Ten Palms Travel Recommends.....Aruba

We love Aruba for a fantastic autumn beach getaway.  Why?  There are so many reasons, but primarily because you can have an amazing tropical experience and not have to worry too terribly much about hurricanes ruining your trip. With year round temperatures averaging 82 degrees and boasting the most sunny days over any other island in the Caribbean, this amazing destination is perfect for chasing the winter blues away. This is definitely an island for lovers of lazy beach days, late party nights, and adventurous excursions. Here are my top ten reasons why you should consider this happy little island for your next vacation.

​#10 - You Might Come Home A Millionaire!
Okay, so probably not, but you can't blame a girl for dreaming! Aruba is fondly known as the "Las Vegas of the Caribbean", and it has no shortage of nightlife. Almost every major resort has a large casino and you will find a variety of cabaret shows, discos, clubs, and bars throughout the capital of Oranjestad and in the resorts along the major beaches.

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#9 - Spend the day on an all-inclusive private island.
Aruba has two private islands that can be accessed by day passes: Renaissance Island and De Palm Island. De Palm Island makes for a great day of family fun. For about $100 per person, you can spend an all-inclusive day on the island with unlimited food and drink, snorkeling, banana boat rides, ziplining, salsa lessons, a water park, and more. Cabana rentals, beach massages, hair braiding, and snuba are available as well for an added fee. This is a must do if you are traveling with kids!

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​#8 - Swim with flamingos? Yes, please!
Renaissance Island (aka Flamingo Island) can be accessed daily for free if you stay at the Renaissance Hotel, day passes are offered to non-guests if occupancy allows for it each day. On this island, you can enjoy free roaming flamingos on the adults only side and iguanas on the side for families. Games, beach beds, and floats make this a perfect beach day. To round it off, a beach bar and restaurant and spa will make this perfect day complete.

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​#7 - Learn a new language at the weekly Bon Bini Festival.
Maybe just a few words, but if you are the type of traveler that likes a little culture with your beach, you won't want to miss the Bon Bini Festival. This weekly festival is held every Tuesday evening rain or shine in town and showcases and celebrates Aruba's culture. Learn about the the history of the island, a little bit of the language and become immersed with the island's people and their story. Dancers in extravagant costumes, music, artwork, and food are the highlights of the truly Aruban carnival atmosphere. It shouldn't be missed. $10 for adults, $5 for children.

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#6 - Swim in a deep natural pool and take in some beautiful sights.
Aruba is full of natural sights and experiences. Take a hike or a bike tour partially through the 7,907 acres of Arikok National Park. While you are there, be sure to take a dip in the Natural Pool - an ocean water pool surrounded by volcanic rock to protect swimmers from the crashing waves of the sea. A visit to the Casibari Rock Formations is also a popular trip. Spend some time wandering around inside the formations and you'll discover paths leading to secret gardens full of flowers. Most visitors simply go to the tallest rock and leave, missing the sights that this location has to offer.

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​#5 - Amazing sunset viewing opportunities.  
Some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world happen in Aruba. By far, the best places to view them are on a sunset catamaran cruise or at the California Lighthouse. This monument is named after a ship that actually sunk off the coast of Aruba. The lighthouse remains one of the many attractions that you will visit on an island tour.

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#4 - Snorkel at several shipwrecks and windsurf till your heart's content.
Due to numerous shipwrecks off Aruba's coastline, snorkeling and diving in the area are excellent. One of the best places to snorkel is off of Boca Catalina Beach in the northeast area. In addition, reliable trade winds make Aruba one of the best locations in the world for windsurfing. Catamarans, kayaking, parasailing, fishing, and jet skiing are all popular ways to spend your days in Aruba.

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#3 - Channel your inner food snob.
The melting pot of cultures makes Aruba a culinary traveler's dream. Noted as one of the best locations for foodies in the Caribbean, you can experience a blending of flavors from Holland, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean along with fresh seafood. You are sure to find something to satisfy you. The Aruba Gastronomic Association heads a fantastic Dine Around program that allows visitors to dine at more than 30 of Aruba's top restaurants by pre-paying before you travel.
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​#2 - Let loose and explore galore!
As mentioned in my intro, Aruba is safe enough to explore on your own. Let out your inner Indiana Jones and rent a jeep to spend the day riding around and exploring the island at your leisure. The entire island is only 70 square miles which is easy to see in one day. If you want to make certain you don't miss anything, we would recommend an ATV, segway, or horseback riding tour as some locations (especially the Natural Pool mentioned above), can be difficult to find without a guide.

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​#1 - You won't find more consistently perfect beach days.
Aruba has arguably some of the most perfect beaches and weather in the world. Littering on beaches can cost you a hefty $270 fine, so they are kept very clean and pristine. Although the trade winds that keep hurricanes away can make them a bit windy at times, the perfect white sand, crystal clear blue water, and swaying palm trees throughout the island make you feel like you are in paradise every time you step outside.

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Traci Kiosterud (owner) is an Aruba Certified Expert and has won awards for top sales in our region.  We know and love Aruba and would love to help you plan your next vacation to this happy island!  Contact us today!  

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