Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Caribbean Islands

Chic Chateau, Haiti. Photo Credit: Emily Bauman/Unsplash



The Caribbean consists of the Caribbean Sea, islands and the surrounding coasts in the Americas region. Regionally comprising southeast the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, and north of South America.

Not in the Caribbean but, thought to be amongst many travelers is Bermuda, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos. Bermuda, located in the North Atlantic area consists of isolated islands. A chain of islands and coral reefs Turks & Caicos is located Southeast of Florida and north of Cuba in the Atlantic Ocean.



Santa Martha Bay, Curacao. Photo Credit: StockSnap/Pixabay 


There three island groups outside of the Caribbean Sea:
  • Bermuda
  • The Bahama Islands
  • Turks & Caicos Islands

Because of their similar island characteristics they are often associated with the Caribbean Islands. 
A part of the Lucayan Archipelago includes: The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos.



Photo Credit: Graham Lawrence/Pixabay 



Greater Antilles
A grouping of the larger islands in the Caribbean Sea. 
  • Cuba
  • Cayman Islands
  • Hispaniola
  • Jamaica
  • Puerto Rico

Hispaniola includes the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The British and U.S. Virgin Islands are in the Lesser Antilles.



Barbados. Photo Credit: lorax20/Pixabay 



Leeward Antilles
Along the southeast of the Caribbean Sea and north to Venezuela coast of South America.
  • ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao
  • (Federal Dependencies of Venezuela)
  • (State of Nueva Esparta Venezuela)

Among the Lesser Antilles, are not to be confused with the Leeward Islands.



Photo Credit: Hajnalka Kosiba/Pixabay 



Leeward Islands
A group of islands located where the Caribbean Sea (northeast) meets the Atlantic Ocean (west).
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua
  • Barbuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Guadeloupe
  • Montserrat
  • Nevis
  • Redonda
  • Saba
  • Saint-Barthelemy
  • Saint Kitts
  • Saint Martin
  • Sint Eustatius


St John, USVI. Photo Credit: inactionsolutions/Pixabay 



Lesser Antilles
A group of islands in the Caribbean Sea between the Greater Antilles (northwest) and South America, causing an eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Aruba
  • Bonaire
  • Curacao
  • The ABC Islands
  • Trinidad & Tobago


Union Island, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. Photo Credit: Diane Holmes/Pixabay 



Windward Islands
The southern, larger Lesser Antilles islands within the West Indies.
  • Barbados
  • Dominica
  • Guadeloupe
  • Martinique
  • Saint Lucia
  • St Vincent & Grenadines, Grenada

Depending on who you ask, Barbados and Guadeloupe could be bundled with the Leeward Islands.



Photo Credit: Patrizia/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • British West Indies (BWI) refers to islands whether currently or previously affiliated with Great Britain: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Barbuda, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, The Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands.
  • French West Indies (FWI) are islands owned or affiliated with the Netherlands (Dutch Antilles, Dutch West Indies or Netherland Antilles): GuadeloupeLa DésiradeLes SaintesMarie GalanteMartiniqueSaint Barthélemy or Saint Martin.
  • In 2019, the Caribbean population census was 44.42 million.
  • Hurricane Season is June - November. Islands generally outside of the Hurricane Belt: Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grenada, St Vincent & Grenadines, Tobago, Trinidad, Turks & Caicos.
  • "Windward Islands" derives from sailing ships with prevailing trade winds blowing east to west. 


Photo Credit: Toni Paul/Pixabay 



Cruise Lines often group the islands into the following regional sailings:
  • Eastern Caribbean: British Virgin Islands (BVI), Dominican Republic, Haiti, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).
  • Southern Caribbean: Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
  • Western Caribbean: Belize, Cuba , Grand Cayman, Honduras, Jamaica and Mexico Caribbean Coast (Costa Maya, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen​, ​Progreso, Puerto Costa Maya).

May vary by cruise line.



