The island of Curacao is located in the southwestern Caribbean, 35 miles north of Venezuela. At 38 miles long and 7.5 miles at its widest point, it is the largest of the Netherlands Antilles, a collection of five Dutch-controlled Caribbean islands. Willemstad is the capital city.

U.S. and Canadian citizens need either a valid passport or a proof of citizenship accompanied by photo identification, each combined with a return ticket. Visitors from most other countries must provide a passport.

That of course depends on where you are coming from, but Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time during daylight savings time.

Average temperatures for the tropical island waver in the mid-80s. October to February is the rainy season, but Curacao only receives about 22 inches of rain per year. It is outside of the hurricane belt, and tropical disturbances are rare.

Dutch is the official language, but English, Spanish the native language of Papiamento, are spoken fluently throughout. Although U.S. currency is accepted everywhere, prices are in the Netherlands Antillean florin, which is linked to the US dollar at a stable rate of 1.77.

There is a $20 per person departure tax for international flights, and a $10 tax for those traveling within in the Caribbean. There is a five percent government tax, and a 10 percent service charge is incorporated into most restaurant bills.

Curacao's Blue Bay may be the only noteworthy golf option on the island, but it is definitely worth the travel, as it has often been touted as one of the world's top-100. Away from the sunny beach and warm sand, Curacao offers several entertainment activities that your entire family can enjoy  a walking tour through the historic city of Willemstad, a bicycle trip through the countryside, a late day trip to any one of the many museums, or a simple Jeep ride across the island.