Aruba ooh i wanna take ya

Aruba is a great place filled with sunshine and warm turquoise waters and ranked among the Caribbean's best. You should go if: - You like trade-wind breezes, desert-style landscapes and a dry climate in place of humid jungle - You’re after an easy trip: short flights from the US East Coast, English widely spoken, and US dollars accepted everywhere - You want a mix of beach days, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and off-road adventures - You prefer lively resort areas with good dining and nightlife, balanced with quiet corners - You want a Caribbean getaway outside the main hurricane belt Must-visit places: - Eagle Beach: Wide, calm and uncrowded, with the iconic lone fofoti trees and nesting sea turtles in season. - Palm Beach: Lively strip with resorts, restaurants, water sports and sunset-watching. - Arikok National Park: Roughly a fifth of the island, with caves, rugged coast and desert scenery. Go early and bring water. - Natural Pool (Conchi): A rock-ringed tidal pool on the wild north coast. Reached by an off-road track, so a guided tour or a 4x4 is the usual choice. - Baby Beach: A shallow, sheltered lagoon at the southern tip, good for kids and nervous swimmers. - Flamingo Beach (Renaissance Island): Famous for its resident pink flamingos. Access is limited to hotel guests and day-pass holders, so book ahead. - Oranjestad: Colorful Dutch colonial architecture, shopping, and the harbor. - San Nicolas: The island’s “Sunny Side,” known for street murals and a growing arts scene. - California Lighthouse and the north coast: Sunset views, plus the nearby Alto Vista Chapel and Casibari rock formations. - Boca Catalina and the Antilla shipwreck: Easy snorkeling and diving spots. Must-try foods: - Keshi yena: Baked cheese filled with spiced chicken or beef, a national dish - Pan bati: Sweet, fluffy Aruban pancake bread, often served with stew - Funchi: Cornmeal side dish, similar to polenta - Pastechi: Fried pastry stuffed with cheese, ham, chicken or beef, a classic breakfast - Stoba: Hearty stewed beef, goat or chicken - Fresh fish: Mahi-mahi, snapper and grouper, usually grilled or in Creole-style sauces - Sopito: Creamy fish and coconut soup - Johnny cakes: Fried bread, great with fish or cheese - To drink: Balashi (local beer), Aruba Ariba (rum-based cocktail), Ponche crema (Caribbean-style eggnog) and fresh tropical juices Fun facts: - Aruba’s slogan is “One Happy Island,” and it’s printed on license plates and signs everywhere. - Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. - Divi-divi trees on the island lean southwest, shaped by the steady trade winds. - The island is only about 20 miles long and 6 miles wide. - Aruba sits outside the usual hurricane belt, so major storms are rare. - Four languages are in everyday use: Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish. - Tap water is safe to drink and comes largely from desalination. - Aruba once had a major aloe vera industry, and aloe products are still a popular souvenir. Logistics Best time to go: Mid-December to April is peak season, with the driest weather and highest prices. May to November has lower prices and occasional short showers. October to December is the lightly wetter stretch, but the rain is typically brief. Currency: Aruban florin (AWG), pegged at about 1.79 per US dollar. USD is accepted almost everywhere, and cards are widely used. Language: Papiamento and Dutch are official. English and Spanish are widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Getting there: Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) has direct flights from many US and Canadian cities. US-bound travelers clear US customs and immigration in Aruba before departure, so allow extra time. Getting around: Rental cars and taxis are the most flexible options. Buses run along the main coast, and ATVs and UTVs are popular for the rugged interior. Aruba drives on the right. Entry rules: Passport required. Aruba requires an online arrival/embarkation form for most visitors. Check current entry requirements for your nationality before you go, since rules change. Tipping: Many restaurants add a service charge of around 10 to 15 percent. Check your bill before adding more. Electricity: 110V/60Hz with US-style plugs. Sun and sea safety: The sun is strong year-round, so bring reef-safe sunscreen. The north coast has rough surf and strong currents, so swim only at sheltered beaches. Must-learn phrases in Papiamento: Welcome - Bon bini Good morning - Bon dia Good afternoon - Bon tardi Good evening / night - Bon nochi Please - Por fabor Thank you - Danki Thank you very much - Masha danki Yes / No - Si / No How are you? - Kon ta bai? Goodbye - Ayo Do you speak English? - Bo ta papia Ingles? How much does this cost? - Kuant ta kosta esaki? Cheers! - Salud! Sweetie / darling (affectionate) - Dushi