Ducking Hurricanes? Choose a Cruise

Cruising may be the best way to keep your vacation from being damaged by a hurricane this summer, which is expected to be another higher than average hurricane season. Typically 4 to 6 of these ill winds blow through the Southeast US, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the eastern Pacific between June 1 and Nov. 30 each year. In 2005, the official prediction is 7 to 9. Of course, these are odds -- the first tropical storm, Arlene, never grew into a hurricane. But if the past few years are any indication, it's a good idea to have some options.

That said, here is an inside tip to 8 dreamy but less well-known beaches in the tropics, according to Caribbean Travel & Life, and resources for the best diving in the Florida Keys, where marine scientists and environmentalists are working hard to preserve and restore over-dived and polluted reefs.