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| 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 |
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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 |
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.
| *The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This includes United States citizens! In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. For additional information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. |
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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. |
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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.
| My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
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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
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Caribbean Travel & Life - Escape to the Caribbean with Caribbean Travel & Life. Visit romantic hideaways and luxurious resorts and discover secluded beaches and teeming coral reefs. This magazine helps you find your own perfect place in the sun. For additional information, or to purchase a subscription, click on Caribbean Travel & Life. You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel
is a travel magazine for REAL people. This magazine is not just for those of
you on a budget - it's for everyone. Each issue comes packed with articles
on affordable and enjoyable vacations to just about everywhere.
For additional information, or to purchase a
subscription, click on
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel.
You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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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!
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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!
