“One Happy Island”
Get your U.S. Passport ready because you will need it to travel to Aruba. Average temperatures year round are in the mid 80’s so there really is no bad time to visit the sunny Dutch Island of Aruba. Aruba lies in the southern Caribbean Sea 17 miles off the coast of Venezuela, in South America. You will see the native Divi Tree, cactus, private coves, and a dry arid landscape when you visit Aruba.
Airfare and Lodging:
For $388 U.S. Air offers a round trip ticket from Atlanta to Aruba. Shop for all inclusive packages and off season deals and you may get an even better deal. I picked May (11-16th), just to try and avoid spring break. For $149 a night stay at the Divi Dutch Village an all-suite resort nestled in tropical gardens and natural pools, it really is a deal. Splurge and you can stay at Hyatt Aruba Resort and Casino for $335 a night or Marriot’s Aruba Resort and Stellaris Casino for $227 a night. Stay at the beach from Aruba Holiday Inn for only $148.00 a night and be in the center of Aruba’s famed Palm Beach.
What to do:
Try biking, a day fishing trip or sailing trip, snorkeling, golf, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, submarine excursions, windsurfing or just curl up on the beach with a good book. The Bon Bini Festivals, meaning “welcome” are a great way to learn and sample the local flavor of the island. For as little as $3.00 you can flavor local dance, art, history, and food. Most of these festivals take place in Oranjestad (The Capital). They are typically held every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30p.m. at Ft. Zoutman. Shopping will include many Dutch porcelains to honor the Dutch heritage of Aruba. Try some Dutch cheese while on the island. There is no sales tax in Aruba so the price you see is generally what you pay. Arubans eat their main meal at lunch time, so try some local ethnic fare at the fancier restaurants during the middle of the day.
Forget the traffic and cold weather at home and leave your cares behind. Aruba offers a relaxing vacation, miles of white sparkling sand beaches and warm weather.
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