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Curacao

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Visit Curacao for an interesting and fun getaway. Just click on the topic below to find information you will need for your visit to Curacao. General Information On Curacao Getting To and Around Curacao Cities and Towns in Curacao Suggestions For Accommodations In Curacao To See And Do In Curacao Suggestions For Dining in Curacao Favorite Places And Things To Do In Curacao Books, Magazines and Other Information Curacao Links World Wide Travel Related Links! Getting Away Travel Store - Travel Items and Accessories Discounts and Deals - Save Money, Buy on Line

Handelskade, Willemstad, Curacao Photographic Print Buy at AllPosters.com Posters and Framed Art for Curacao

Getting To and Around Curacao
Most visitors to Curacao arrive either by air or by cruise ship.  The local air carrier, ALM, has scheduled flights to Curacao from several Caribbean islands, as well as Miami, Atlanta and Surinam. Other airlines also provide regular service.

Getting To Curacao
Getting Around In Curacao

Getting To Curacao

Travelers to Curacao normally arrive by air at Willemstad at Curaçao's Hato International Airport. Direct flights from the U.S. and Canada are available connecting through Miami and New York. Connecting flights are also available from Caribbean regional air carriers through the airports at Santo Domingo and San Juan. Hato International services a variety of airlines, including, but not limited to, ALM Airline, Aerosucre, Aerovenca, Air Aruba, Allegro Air, American Airlines Cargo, American Trans Air, Amerijet, Atlas Air, Avensa, Avianca, Condor, Cubana, DHL Air, Guyana Airways, KLM, LAV-Venezolana, Las Americas, Martinair Holland, Merlin Express, Pacific Airlines, SLM, Sky Jet, Sobelair, Star Air, and VASP. Unmetered, government regulated taxi services will take you to your final destination on Curaçao.

For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
 

Airline
Air Aruba
ALM
American Airlines
Condor
KLM
Martinair
Sobelair

Many cruise ships include Curacao in their itinerary. If you are interested in visiting Curacao on a cruise vessel, check the listing below for suggested cruise operators.

For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.

Getting Around In Curacao

Taxis have no meters but fares are normally pretty standard.  However, it is best to agree on your fare with the driver before starting out. A taxi from the Cruise ship terminal to town (Punda) costs about US$8 for up to 4 persons. To hire a taxi for sightseeing will cost about US$ 20 per hour. Tipping is normally about 10% of the fare.

You will find several car rental agencies in Curacao.  Consult the telephone book Yellow Pages for a complete listing. You will also find that several agencies have desks at mayor hotels. Rates can vary considerably. Expect to pay US$ 25 per day and up for a standard compact without air-conditioning, at least US$ 40 per day for an air-conditioned sedan, and about US$ 45 for a Jeep. An international credit card is normally required.  If you do not have a credit card, be prepared to make a substantial cash deposit.

Cities and Towns in Curacao

Piscadera Bay

My preferred hotel chain is Marriott. 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!

Things To See And Do In Curacao
The Beaches!
Each of Curacao's thirty-eight beaches offers something special.  The beaches are quite safe and you will enjoy exploring the coastline. Most of the swimming beaches are on the southwest coast where the water is calm and crystal-clear.  And, you can find everything from long strands of beaches bustling with activity, to an intimate cove where you can enjoy being alone.  Additionally, you will find many scenic spots surrounded by giant cliffs that are great for photographers.

One word of caution -- watch out for the poisonous yellow and green fruits of the shady manchineel tree.  If you come into contact with one with wet skin, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people.  And, mosquitoes and gnats sometimes come out at dusk.  But, they can be kept away with a good insect repellent.

Diving!
This is a great place for diving for both the experienced diver and the novice.  It is also a wonderful place for both the avid snorkeler or a first-timer.  Curacao has a wide variety of dive sites which are the perfect settings for underwater adventure.  There are several companies that can rent you any of the equipment you will need for diving and snorkeling.  Additionally, you can find everything from complete dive packages to all levels of instruction and certification. 

Other Sports!
Whether on land, or on the sea, Curacao has a variety of sports to tempt just about everyone!  Water sports enthusiasts, of course, will love it here. Curacao has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean, as well as great deep sea fishing and sailing. Windsurfing conditions are excellent and surfboarders will love this place.  The seaquarium beach and several hotels have water sports centers.

If you enjoy tennis, some hotels also have tennis courts. Golfers can play a few rounds on the sand greens of the Curacao Golf and Squash Club. There are plans to build another major international quality golf course.

Hikers and walkers will want to spend time at Christoffel and Shete Boca Parks.  And joggers will enjoy the Koredó, a 2.5 kilometer seaside track just north of town.

Soccer or baseball enthusiasts might enjoy watching a game at one of the many neighborhood fields and stadiums.

Suggestions For Dining in Curacao
Curacao has a nice selection of international restaurants which offer a wide variety of cuisine.  However, do not act like a tourist.  You will find the locals dress very fashionable.  Therefore, beachwear is not appropriate except for beach bars and takeout, and shorts and sandals for men are not acceptable at many places.  Many restaurants are air-conditioned so you may want to bring a light jacket or sweater. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge. You may leave an additional tip if you are pleased with the service.


Favorite Places And Things To Do
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Links for Curacao
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.

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!