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Claudia Fenner is a writer, photographer and travel enthusiast from Dix Hills. She loves to plan her family’s vacations as well as help her relatives and friends with theirs. Have any travel questions you would like answered? Email her at |
| "You're going to Aruba?" my friends asked quizzically. "You hate the beach, the sun and you haven't put on a bathing suit in 10 years." Yes.. all true. We are not "beach people" but the idea of trading the mid-winter cold for mid-summer warmth was very enticing. Would we find enough to do for 5 days minus the beach? We were up to the challenge! Delta and JetBlue operate daily nonstop service from JFK to Aruba. Flight time is a quick 4.5 hours. After landing at Queen Beatrix Airport (AUA) we hopped into a cab and $25 and 20 minutes later we arrived at our hotel. Cabs are cheap, plentiful and are a fixed rate. I chose the gorgeous Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, which is located in the "high rise" hotel area of Palm Beach. Doubles range from about $250 to $500 depending upon the season. We had Marriott points for our stay and this was a great property to use them at. If you are looking for an adults only all-inclusive experience you can choose to upgrade to their "Tradewinds Club" where 3 meals, snacks and drinks are served all day. So what to do that didn't involve the sun or the sand? First day we booked a full day island tour and it was lovely. We visited the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Natural Bridge, Casibari Rock Formation, ate lunch at a local restaurant and then a final stop for snorkeling, where we just sat under a shady tree and enjoyed the warmth of the afternoon. One day we walked around the capital of Oranjestad where cruise ships call almost daily. It's a bustling port town with the usual assortment of high end boutiques, blocks and blocks of jewelry and souvenir shops, and a nice local flea market. On Tuesday evenings, there is the Bon Bini Festival that features traditionally-costumed folkloric dancers, local music, culinary specialties and local art. There are 3 multiplexes that show first run movies which was another great way to stay out of the noonday sun. Besides the toasty weather and the nice assortment of activities, Aruba boasts what seemed like an endless choice of fantastic international restaurants. We ate Belgian, German, Italian, Mexican and plenty of delicious and fresh seafood. Five lovely and relaxing days passed quickly by. As pale as we arrived, we boarded our flight home planning how soon we could return to this delightful paradise. *Be sure to arrive at the airport (AUA) at least 3 hours before your flight home as you clear US Customs and Immigration before you leave. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 