12 Reasons Aruba is an Easy Travel Destination
Aruba is Safe
Aruba does not suffer from crime or drug-related problems found on many Caribbean islands. Travelers to Aruba don’t have to worry about getting robbed, mugged, drugged or molested.
Just use common sense, like you would back home, to avoid potential minor theft. For instance, don’t leave valuables such as electronics alone on the beach; lock car doors and don’t leave valuables visible inside the car; take normal precautions like that.
Aruba is outside the Hurricane Belt
Many Caribbean islands are threatened by potential hurricanes from about August to December of every year. Some of those hurricanes damage & destroy property and homes, injure and kill people on various Caribbean islands each year. So hurricanes are a serious threat.
But not on Aruba! Luckily for both local islanders and visitors, Aruba is well outside the hurricane belt. On occasion (say once or twice a decade) the outer edges of large hurricanes deliver rain and heavy winds to Aruba. And the occassional tropical storm hits, with heavy rain and wind, possible flooding.
But Aruba’s occassional storms are nothing compared to a full-fledged hurricane. And considering how infrequently a storm hits Aruba, visitors rarely need to even think about it.
Locals are welcoming & friendly
In many heavily touristed destinations around the world, locals have become jaded about their visitors and may not have the best attitude towards tourists.
Not so in Aruba. Locals are warm, welcoming, helpful and friendly. They understand the importance of tourism to their country and are grateful for visitors’ interest in Aruba as well as their contribution to the island’s economy.
All beaches are public
As in many countries around the world, all beaches on Aruba are open to the public, including to both locals and tourists. Furthermore, the beaches are all free. There are no fences, walls or entry gates. And public parking is usually nearby (also for free).
The entire island is rimmed by beautiful beaches, and of many different types. This makes it really easy to visit a beach close to where you’re staying or else head further afield to your favorite beach. Spend a day – or two – beach hopping, visit a different beach each day, or pick your favorite spot to return to daily.
Parking is free
All over the island, at beaches, major tourist attractions, restaurants & bars, hotels and stores parking is free.
Only in downtown Oranjestad will you find a portion of public parking spaces that require payment. They’re clearly marked by numbers and have a pre-payment box nearby. However, it’s not usually necessary to pay for parking because many other parking spaces in downtown are free.
No visa required
Citizens of the USA and of dozens of other countries do not need a visa to visit Aruba for stays of up to 30 days. That makes travel to Aruba quite easy and removes one expense that’s often necessary for international travel.
First-world country
Aruba is one of the wealthiest islands in the Caribbean, with a high standard of living and all the modern conveniences. In this regard, it’s more or less the same as being Stateside. Americans and Europeans will feel right at home.
Well-established tourist infrastructure
Aruba’s tourist industry was officially started way back in the mid 1940s. Arubans have been hosting international visitors, mostly Americans and Europeans, for nearly 70 years!
They understand their visitors’ wants & needs and are well-accustomed to interacting with internatoinal tourists.
In addition, there are plenty of modern supermarkets & malls selling designer brands as well as international groceries and products.
There are also many rental cars, taxis, public buses, good roads, signs in English, sidewalks, public parks & benches and everything else visitors need.
Most Locals speak English
The two official languages of Aruba are Papamiento and Dutch. Most locals speak both languages fluently, as well as English and/or Spanish. Arubans’ multi-lingual citizens makes it really easy for visitors to communicate on the island.
You can use $ US cash
The official Aruban currency is called Florins. The Florin bills are beautiful, brightly-colored, artistically-designed notes.
Aruban Florins are tied to the $US at a rate more or less constant at $1 US = 1.8 Florins.
However, all restaurants, hotels, stores, businesses accept both $US and Florins. For Americans who prefer dealing in their own currency, Aruba is a really easy international destination.
There’s lots to see and do
Aruba’s main tourist draw are its absolutely stunning beaches. They feature powdery white sand, pale minty-green seas and clear blue skies Math fluffy white clouds.
Besides the obvious beach activities such as suntanning, strolling and swimming, Aruba’s main beaches offer just about every water activity & sport that exists. In addition, there are many land-based activities.
Human-powered sports include SUP, sea kayaking, wind surfing, para sailing, sailing, snorkeling, diving, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and others.
Motorized activities include para-gliding, jet-skiing, fishing, banana boats, ATVs and a whole slew of small group tours by boat and land.
Cultural, historic and nature spots are dotted around the island. They include museums, Dutch colonial architecture, historic lighthouses, old gold mine ruins, an aloe vera plantation, caves, natural sea pools, lagoons, cliffs, rock formations and more.
There’s so much to see and do on Aruba that most visitors arriving for a 1-2 week vacation will have to pick and choose among them.
It’s relatively close to USA
Aruba’s Caribbean location makes it relatively fast, easy and inexpensive for Americans to reach, especially from the east coast and southern USA. Compared to visiting Europe, Africa, Middle East or Asia, Aruba is considerably quicker and more affordable.
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Hi! I'm Lash, an American nomadic world traveler who's been traveling solo since 1998. I’m passionate about traveling the world nomadically and then sharing it all with you. I hope to inspire you to travel the world, to entertain you with tales from the road, and to help you reach your travel dreams. Welcome! 
