Aruba is a small island (about 70 square miles) in the Southern Caribbean. Aruba's mild climate (the year-round average temperature is 82 degrees Farenheit), constant breezes and friendly residents make it a popular Caribbean destination for couples and families. Aruba claimed its autonomy from the Netherlands Antilles in the 1980s, and is an independent entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Getting to Aruba
Aruba is in the Southern Caribbean, about 2 1/2 hours by air from Miami and 4 1/2 hours from New York. Major airlines that service Aruba include American, US Airways, Continental, United and Delta from the U.S. and KLM from Europe. Visiting US and Canadian citizens are required to show a passport, as well as a return ticket home.
Money Matters in Aruba
Aruba uses the Aruban Florin), although most everyone accept U.S. dollars as well. The exchange rate is about 1.81 AFL to $1 U.S. Visitors are required to pay departure fees of $36.75 for U.S. destinations and $33.50 for other international destinations. A taxi from the airport to one of the High Rise Hotels will cost $12-16; to the Low Rise Hotels, $14-20. Traveling from the hotels to the capital city of Oranjestad is $6-12 by taxi. Tipping (10-15 percent of the fare) is optional.
Culture in Aruba
Aruba's population of just under 100,000 people blends together over 40 different nationalities. The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, although English and Spanish are widely spoken. Down the road from the hotels is the capital, Oranjestad, where visitors can shop and dine. The island also treats visitors who venture away from the hotel area to historic sites and natural beauty.
Activities in Aruba
Aruba is a very popular destination among windsurfers and kiteboarders, thanks to constant winds blowing off the beach. Snorkeling and scuba are also popular activities. To see more the island, take a tour across the rugged terrain on ATV, by Jeep or on horseback. After dark, visit one of Aruba's casinos or nightclubs.
When to Go to Aruba
Weather: Aruba enjoys a year-round average temperature of 82 degrees Farenheit. The island is outside the main hurricane belt.
Crowds: Peak season is mid-December through April, when the weather is cold in the Northeastern U.S. and more travelers book trips.
Crowds: Peak season is mid-December through April, when the weather is cold in the Northeastern U.S. and more travelers book trips.
Where to Stay in Aruba
Aruba's hotels are all located along the southwestern shore of the island, along a stretch of white sandy beaches (Palm and Eagle) about 15 minutes from the airport. Low-rise and high-rise hotels in Aruba are clustered together. You can also choose to stay in a high rise in downtown Oranjestad, near shopping, dining and the only movie theater on the island. Aruba hotels are constantly renovating and improving, leaving guests with occasional construction noise but consistently refreshed rooms and facilities.
