islands are always my second choice. The beaches are great and the scenery is beyond words. St. John has a large area of national park land. That means there's been minimal development and you get to see the islands like they really are (instead of like the tourist companies remade them).

Be sure and bring your passports. It's pretty easy to get back and forth from the US Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands.

The easiest way into the Virgin Islands it through Puerto Rico. That offers some nice opportunities in itself. If you speak Spanish, the language of Puerto Rico is closer to the Old Spanish of Cervantes than most modern dialects. It's enchanting. You can take in the beaches, or the history, or the casinos and nightlife.

My favorite part of Puerto Rico? Chorizo sausage and eggs for breakfast at some small cafe…