Aruba is a self-governed Dutch Caribbean island. Almost everyone speaks English and the signs, menus, phone books, etc. are all in English. Direct flights to a modern airport are available from New York, Miami, Amsterdam, among other places. Aruba has a very modern, fully-equipped hospital, a modern phone system , the Robert Trent Jones II golf course at Tierra del Sol, Aruba's golf- and country resort and you can drink the water. The major industry is tourism and the local Arawak Indian and Dutch population is very friendly and helpful

Aruba is home to 100,000 Arubans representing over 40 nationalities. It has several hundred years of history and art and culture. And it is a geological anomaly – blue, Caribbean water in the same picture frame as green, desert cactus.

Aruba is a proud, happy, welcoming, easy-going, sun-loving island that enjoys more return visitors than any island in the Caribbean. Welcome to Aruba.

Aruba's currency is the florin denoted by the letters 'Awg.' but also widely known as 'Afl.' but U.S. Dollars are widely accepted. Not all stores accept US $50 and $100.The official rate at which banks accept U.S. dollar banknotes is Awg. 1,77 and checks at Awg. 1,78. The rate of exchange granted by shops and hotels ranges from Awg. 1,75 to Awg. 1,80 per U.S. dollar. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted in Aruba, and banks may exchange other foreign currency

Aruba has ATM machines all over the island and you'll find the first ones right at Aruba's Airport. No need to travel with a lot of cash money on you! Before departing for Aruba, it's important to verify whether your PIN number will work in Aruba by calling 1-800-4-CIRRUS

back to top

Most U.S. cell phones will not work in Aruba, but phones and Blackberrys on Cingular do work. Check with your cellular provider if they have a roaming agreement with Aruba's local cellular company and if your phone is a GSM phone set up with international roaming. If your cell phone won't work, no need to fret. You can rent cell phones in Aruba for short term stays.

Aruba adopted the North American voltage standard of 110 A.C. (60 cycles), the same as in the United States and Canada. The TV standard is NTSC so your home video camera will also play back on the hotel's TV sets or large screen projectors. Power outages are very rare.

back to top

Windsurfing & Kiting

Aruba offers warm, crystal-clear water that rarely drops below 75 degrees F and consistent winds that are a windsurfer's dream: the average wind speed, year-round, is more than 20 knots, though it can get up to 10 knots higher in June, the island's windiest month. The prime spots for Windsurfing And Kite Boarding:

• The Fishermen's Huts: Right past the strip of high rise hotels Flat shallow water (waste deep), off shore wind, check with a rescue boat, if you are a beginner. For lessons or rentals, go to
• http://www.aruba-active-vacations.com. They also offer landsailing,mountain biking, kayaking and snorkeling.
• Boca Grandi: North shore bay with super waves for everybody. The advanced kiters can ride outside, where the real stuff brakes, the beginners can learn to kick ass inside the bay. Save on this spot sweet steady on shore wind!

Tennis

Aruba Tennis Academy offers a wide range of services for both locals and visitors. The Academy provides free pick-up and drop-off services for travelers without transportation. The first class professional staff offers instruction through private, semi-private, and small group lessons. Ask about the five hour package, which offers lessons on stroke improvement, tactical improvement, and hitting sessions.http://www.arubatennis.com

Beachtennis

Take the fun and fast-paced sport of tennis.....combine it with the sun, sea and sand of the beach..... and you have beach tennis! The hottest new game in town.

Beach Tennis can be played both competitively and recreationally. And because it's so simple to play, it appeals to all ages, athletes and non-athletes and everyone who wants to have a good time on the beach. http://www.arubabeachtennis.com

back to top

Passport
Check your passport to make sure it is current and valid, otherwise you will never reach your destination.

Flight Tickets
Once your tickets are ready, double check your arrival and departure time and schedule your time that you have to reach the airport.

Travel Dates
Advise neighbors, family or friends of your holiday dates, so they are aware your house will be vacant for a period. Leave a spare set of keys with a trusted one and advise a mobile or other contact number when abroad, if possible.

Medications
If you have a medical condition or specific ailment, make sure you bring adequate medicines, lotions, pills etc. as these may not be available abroad (or have the recognized brand names). If your condition is serious, it may be necessary to carry a letter from your Doctor confirming your fitness to travel.

Prepare for the sun
Skin preparation creams and suntan lotions and oils are just as important as clothes. Aruba has it's own brand, Aruba Aloe, that provides excellent sun cream as well!
Good sunglasses are a must. The sun is very bright on Aruba, especially between 12 and 3 PM, so protect your eyes with proper sunglasses!