One Happy Island
Although I’ve been booking clients to Aruba for years, I recently completed my training to become an Aruba Certified Expert. For prospective travel agents looking to learn as much as they can, I highly recommend enrolling in Travel Agent Academy. The training modules are free and you can learn so much about a destination before getting a chance to visit. This information is so invaluable for your clients who depend on you to lead them down the right path towards their dream vacation.
As an Aruba Certified Expert, I learned what makes Aruba “One Happy Island” for couples, families, active vacationers and pure beach relaxation lovers alike. Aruba is the happy Dutch Caribbean island in the Southern Caribbean. Unique desert terrain and sandy shores, appeals to a broad array of vacationers. Just 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across, with a total area of 70 square miles. Travelers can cover a lot of ground in just a week! BOOK YOUR ARUBA TOURS & EXCURSIONS WITH MY AFFILIATE LINK.
The capital of Aruba, Oranjestad is a bustling harbor city where you’ll find international luxury retailers, diverse boutiques, and dazzling jewelry stores. Restored landmarks like the green “stadhuis” housing the City Here where legal marriages are performed. There are more than 90 nationalities on the island. Dutch and Papiamento are official languages but most Arubans speak at least four languages including English and Spanish. The official currency is Aruban Florin (Awg). Bring your USD though – they are accepted!
Popular Sayings
I learned a few popular sayings and words in my training!
- Welcome – Bon Bini
- Good Morning – Bon Dia
- I Love You – Mi ta Stimabo
- Cold Beer – Cerbes friu
- Sweet Life – Dushi Bida
- Take it Easy – Bay Poco Poco
Getting To and Around Aruba
Aruba is easy to get to! All major U.S. airlines go to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)! There are non-stop flights from over 20 different getaways including: Boston, Charlotte, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, Newark, New York, and Philadelphia. Scheduled carriers include American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United. From Canada, the carrier options are Air Canada, Sunwing & Westjet. Just book with your Aruba Certified Expert and they’ll ensure you’re on the best flight route!
You and your clients can either purchase airport transfers or book a taxi at the airport outside of the arrival hall. Taxis are available in downtown Oranjestad. Taxi fare rates are per trip and are priced per taxi and not per person. You can also rent ca car. For an off-road adventure, clients should rent a 4-wheel vehicle. Driving is same as North America, right side. Road signs are different than in US but are marked in both English and Dutch. Arubus is a reliable daily bus service from the Aruba area hotels to/from downtown Oranjestad. Cab fares are based on destination, rather than by distance on the meter.
Aruba Visitor Profiles
Aruba attracts over 1 million stay-over visitors each year. The majority of visitors are between the ages of 25-59. Minimum average household income is $100,000. As travel agents, it’s important to understand who we are targeting for each destination.
- U.S. Visitor Profile – In 2019, US visitors totaled 838,288. 52.6% originate from the Northeast region and 47.4% are the rest of the U.S. Average length of stay is 7 days. Resorts remain the most popular type of accommodation. For U.S. visitors along with a variety of timeshare properties, private homes and apartments. The island’s mix of luxury high-rise and casual low-rise resorts is one of the most compelling features for return visits
- Canadian Visitor Profile – In 2019, more than 52,000 Canadians visited Aruba. Vast majority come from the Province of Ontario, where non-stop flights to Aruba originate year-round. Montreal has benefited from seasonal winter charter flights over the past few years. Average length of stay is over 7 nights. Canadian visitors overwhelmingly favor Aruba’s all-inclusive resorts
The traveler looking to come to Aruba is more than just a Sun, Sand & Sea seeker. They enjoy:
- Cultural stimulation
- Creating connections, lasting memories and enduring friendships
- Appreciating unique natural beauty and a rich, diverse culture
- Looking for an abundance of land and sea activities to choose from
- How safe Aruba is
Accommodations
From relaxing resorts to bustling hotels and casinos, Aruba has welcoming accommodations for everyone and every budget. My job as an Aruba Certified Expert is to ensure clients are matched with their ideal type of accommodations. Aruba offers hotels & resorts, private homes & villas, apartments & condos and all inclusive options. These accommodations are designed to make every guest feel welcome. While Aruba has a wide range of properties to choose from they are generally found in one of two areas. Either “low-rise” resorts (also known as the Eagle Beach area) or “high-rise” resorts (also known as the Palm Beach area).
High-Rise Palm Beach
The high-rise resort area is known as a more active area for both daytime and nighttime activities. Restaurants, nightclubs, boutiques, movie theaters are all just steps away from most hotels in this area. Location: PALM BEACH
- Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
- Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
- Brickell Bay Beach Club Aruba
- Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort
- Holiday Inn Aruba Beach Resort and Casino
- RIU Palace Antillas
- RIU Palace Aruba
- Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino
- Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort
- The Ritz-Carlton Aruba
- Barcelo Aruba
- Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort
Low-Rise Eagle/Druif Beach
The smaller resorts are mostly two stories, in a quieter, more laid back setting. Located just five minutes by car from both downtown Oranjestad and Palm Beach. The Alhambra Casino and nearby shopping mall provide entertainment and restaurant options as well as meeting facilities. Locations: EAGLE BEACH, DRUIF BEACH
- Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts
- Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort
- Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive
- Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
- Eagle Aruba Resort & Casino
- Divi Aruba All Inclusive
And then there are a few hotels near Oranjestad and the Airport including: Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino (home to the famous flamingos!), Talk of the Town, and Hyatt Place Aruba Airport. Other accommodations include apartments/condos, private homes & villas, and timeshares.
