ARUBA

The country

Aruba is a Caribbean island. Geographically, Aruba is located in the south south of the Lesser Antilles, a few kilometers from the coast of Venezuela.

Geography

The size of this island is 33 km in its long and 10 km wide, with an area of approximately 190 km2 (see map). Aruba is one of the smallest countries in the world and that we can quickly do the turn. Aruba is rather flat, the highest point is Mount Jamanota (188 meters).

Climate

The climate on Aruba is a tropical climate very hot and dry, it rains a little in contrast to many other tropical islands. There is no virgin forest but many cactus.
Temperatures are warm all year, they vary between 23 ° and 34 °.
The water is warm too, and sea bathing is possible throughout the year.

People

Aruba has a population of just over 100 000 people. But there are many tourists throughout the year (american people).

Language

The language is Dutch and Papiamento (local language). But there is no problem with english.

Money and prices

The money is the Aruban Florin but you more often use Dollars because there are many American tourists.
This situation is not very easy because you have two money with you, sometimes you pay in dollars and you have money in Florin, sometimes it is the opposite. For the conversion, a fixed exchange rate is applied. The rate is certainly in favor of the merchant.
If you stay in the tourist area on the beach, you need only Dollars.
Anecdote : arriving at the airport in Aruba, I took a taxi want only Dollars.
Prices in the tourist places are rather high, but otherwise the local products are fairly inexpensive.

My travel

I went one week with my wife to Aruba in March 2009. We had booked a bedroom at The Mill Resort Hotel for € 150 per night. This hotel is a fairly good range, which is located next to the beautiful Palm Beach. In March, there are not many tourists, so it's very pleasant, and the climate is really good. To visit the island, we rented a car for 3 days (150 € for 3 days : Chrysler PT Cruiser, oil is very cheap). Against, I advise you to rent a 4x4 (Jeep) because with a classic car, a few corners of the island are inaccessible, including the natural pool. Reserve if possible from your country, because 4x4 are in great demand.
The main points to see are:
The capital : Oranjestad (Orangetown) The white sand beaches on the west coast (Palm Beach, Eagle Beach) The beach Baby Beach in the south-east of the island near San Nicolas The nature reserve Arikok
Now I let you see pictures of this small paradise ...