St Lucia. Photo Credit: Jolyne D/Pixabay 


Popular island destinations for:
  • Destination Weddings: Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, 
    The Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).
  • Divers: SourceSourceBonaire, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Honduras, Saba, St Croix (USVI), St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos.
  • Family: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, British Virgin Islands (BVI),  Cayman Islands, Curacao, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin/St. Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).
  • Golf: Barbados, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Croix (USVI), The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos.
  • Honeymoons (Romance): Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Barts, St. Martin/St. Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • LGBT/LGBTQ Friendly: Aruba, Curaçao, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Saba, St Barts, St Croix (USVI) and St. Martin/St. Maarten.
  • Nude Beaches: (Hawksbill Bay) Antigua, (Anse du Gouverneur) St Barthelemy, (Pointe Tarare) Guadeloupe, (Booby Cay) Jamaica, (Anasco Beach) Puerto Rico and (Orient Beach) St. Martin.

Your experience can vary greatly depending on the activities you desire during your visit, the destination island and the time of year (or season) traveling.


Antigua. Photo Credit: photosforyou/Pixabay 



Good to Know
  • U.S. Citizens do not need a passport to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands (Saint Croix, Saint John or Saint Thomas) or Puerto Rico​. However, do keep in mind the Real ID applies effective 10/1/21.
  • Depending who you ask, Guadeloupe flip flops between the Leewards and Windwards. If you consider their culture, lush landscape or mountains it's best compared to Windwards.
  • It's easy to island hop either by ferry or flight depending on the destination.
  • BVI has over 50 small islands and cays.
  • ABC Islands refers to: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.
  • Be mindful, some beaches are nude or topless.

Photo Credit: André Rau/Pixabay 



Are you suddenly daydreaming about palm trees, salt air blowing through your hair, the sun kissing your cheeks and white sandy beaches​?


Fortunate to have visited most of the islands, each island declared to make the best local rum and to have the best local tasty fruit!



Maho Beach, Saint Martin. Photo Credit: kendallpools/Pixabay 



My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available



Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Curacao (kyoor-uh-SO)

Curaçao Flag



Why visit Curaçao?
Ideal for the active premier traveler seeking an European flair cosmopolitan sophisticated Caribbean destination to enjoy beautiful beaches, caves, coral reefs, culture, diving, Dutch architecture, golf, hiking trails, nightlife, off-road adventures, snorkeling, and water sports.



Willemstad, Curaçao. Photo Credit: Dave Drury/Unsplash


At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Aloe vera products, ceramic goods, cheese, Dutch Delft Blue goods, hand painted chichi doll, hand painted animal form wall hangings, jewelry, orange flavored liqueur, and painted bottles with scenery.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Bitterballen (meatballs). Karni Stobá (beef stew). Keshi Yena (traditional). Oliebollen (doughnuts). Poffertjes (pancakes). Stoba (strw). Stroopwafels (snack).
  • Local Drink to TryBlue Curaçao. Curaçao Liqueur. Fria (local soda). Lovers (local juices).


Willemstad, Curaçao. Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay



History
  • In 1499, settled by the Spanish.
  • In 1634, the Dutch took possession.
  • In 1888, Queen Emma Bridge (pedestrian toll) was built. An effort to promote social equality.
  • In 2011, became independent of the Netherlands Antilles.


Willemstad, Curaçao. Photo Credit: Humphrey Janga/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • An independent entity of The Netherlands.
  • The primary Economy is banking and commerce with supplemental income from tourism.
  • No permanent rivers.
  • The Laraha Oranges (grown on the island east side) produces 150-200 fruits per tree. Commonly used for liqueur produced in five colors: clear, blue, green, orange and red.
  • Windmills located in the northeast area provide a portion  of the island's electricity.


Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) Carnival, Celebrity Charity Golf Tournament, Full Moon Party, Horseback Parade, KLM Curacao Marathon, Tumba Festival, (February) Carnival Horse Parade, International Kite Festival, Ride Walk & Swim for Roses, (March) Farewell March, Grand March, Heineken Regatta, International Blue Marlin Release Tournament, We are One Gospel Caribbean Tour, (April) BlueSea Festivals, Farmers & Fleas, Harvest Festival, Zanzibar Festival, (May) Culture Cuisine & Heritage Experience, Jazz Festival, (June) Caribbean Sun Splash, Curacao Pride, (August) Dive Festival, Salsa Festival, (September) Curacao North Sea Jazz, (October) Restaurant Week, (November) Amstel Curacao Race, and Dutch Santa Claus.
  • Holidays: New Years Day, Rosenmontag, Good Friday, Easter, Easter Monday, Kings Day, Labor Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Flag Day, Curacao Day, and Christmas Day.