Things To Do
Aruba is best known for its beautiful, white-powder-sand beaches and plethora of water activities, but I want my clients to know about Aruba’s wealth of fun activities and attractions beyond the shores. This happy island is full of adventurous land activities, historical and natural attractions, museums and cultural experiences, as well as exotic local dishes waiting to be discovered.
Water Activities
Aruba’s turquoise waters offer a full array of options for those looking for fun under the blue Caribbean Sea. Ranging from sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, surfing, kite-surfing, paddle-boarding and even parasailing there is a mecca of water sports activities to choose from. Wariruri is a great spot for wave sports such as bodyboarding and surfing.
Known as the wreck-diving capital of the Caribbean, Aruba’s entire south coast is a coral reef with over 20 dive sites and 11 diver-friendly wrecks such as a plane, tugboats, cement cargo ship, war and historic vessels sunk by destiny or design. Dive operators offer expert instruction and are either PADI or NAUI certified dive centers. Aruba is also a haven for deep-sea fishing with about 18 sport-fishing charter companies offering adrenaline-rushing half-day and full-day excursions.
Underwater Tours
You can take an exciting voyage 130 feet below the Caribbean Sea with Atlantis Submarines. They will enjoy viewing the remains of two shipwrecks, spectacular coral reefs and an abundance of colorful sea life. Another option, Seaworld Explorer Semi-submarine, remains above sea level at all times, while its hull, which sits 5 feet below the surface provides spectacular viewing of the Arashi coral reef’s abundant sea life and the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, the World War II German freighter Antilla.
Beaches
Aruba’s Beaches have the perfect natural elements for any kind of beach lover! Its geographical contrasts allow you to choose total relaxation on stretches of soft white sands on the west and southern sides, explore hidden beaches and secret coves on the east sides, and challenge the waters at beaches situated at the north side of the island. All beaches in Aruba are public access beaches. Caution should be exercised as there are no lifeguards as is customary in the U.S. and Canada.
Casinos & Nightlife
While most hotels have their own casinos or special in-house entertainment, there is plenty of nightlife to cater to a variety of interests and local atmospheres full of excitement. Aruba’s nightlife offers a wide range of activities from a quiet dinner on the beach to listening to a local band on one of the many piers along Palm Beach. Aruba has something for everyone. Legal drinking age is 18 but some nightclubs are 21+.
Island Tour Adventures
Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the scenic desert, rock formations and amazing coast and enjoy unforgettable local experiences. Aruba on Wheels – great way to navigate the island in a single day without a map! Horseback Riding is offered in challenging sand dunes and easy desert-like plains. Mountain biking is another option. Trails lead up to the Alto Vista Chapel and all along the rugged northeast coast.
At the Arikok National Park, clients can view dramatic landscapes. Calling all bird lovers! The Bubali Bird Sanctuary is a resting/breeding area for more than 80 species. You can also pay a visit to Ostrich Adventures.
Shopping
Aruba has a variety of shopping districts featuring a wide range of selections such as jewelry, table linens, perfumes, leather good, designer fashions, electronics, locally made handicrafts, Cuban cigars, Dutch Delft, Dutch cheeses and many other goods.
Food
Aruba offers world-class restaurants featuring award-winning international chefs, as well as local and regional eateries and cafes seasoned in preparing traditional and authentic ethnic cuisines.
- Palm Beach/Oranjestad – The high-rise strip along Palm Beach boasts more than 100 restaurants either as part of a resort property or standing alone. The capital city has even more options.
- Dine-Around Program – Aruba’s Dine Around program is offered through the Aruba Gastronomic Association. Selection of over 30 restaurants!
- Unique Dining Experiences – Indulge in booking the Chef’s table at select restaurants on the island. There are usually no more than 20 seats available and at least 5 courses to feast on, each paired with its own wine. Another great way to explore the vast culinary offerings Aruba has to offer is the Wine on Down the Road Tour.
Wellness
From the calm, mangrove-lined waters of Mangel Halto to the gently lapping waves of Baby Beach, Aruba’s beautiful natural wonders offer a secluded, relaxing escape from the world outside. Only here can you wrap your body in soothing Aruban aloe at one of our world-class spas, watch the sun dip into the sea during a twilight yoga session, or simply find peace amongst the cacti and wildlife on an invigorating hike into Arikok. Aruba has several yoga centers. A variety of practices are offered, including Vinyasa, Flow, Ashtanga, and even paddleboard yoga on the water.
Looking to book your vacation with an Aruba Certified Expert? Shoot me an email and I’ll get working on a quote for you: cassandra@accent-on-travel.net.
