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Basics: Tips for a Curacao Vacation

July 19, 7:58 PMIndianapolis Living Abroad ExaminerWendy Gould
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       Photo credit: www.concierge.com

Curacao is one of the three islands that make up the Netherlands Antilles chain (Aruba and Bonaire are the other two), a tropical, yet hurricane-free, zone located in the southern Caribbean Sea off the Venezuelan coast.. Popular activities include outdoor recreation such as hiking, climbing, rafting and snorkeling as well as cultural sightseeing, shopping and dining. The population there is made up of a diverse group of people who speak a variety of languages, including Dutch, English, Spanish and Portuguese, making Curacao one of the most interesting islands in the Caribbean region.

Money
The local Curacao currency is, naturally, the Netherlands Antillean guilder (sometimes referred to as the Florin). The United States dollar is also widely circulated there so using US cash may be an option in some areas. Major credit cards are accepted at most locations and ATMs can easily be spotted around the island, especially in shopping centers, airports and places that receive heavy traffic. The name for ATM is “ankomatico,” a title which is displayed above most, if not all, ATMs.

Getting Around
Traveling in Curacao is relatively easy to do. For those who don’t want to rent a car, a taxi is the second best option. Fares range depending on traffic and distance, but an average trip from the airport to Willemstad is $10-$15 US Dollars. Other travel options include scooter or bicycle rentals (throughout the island) and cruises or airlines which can take you to the various Curacao islands.


Climate
Curacao experiences seamlessly perfect weather all year round. With an average of 80 degrees throughout the year and cool winds which never seem to stop, the weather there seems almost too good to be true. The rainy season, however, begins in October and ends in February and during that time short showers (mostly at night) are likely to occur. The total rainfall for Curacao throughout the year is only 22 inches.

Cost
Aside from the cost of an airline ticket to Curacao, the general cost of living in this Caribbean community is considered very affordable. There are a number of beaches located throughout the island that allow visitors to soak up sun rays and splash around in the ocean for free. Dining can be as inexpensive or as exorbitant as you desire and the same can be said for lodging accommodations. In addition, sightseeing is at no cost. Some popular beaches, restaurant and dining options are as follows:

 

For more info: Please visit my personal blog at www.wendygould.com for a personal take on living abroad and check out my other articles on Examiner.com for travel advice and other travel -related articles.

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