Photo Credit: Humphrey Janga/Pixabay 



Good to Know
  • Plentiful bays, limestone formations and salt marshes.
  • You may be inspired to visit after watching, Curacao (2007).
  • Multicultural with 55 different nationalities.
  • Rainstorms are rare.
  • Topless sunbathing is permitted.
  • It's illegal to use spearguns or remove coral.
  • In shallow waters watch out for deadly poisonous spines from the local lion fish or stonefish.
  • Airport departure fees are charged for international destinations, usually included with airline costs.
  • Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
  • Local law is based on Dutch Law.
  • Access to quality medical care is limited.
  • Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Virus.
  • Public transportation is limited. 


Photo Credit: Mali Ancor/Pixabay 



This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination Required from select countries. 

Hurricane Season is June - November. However, outside of the Hurricane Belt, it is not directly impacted.

  • Coolest Season: January
  • Humid & Hottest: September
  • Peak Season: December - April
  • Shoulder Season: May - November.


Photo Credit: Paul/Pixabay 



Your Must-See & Do
  • Historical Sites: Alley District, Bell Pole, Beth Haim Cemetery, Bonam - Fund Jave's Station, Bull's Eye, Cinelândia, Fort Amsterdam, Fort Beekenburg, Fort Church, Fort Piscadera, Keukenstraat, Klein Curacao Scheepswrak, Landhuis Brakkeput Ariba, Landhuis Bloemhof, Landhuis Bloemfontein, Landhuis Cas Chikitu, Landhuis Gaito, Landhuis Groot Santa Martha, Landhuis Jan Thiel, Landhuis Jeremi, Landhuis Veeris, Landhuis Vianen,Landhuis Knip, Landhuis Mount Pleasant, Landhuis Pannekoek, Landhuis Rooi Catootje, Landhuis Rust en Vrede, Landhuis Santa Cruz, Landhuis San Juan, Landhuis Sorsaka, Landhuis Waterloo, Landhuis Wechi, Landhuis Zuikertuintie, Lighthouse Klein Curacao, Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, Plantage Planterust, Plantation House Brievengat, Plantation House Koraal Tabak, Plantation House Sta. Catharina, Queen Emma Bridge, Ser'i Otrobanda, Slave Wall and Vlakte di San Pedro.
  • Museums: Curacao Maritime Museum, Curacao Museum, Jewish Cultural Historic Museum, Kura Hulanda Museum, Landhuis Jan Kok " Nena Sanchez Gallery", Manor Savonet Museum, Maritime Museum Curacao, Museum Kas di Pal'I Maishi, Museo di Tambú Shon Cola, Octagon Museum and Rif Fort Museum. 
  • Popular Attractions: Boca Grandi, Christoffel National Park, Carnaval Casino, Church of Sint Willibrordus, Curacao Liqueur Distillery, Curacao Sea Aquarium, Den Paradera, Fort Waakzaamheid, Floating Market, Fort Amsterdam, Fort Sint Michiel, Gallery Alma Blou, Hato Caves, Kontiki Beach, Kura Hulanda, Landhuis Chobolobo, Landhuis Kan Kok, Landhuis Ronde Klip, Mambo Beach, Manor Knip, Mega Pier, Mount Christoffel, Mushroom Forest, Old Market, Otrobanda, Punda, Parke Leyba, Queen Juliana Bridge, Shete Boka Park, Substation Curacao and Willemstad.


Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay 



My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available



Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Monday, August 31, 2020

Bonaire

Bonaire Flag


"Diver's Paradise"


Why visit Bonaire?
Ideal for the avid diver and outdoor nature lovers wanting adventure sports, beaches, bird watching, caves, cliffs, coral reefs, deep sea fishing, desert landscape, diving, eco adventures,  hiking, horseback riding, kiteboarding, mountain biking, relaxation, snorkeling, underwater life, sailing, wildlife, windsurfing and yachting.


Photo Credit: Pixbay


At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Aloe products, driftwood goods, framed prints, glass artwork, salt products
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Banana Hasa (fried plantain). Guiambo (soup). Kokada (coconut candy). Pastechis (stuffed pastries). Pika Siboyo (condiment). Sopi di Yuwana (iguana soup).
  • Local Drink to Try: Cadushy (liquor). Captain Don's Whiskey. Koamati Tequila. Rom Rincon (spirit). Salu Gin. Tekibon (spirit).

