By Megan Harris

"Grandeza di bo pueblo ta su gran cordialidad." When translated, this line from Aruba’s national anthem says "The greatness of our people is their great cordiality," a line that rings true for many visitors to the Caribbean island. The people of Aruba have built a reputation for hospitality and are known for their efforts at making visitors feel welcome and appreciated. Even the divi divi trees bid you welcome as their branches, sculpted by the unending trade winds that swirl through the island, reach out toward the sea.

Aruba is located fifteen miles off the coast of Venezuela and is about a four hour flight from New York City. The island is famous not only for its friendly atmosphere and good-natured natives, but also for its near-perfect weather conditions.

Temperatures average 82 degrees year round. Aruba is a dry, almost desert-like island with an average of only 24 inches of rainfall each year. When it does rain, it usually arrives in spurts of brief showers. November and December receive the heaviest rainfall. There is no need to consider hurricane season when planning a trip to Aruba because it is located safely beneath the hurricane belt.

Visitors must present proof of identity as well as a return or continuing ticket. US citizens can enter with a valid passport, official birth certificate with raised seal and photo ID or certificate of naturalization.

The official language is Dutch, but most residents are fluent in English and Spanish. The native language is Papiamentu which is spoken in homes, among friends and in some businesses.

Atlantic Standard Time (one hour ahead of EST)

"Arubans are most often described as pleasant-natured, hardworking, and well-educated. Their natural warmth and hospitality have even been recognized as national traits" (Brushaber & Greenberg 37).

Peak season tends to be from mid-December to mid-April. This is when the hotel rates will be at their highest. If you’re planning a trip sometime in June to mid-August, the hotel rates will be lower and the weather will still be perfect.

Regardless of when you go, you will probably experience one of Aruba’s many festivals and special events.

Carnival is an annual week-long event similar to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. It takes place the week before Ash Wednesday. If you’re planning a trip during this event, make reservations well in advance as it is one of the most popular times to visit the island.

The Bon Bini Festival is held at Fort Zoutman and is a weekly festival featuring Aruban arts and crafts, folk music and dance, and local foods.

One Cool Summer takes place from May through October. The streets are filled with various festivals, cultural events, out door concerts and sports competitions (Brushaber & Greenberg 38).

Aruba Hi-Winds Windsurfing Pro-Am Grand Prix World Cup Event takes place in June, when "windsurfers from around the world converge on Aruba to compete in this week-long event.

Sightseers can enjoy the beauty of the island and the majesty of the Caribbean by land or by boat. You can take a stroll along the white-sand beaches and explore the many coves and caverns along the coast. Or take a ride in a glass-bottom boat with a view of up to 50 feet below, and experience the rainbow of colorful fish that make the Caribbean their home. The island is home to a host of other activities including horseback riding, golf, diving and snorkeling. Experienced scuba divers can explore one of several shipwrecks off the coast, including the California and the Antilla. The trade winds create perfect conditions for sailing and windsurfing.

"Shoppers can find local crafts, well-made goods from neighboring South American countries, and international treasures in Oranjestad and at the Alhambra Shopping Bazaar, Midtown Mall, and Seaport Marketplace," says Susan Breslow Sardone author of Aruba for Two.

Those interested in the island’s history might want to visit Aruba’s historic museum or the ruins of Bushiribana and Balashi gold mills.

Since the island is only six miles wide at its widest point, almost every hotel is within walking distance to the beach. The real questions are: what will your budget allow and what type of setting do you prefer. "Most of Aruba’s hotels are along the seven-mile strip of beach on the leeward coast above the [capital city] Oranjestad" (Brushaber & Greenberg 49). On Palm Beach, the mostly high-rise luxury hotels include exotic restaurants, casinos and night clubs, and deluxe spas. For a more laid-back atmosphere check into one of the low-rise hotels or all-suite resorts on Eagle Beach. Many of the resorts are all-inclusive and offer a wide variety of activities. Some are furnished with tennis courts and fitness centers. Some resorts will rent scuba equipment and offer dive classes or windsurfing classes (49-50).

Recommended hotels: Follow the links below to read more about these resorts at About.com

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Hotel Web Site
L. G. Smith Boulevard 82
Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone: 297-583-6000

Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino

Bucuti Beach Resort

Divi Aruba Beach and Tamarijn Aruba Beach Resorts

Dining

Restaurants on Aruba reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage. Japanese, Italian, French, Spanish and Dutch cuisine is served throughout the island, along with local cuisine. Dinner reservations are accepted and often required. Attire is dress/casual. Men should wear slacks not shorts and pack a sports jacket if you plan to visit some of the more upscale restaurants.

Recommended Sites: 

http://honeymoons.about.com/od/aruba/

http://www.geographia.com/aruba/index.htm

Recommended Books: 

Brushaber, Susand & Arnold Greenberg, The Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao Alive Guide 1997 Alive Travel Books Ltd. Hunter Publishing Inc. Edison NJ

Sardone, Susan Breslow, Aruba for Two, http://honeymoons.about.com/od/aruba/