Aruba is one of the most frequently revisited islands in the Caribbean (we ourselves have trekked the island sixteen times and counting). Boasting some of the world’s best beaches, a diverse dining scene, a cool mix of activities and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever find, there’s something for everyone.
Read the first of our three part series to see how we make the most of a vacation in Aruba.
Touch Down
There's no time to waste once the plane touches down on One Happy Island!
Then we're off for some Aruban immersion!
The first stop for any self-respecting, Aruban visitor is the beach.
And if it's Happy Hour, that stop should be one where live music plays while we wait to catch our first glimpses of the million dollar, Aruban sunset.
Before too long we will have worked up an appetite. Aruba is home to people from over 100 countries and its dining scene is pretty diverse as a result. Where do we go when so many choices are available? How about something that hails from the island itself!
Good options for local cuisine include traditional establishments like Papiemento, Gasparito or the Old Cunucu House.
But when we crave a place that offers a modern twist with some local flare, we make our way to one of our new favorites, Local Store.
From an outdoor seat on the deck where stools are refurbished beer kegs or from the indoor space where rustic charm pops with splashes of tropical colors, we drool over a menu that features burgers, chicken and snacks flavored with the tastes of Aruba - for example, home made funchi fries, Balashi beer batter, local creole sauce, Balashi beer bbq sauce and pica di papaya sauce.
Arrival day usually wraps up earlier than any other day on vacation. But when we count the activities we've already checked off on day one of our Aruban trek, we can honestly say we did our best to "get it in".
Stay tuned for Part 2 of Our Aruba itinerary
Credits:
Created with images by Caribbean Soul Trekkers and woodleywonderworks - "dangerous driving in the rain + tips"