History
  • In 1499, Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci arrived and claimed for Spaniards.
  • In 1636, the Dutch took possession of the island.
  • In 1863, slaves were emancipated.
  • In 1951, the first hotel opened, Hotel Zeebad.
  • In 1984, Hilma Hooker, cargo ship was confiscated for 25,000 lbs of marijuana and sank.

Fun Facts
  • Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) identified around 365 species within their waters.
  • An estimated 15,000 Flamingos are counted every year.
  • Hurricane Felix did hit the island in 2007.


Photo Credit: jimimages/Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) Carnival, International & Local Fishing, Maskarada, (February) Harvest Festival, Simadan Festival (June) Dive Festival, Dive Into Adventure Bonaire, Wave Challenge (July) Bonaire Arts Day, (September) Blessing of the Fishing Fleet, Fishing Tournaments,  (October) Duo Xtreme Mountain Bike Race, International Sailing Regatta, Sailing Regatta, and (December) Bari Festival.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Queen's Birthday & Rinc, Labor Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Bonaire Flag Day, Antillean Day, Kingdom Day, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know
  • Not a beach resort destination, considering it has few small beaches and not great for walking.
  • The entire coastline is declared as a marine sanctuary.
  • Spearfishing is prohibited.
  • Raised donkeys, goats, pigs and sheep are known to freely roam around.
  • Crystal clear waters make for a diver's paradise with visibility to 150 feet.
  • More than 185 miles of mountain bike trails and paths.
  • Dive gloves are not permitted in effort to protect the coral reefs.
  • Vessels moor rather than drop anchor to preserve coral and marine life.
  • Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
  • Medical care and treatment does not meet our Western standards.
  • Prevalent Diseases: Dengue & Zika Virus.
  • Right turns at red stop lights is not permitted.
  • Public minibuses are inexpensive and run nonstop during the day with no fixed schedule.

This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 180 days.

Hurricane Season is June - November. 
Fortunately, situated outside the Hurricane Belt, rarely directly impacted.

  • Coolest Season: January
  • Humid & Hottest: May - October
  • Peak Season: November - April
  • Shoulder Season: May - October

Your Must-See & Do
  • Historical Sites: Landhuis Karpata, Misha's Bridge, Rooi Lamoenchi Kunuku Park, Trans World Radio & Washikemba Manor.
  • Museums: Bonaire Museum of Natural History, Museo Boneiru, Museo Chich'i Tan & Musée Terramar de Kralendijk.
  • Popular Attractions: Aletta’s Goat Farm, Bachelor's Beach, Bari Reef, Barcadera Cave, Bonaire Marine Park, Brandaris, Cargill Salt Pans, Coral Casino Bonaire, Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire, Dos Pos, Flamingo Sanctuary, Fort Oranje, Klein Bonaire, Kralendijk, Lac Bay, La Machaca, Mangazina di Rei Cultural Park, Mount Brandaris, Rincon, Pekelmeer Lagoon, Playa Chikitu, Playa Funchi , Sorobon Beach, Tanki Maraka Heritage Park, The Bonaire Botanical Garden, Thousand Steps, Washington Slagbaai National Park and Willemstoren. 


Kralendijk, Bonaire. Photo Credit: falco/Pixabay 




My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available



Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Friday, August 28, 2020

Aruba

Aruba Flag



"One Happy Island"



Why visit Aruba?
Desert landscape paradise ideal for beach barbecues, casino gambling, cave explorations, excellent restaurants, golf, horseback riding, natural wonders, nightlife, relaxation, shopping, walking, waterskiing, white sand beaches, windsurfing and water sports.


Natural Bridge Aruba, Aruba. Photo Credit: Dave Drury/Unsplash



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Aloe Vera products, art, blue pottery, cheeses, chocolate, and jewelry.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Bolita di Keshi (fried cheese balls). Bolo Preto (fruit cake). Cocada (coconut candy). Cala (bean fritters). Funchi (cornmeal porridge). Pan Bati (bread). Pastechi (snack).
  • Local Drink to Try: Balashi (beer). Da’ Killer Blue Whale (cocktail). Golden Shell (cocktail).
    Palmera (rum). Pelican-Rita (cocktail).


