The Caribbean's Top-Rated Vacation Destination: Aruba, the One Happy Island
It’s no surprise that people are happy when they visit Aruba. I mean, how could you not be?
We have the most picturesque sceneries, the sunniest most reliable weather, and the food… Don’t get me started on the food! While these are a few of the elements that make our island special, there are so many more reasons why Aruba lives up to its nickname the “One happy island”.
We take the happiness of our locals and visitors seriously here. In 2016, a study was conducted by the Aruba Tourism Authority and the University of Central Florida where Aruba was identified as the happiest island in the world! You could say that happiness is part of the island’s DNA.
The beauty of Aruba is that everyone who sets foot on our island has the opportunity to do something that makes them happy, regardless of budget. There are so many fun things to do in Aruba, beautiful places to visit, and great people to meet. A trip to Aruba really is one of a kind. It’s no wonder people who have been to Aruba feel like it’s the best Caribbean island to visit. In this blog post, I’d like to elaborate on what makes my little island so special, and why you should definitely come here on your next vacation.
Not only are the Aruban people some of the happiest folks you’ll ever meet, they’re also the friendliest. Growing up in Aruba means being raised to respect people of all backgrounds (over 90 nationalities live here) and be kind to anyone you meet, even if they’re complete strangers. The diverse Aruban community is the heart and soul of this island. The locals are always there to lend a helping hand if you need one. It’s not surprising that Aruba has the highest repeat visitation rate in the entire Caribbean, a whopping 65% of first time visitors rush back to enjoy the island for a second time!
A Safe & Stress-Free Caribbean Vacation
The best part of having a chat with the locals is the ease of communication. Since most Arubans speak at least four languages, Papiamento, English, Dutch, and Spanish, it’s very likely that you will find someone that speaks your language. There’s no reason to worry about a language barrier while you’re away from home.
Getting here is a breeze too. There are over 100 direct flights every week from several North American airports and connections from almost every city in the USA and Canada. There’s also a selection of flights from European and Latin American countries!
You can rest assured, Aruba is considered the safest Caribbean island so feel free to explore. Just rent a car and go for a drive or hop on a bus and tell the driver what you would like to see. It’s that easy. Speaking of easy, the US Dollar is accepted island-wide, so there is no need to change currency when traveling here. You may receive your change in Aruban Florins, just be sure to spend your change before you leave, or save them for your next visit (you will be back)!
I know nobody ever wants to talk about leaving Aruba, but I have to mention this. Traveling back home to the United States from Aruba has the same benefits as arriving from a domestic flight. You go through US security before even leaving the island, making your journey back home much easier.
Happy Memories at an Affordable Price
You may think I’m a bit biased, but I believe that Aruba is the most beautiful Caribbean island. Sometimes overwhelming beauty can be intimidating. I believe it’s what caused the misconception that Aruba is just for wealthy travelers, that’s not true at all! While Aruba may not be the cheapest Caribbean island, there are many ways to plan an affordable Caribbean island vacation to Aruba.
While you can’t put a price on an unforgettable experience, I understand funds are not unlimited. You can have a lovely honeymoon, family vacation, solo adventure, or destination wedding without breaking the bank. Not only is there tons to do here, there are also many different ways of doing them, allowing you to try lots of great free and inexpensive activities. For tips on how to get lots of bang for your buck, check out this blog post showing how to take an affordable Caribbean island vacation. Traveling is so much sweeter when you don’t have to worry about money.
Happiness Happens Year-Round
People often ask me, “when’s the best time to visit Aruba?” A question that’s still a challenge for me to answer, because there’s no such thing as a bad time to come to Aruba. Every month has special events and activities, so there’s no way you’ll ever run out of things to do. The weather is great year-round so there’s no need to worry about that either. Even if it rains, it’s usually not for long and you’ll be able to spend the majority of your day having fun in the sun (remember to re-apply sunscreen frequently). Unlike some other top Caribbean islands, Aruba is safely located outside the hurricane belt. This means you can plan your trip without having to worry about any devastating storms.
Inspiring Natural Beauty
It’s a well-known fact that Aruba has some of the most striking beaches in the world. Beach days in Aruba are the best, find a palapa to lie under, and let the cool breeze caress you into the best nap you’ve ever had. Besides relaxing, visiting Aruba’s beaches has many more benefits. To decide which beach you should visit first, check out this guide of Aruba’s beaches in the Caribbean.
It may be a little less known that aside from the great beaches, Aruba has many other incredible landscapes. If you haven’t explored these yet, be sure to set aside some time for this on your next trip, even if you don’t consider yourself the outdoorsy type. I’m sure you’ll love it. A great place to start is at the Arikok National Park. You can travel through the park on foot, by bike, by bus, on an ATV, or in a jeep. There are many sights to see, so you can visit this place over and over again! Some of my favorite places within the park are the Quadirikiri cave, the Natural Pool, Plantage Prins (Prins Platation), and Dos Playa. If it all seems a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. There are plenty of tour companies that offer tours through the park!
No matter where you are on the island, be sure to end your day outside to witness the sunset. Watch the sky turn orange, yellow, pink and purple. There’s no sunset like an Aruba sunset.
These are some other great Aruban sights to see on one of your upcoming Caribbean island vacations below:
Excellent Dining Opportunities
Now let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite things, food! Food is a big part of Aruban culture. Because of our diverse community, Arubans enjoy a wide variety of different cuisines from all over the world. From Caribbean comfort cooking, to the complex flavors of Japanese food, you will find it all here in Aruba. Our small island has more than 250 eateries. From the most luxurious fine dining, to satisfying street food. You won’t be able to try them all in just one or two trips, trust me, I’ve been trying for 13 years! When you find your favorite spot, it’s so hard to move on to another one. Not before having tried the entire menu first! Listed below are some must try eateries in Aruba.
Incredible Accommodations Selection
While there are many different accommodation types available in Aruba, finding your perfect home away from here in Aruba doesn’t need to be difficult. In fact, here’s a guide to Aruba’s top rated accommodations to get you started. You can have any kind of vacation you want! If you plan on vacationing like royalty on your next trip, you should consider staying at one of our luxurious private villas. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit one of our family friendly resorts. There are various fun activities for vacationers of all ages, Aruba really is the best Caribbean island for kids.
Looking to live like a local? Try booking a vacation rental in a residential area. Have a chat with your neighbors and get a feel for authentic Aruban living. The possibilities are endless. Check out our Plan Your Visit section for additional information.
Book Your Trip Today!
It’s your turn to find out what makes Aruba One happy island. Book your trip today and enjoy your best vacation yet! Don’t forget to have a look at the Deals & Offers page for some nice discounts. A unique travel experience awaits!
