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Aruba

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General Information On Aruba Getting To Aruba Getting Around In Aruba Accommodations In Aruba Suggestions For Things To See And Do In Aruba Suggestions For Dining in Aruba Cities and Towns in Aruba Books, Magazines and Other Information Weather Information For Aruba Aruba Links World Wide Travel Related Links! Getting Away Travel Store - Travel Items and Accessories Discounts and Deals - Save Money, Buy on Line Posters and Framed Art for Aruba

Divi-Divi Tree, Aruba Framed Photographic Print Buy at AllPosters.com

General Information On Aruba

Aruba is an island, about 70 square miles in area, of the Netherlands Antilles. It is located about 20 miles north of the coast of Venezuela. The island is about 20 miles in length and 6 miles at its widest point and encompasses about 70 square miles. Unusual for a Caribbean island, because of its dry climate, the vegetation includes a wide variety of cacti set among interesting rock formations. This is an island where desert landscapes meet picturesque beaches. An island that is unique among the Caribbean. Aruba's unusual climate and landscape make this island a natural paradise, fit for escape and exploration. Unlike any other Caribbean island, Aruba makes an amazing destination. For more detailed information, visit The Aruba Guide, the official Aruba website or VisitAruba.com. For more information write the Aruba Tourism Authority, 1000 Harbor Boulevard, Ground Level, Weehawken, NH 07087, or call 201.330.0800 or 1.800.862.7822. You can also email for information at ata.newjersey@toaruba.com. Be sure to request the brochure called "Aruba Bonbini."  You can also contact them at Aruba On-Line. Passports, Visas and Entry Requirements Currency Health and Safety Languages The People of Aruba Geography Electricity

 

I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

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Passports, Visas and Entry Requirements

U.S.* visitors to Aruba must have one of the following documents: a valid passport, a valid "laissez-passer" from the United Nations, a birth certificate with a raised seal and a photo I.D. U.S. citizens born outside of the United States must have an original Certificate of Naturalization. Citizens of all other countries, including those of the Caribbean, are required to have a valid passport, and as usual, make sure you have on-going or return tickets.

 

Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency.

Currency
The official currency of Aruba is the florin, denoted by the letters “Afl.” Aruban currency is floating, so be sure to check the exchange rate before your departure.

Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare.  Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! 

Health and Safety
Tourists should have few health concerns while traveling in Aruba. The only medical requirement for entry into Aruba is a yellow fever vaccination for people aged six-months and older who are traveling from an infected location. The vaccination certificate doubles as legal proof of vaccination. Medical services are available and if the problem is something that cannot be taken care of on the island, airlifts to nearby facilities in Curaçao is available. Although the water is okay to drink, you may prefer to purchase bottled water.

Languages
Dutch is the official language of Aruba, but Arubans also speak Spanish, English, and the island blend Papiamento. Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

The People of Aruba
Unlike other Caribbean cultures, which have a history of injustice and slavery, the geography of the island and tourism have shaped Aruban culture. Arubans are a happy people who are very "laid back" and embrace the island's slogan of “One Happy Island.” Arubans love music, especially merengue, soca, and the local mix known as socarengue. It seems that you can hear music almost everywhere. They take pride in education, using 17 percent of the national budget for education costs. This is one of the reason Arubans are well-versed in many languages, including Dutch, Spanish, English, and the native blend called Papiamento, which is a mixture of various other tongues.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Tourism web site contains useful information for visitors, investors, locals, and others who wish to find out more about Aruba's economic affairs, tourism, social affairs and culture. 

Geography
As Aruba averages only about 16 inches per year, the island isn't as lush as other Caribbean islands. Here you will find a flat and dry land with a desert landscape. However, the beaches are refreshing and beautiful. The sea around Aruba is mostly calm and clear, but the northeast coast is rugged with jagged rock formations and coral cliffs. Northern Aruba is also home to some of unique, indigenous vegetation such as the divi-divi tree, Caribbean cacti, and Aruban aloe. Arikok National Park comprises 18 percent of the island and is a major eco-tourism site.

Electricity
Aruba uses the same electrical system as the U.S. and Canada, 110 – 120 volts. Visitors from other countires may need adapters for their appliances.

Cities and Towns in Aruba

My preferred hotel chain is Marriott. Marriott has hotels in Oranjestad and Palm Beach. I have stayed Residence Inns, which are prefect for longer stays with all the comforts of home; Spring Hill Suites, which I have found nice for longer stays as the have up to 25% more room than comparably priced rooms; Towne Place Suites, again when I want more room or am on a longer stay; Courtyard by Marriott, which has everything the business traveler needs, as well as families; Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, which I find spacious, comfortable and affordable. Another great idea is to stay at one of the JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts where you can enjoy a new dimension for your vacation or holiday. and Marriott Hotels and Resorts and have found them all to be of consistent quality and service. I have also stayed at some of their Vacation Club properties and have enjoyed each visit. AAA members can get discount rates at Marriott, as can Seniors. Click on Great Getaways for less at Marriott for special officers and great deals at Marriott hotels worldwide!

Suggestions For Things To See And Do In Aruba
Arikok National Park is an area of unique scenic beauty, flora and fauna, geological formations, and cultural resources. The highest points in Aruba are located within the park and include Arikok and Jamanota hilltops. The Arikok National Park land area encompasses the three primary geological formations that shape the island of Aruba: the Aruba lava formation, a quartz diorite formation, and a limestone formation that extends inward from the coastline.
 

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Suggestions For Dining in Aruba
Aruba, with such a multicultural heritage, offers restaurants which cater to a wide variety of tastes and feature such specialties as French, Indonesian, Argentinean, Japanese, Dutch, Italian, and Latin American cuisines.  You can also find authentic Aruban cuisine at many restaurants.  You will want to try the "scavechi" (marinated fried fish) served with "funchi," an Aruban version of polenta.  Reservations are suggested during the buy tourist season.

A gratuity of between 10% and 15% for service is usually added to the bill automatically.

Books, Magazines and Other Information
 

Weather Information For Aruba
It is always summer in Aruba, and hardly ever rains. The average daytime temperature is in the low 80s. The differences in the temperatures between night and day is normally less than 4 degrees. The average rainfall is less than 20 inches per year -- normally during November and December. And, perhaps best of all, Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt.  So, for the most part, Aruba's weather is normally perfect!

Current Weather at Queen Beatrix Airport


 

2007 Travel Alert - Passports Needed for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Caribbean. Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport. As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Click here for the State Department Summary.  And, if you need a passport in a hurry, because you forgot to apply months ago when you should have and your trip is almost upon you, click on Passports In A Hurry, or on Passport Visa Express!