Photo Credit: Mali Ancor/Pixabay 


History
  • In 1636, claimed by the Dutch.
  • During 1920, oil dominated their economy. Leading supplier to Exxon, known to fuel U.S. Naval Ships during World War II.
  • In 1960, travel tourism began.
  • During 1980, Exxon closed their facility.
  • In 1986, separated from the Netherlands Antilles.
  • In 2004, Valero Energy Corporation took over Exxon facilities.
  • In 2012, Valero Aruba Refinery closed.

Photo Credit: gregorykirkjohnson/Pixabay 


Fun Facts
  • During World War 11, a German cargo ship anchored near Aruba was suspicious to supplying German boats. Rather, then surrender upon request, the captain sank the cargo ship.
  • Five industries drive their economy: aloe export, gold mining, petroleum refining, phosphate mining and tourism.
  • Home to one of rarest species in the world.


Photo Credit: vivianaveloso/Pixabay 


Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) Aruba International Bike Week, Betico Croes Memorial 10K Run & 5K Fun Walk, Bon Bini Aruba Festival, Carubbian Festival, Carnival, (February) Aruba International Half Marathon (21K), (April) International Boulevard Race (10K), (May) Aruba Hi-Winds, One Cool Summer, Soul Beach Music Festival, (June) KLM Aruba Marathon, Windsurfing Festival (August) International Pro-Am Golf Tournament, International Regatta, (September) Aruba Reef Care Project (October) Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, (November) International Beach Tennis Tournament, and (December) Dande Festival.
  • Holidays: New Years Day, GF Betico Croes Day, National Anthem & Flag Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, King's Day, Ascension Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Photo Credit: Helmut Mueller/Pixabay 


Good to Know
  • Daylight savings time not observed.
  • Rougher seas on the eastern and northern coast.
  • Apply sunblock regularly as the trade winds will make the sun feel less than it actually is.
  • A popular honeymoon destination.
  • Lizard Hunting is illegal.
  • The endangered Rattlesnake does not rattle a warning before striking!
  • Topless sunbathing is only permitted on private nude beaches.
  • Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
  • Local law is based on Dutch Law.
  • Posting bond for release is not practiced upon detainment.
  • Quality medical care is limited.
  • Has no decompression chamber.
  • Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Virus.
  • Children are required to ride in the back seat of vehciles.
  • Children under 5 years of age are required to be in a child safety seat.
  • Taxis do not have meters.
  • Buses tend to run every 15 minutes between 5:45AM - 6PM and every 40 minutes between 6PM - 11:30PM.


Photo Credit: Vlad Man/Pixabay 



This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries. 

Hurricane Season is from June - November. 
Situated outside of the Hurricane Belt it's rare to be directly impacted, if so likely to occur between August - October.


  • Coolest Season: December
  • Humid & Hottest: September
  • Peak Season: January - March
  • Shoulder Season: April - August


Photo Credit: gregorykirkjohnson/Pixabay 


Your Must-See & Do
  • Historical Sites: Blackstone Beach, Boca Keto, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins & California Lighthouse.
  • Museums: Aruba Aloe Museum, Aruba Archeology Museum, Aruba Historical Museum, Community Museum, Fort Zoutman Historical Museum, Haystack Museum, Horse Bay, Model Trains Museum, Museo di Antiguedad Aruba, Museum of Industry & Numismatic Museum. 
  • Popular Attractions: Alhambra Casino, Alto Vista Chapel, Antilla Shipwreck, Arikok National Park, Aruba Ostrich Farm, Aruba Waterpark, Ayo, Beth Israel Synagogue, Blue Parrotfish Water Park, Bubali Bird Sanctuary, Bushiribana Ruins, Casibari, Casibari Rock Formations, Crystal Casino, Divi Tree, Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, Eagle Beach, Etnia Nativa, Excelsior Casino, Fontein Cave, Harbourtown Market, Haystack Hill, Hoolberg, Mount Jamanota, Museo Historico Aruba, Natural Bridge, Oranjestad, Palm Beach, Philip's Animal Garden, Quadirikiri Cave, San Nichols, Schooner Harbour, Seaport Casino, Seven Mile Beach, Splash Park Aruba, St Anna Church, The Blue Parrotfish Water Park, The Butterfly Farm, Wilhelmina Park & Yamanota Hill.



Photo Credit: jkindred75/Pixabay 



My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available



Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

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