Bonnie Bonaire: A Curious Look at This Small Island Outside the Hurricane Belt.

I am always looking for that beautiful magical sun-kissed beach paradise I could spend my golden years in peace-filled bliss. However, the hurricane and global warming threat is real for me. Even if global warming is not the actual apocalypse scientists predict, the one thing unnerving is the idea of my home being swept away category fifty hurricane event. When one Googles "hurricane safe islands" Bonaire, among others, pops up.

Bonaire is part of the ABC Island chain; Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire share a similar relationship with the Netherlands. It was part of the Netherlands Antilles until 2010 then became a "special municipality" within the Netherlands. Its original inhabitants date back to pre-colonial times as evidenced by anthropological records of indigenous peoples, migrations, languages, and rock paintings. Presently, about 80% of Bonaire's population are Dutch nationals and 60% of residents were born in the former Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (Wikipedia).

As to Bonaire's appeal, the major upside is that it is outside the hurricane belt. Even though it is a diver's paradise there are plenty of sandy beaches and activities for non-divers to enjoy. I have scuba dived in the past but never developed a passion for it. So, when the dive boats depart, I will be sipping a pina from my lounge chair.

Bonaire is not a cheap destination. However, for the more frugal traveler there are always ways to circumvent the pitfalls of an expensive get-away. It's on my bucket list for sure; not because it's a well known destination with an Instagram worthy following; but just because I'm...curious.