Those who love their tropical beach vacations may have happily noticed the start of the annual "summer season" of discounted rates in the Caribbean (and Mexico's Caribbean, too): a long "season" that lasts right through until the end of December, typically.

Many family travelers like to head to the tropics over the summer school- holiday months, to enjoy all the perks of an all-inclusive beach resort.

But there is that little matter of hurricanes...

• read about hurricane season - the basic scoop about when and where hurricanes are most likely to hit

Also, check out strategies for Caribbean vacations during hurricane season. There are several ways you can protect your holiday from tropical storms, from picking safer islands, to "weather guarantees" by resorts and holiday packagers.