9 Zika-free destinations around the world if you're planning a vacation this year

Much of the Caribbean is at risk of Zika, so you may have to cross Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico off your list. Fortunately, the Bahamas has the perfect sandy beaches of your dreams — and it recently joined the list of Zika-free destinations on the CDC website.

India and the rest of the Asian subcontinent are not the best places to avoid Zika. However, travelers can visit the island nation of Sri Lanka off India's Bengali coast with peace of mind.

While major Pacific islands of Indonesia and the Philippines are not exempt from Zika, just south is Australia with no known infections.

Much of sub-Saharan Africa is prone to Zika infections, but Zimbabwe falls south of the affected areas. The town and waterfall border Zambia, which also has no known risk of Zika.

Texas and Florida are the only US states that have reported cases of Zika. If you are cautious and fear Miami and Houston, you can split the difference by traveling to the Big Easy.

North Africa, with its hot desert climate, is free of any Zika worries. Marrakesh is a great, underrated travel spot that mixes the Sahara and the Mediterranean.

The Arabian peninsula is Zika-free, so anywhere in the United Arab Emirates is fair game. Dubai is a good choice if you're tired of the tropical vibe but aren't willing to let go of 80-degree warmth.

Europe — far enough north to make it mostly free of mosquitoes — has no known Zika infections. From Lisbon, Portugal, to Istanbul, Turkey, Europe has plenty of destinations for travelers worried about catching the virus.