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Shopping can be tricky. The main shops are in the downtown area of Oranjestaad (the capital). Although you will find brand shopping it is more expensive than, say, duty free. I recommend buying local handcrafts and look for brand bargains... and never buy at first sight... you will probably find it cheaper one block down the street
It's no secret that Aruba is made up mostly of timeshares. That means you will be approached to take part in a timeshare preview from numerous different hotels. In return you will get coupons good for shopping or gambling. The good news? Most, and I do mean most, of them are NOT high pressure. If you do decide to participate I recommend you choose those with reputable names (ie Marriott, Raddison, etc.) and please try to be polite and they will do the same. CAUTION: The Natural Pool is a good place to visit but it is NOT easy to get too. Jeeps are prohibited in the Arikok National Park (where the pool is located) thus you will have to find alternate ways to get there, hiking being one of them. If you go, be prepared to walk.
Be very,very carefully when it rains at us.Roads get as slippery as iced in your country.This is because the asfalt is much denser and a small film of oil by a lack of frequent showers.Water and Moneyevaporate very faston this Island.Euro-tourist, Aruba is into the Dollar Zone.Buy your groceries at a supermarket, not at the mini market in your hotel which is more expensive.Picture: PRIKICHI'S or our local Parkeets. Best time to see and surely hear them: sunset.
Not a tourist trap but a civil trap...we get elections in Aruba at the end of september.2 big parties MEP and AVP (Movemiento Electoral di Pueblo and Arubaanse Volks Partij) 2 smaller OLA and PPA have a lot of chance to deal the votes.But politics has only a little bit to do with sense.Most is about a carnavalesque atmosphere where flags in all sizes play the major role.Also a lot of wheeling and dealing is involved. Seriously, mister 'W' could learn something here...Pictured is the city town, knowed as Cas Arends, in center of O'stad. Just renovated and by coincidence,the color of the major party in power. (AVP)
Beaware that prices at mini markets in the lobby of the resorts are pretty much expensive than when buying it out of the resort. Grocery prices at Aruba's Mega Supermarkets such as Kong Hing Super Center, Ling & Sons Supermarket and Certified Mega Center are comparable or a bit lower than grocery prices in the U.S. The above mentioned Supermarkets are all located in a cluster next to the resort area.
Not necessarily a trap, but if you are adventurous, don't take the guided jeep tour - about $60 per person. It is only $45/day to rent your own jeep and follow the points of interest. It was great not to have to be rushed at the sites, and a lot cheaper. The rental car agencies provide maps which are great at outlining the sites to see. Oh, roads are not marked to clearly, so you may get lost a time or two, but we discovered some great stuff that way. It takes about 6-8 hours to tour the whole island depending on how many stops you make and how long you stayed. Jeep tours do not go to the Tunnel of Love or Baby Beach which were great spots to stop and relax for a swim
natural bridge - a must see place according to tourist information. This bridge created by the ocean and weather and erosion looks wonderful on pictures. It looks wonderful in reality as well, however about 20 times smaller. Besides that you can find at least 6 other (only a tiny bit smaller) natural bridges around the north shore...
iguanas - oh they say you can see bunch of them... I spent 5 weeks on Aruba and I saw 2 (in words two) iguanas, out of which one was flat - killed by a car. But they are beautiful....
Watch out for the cheaper rental car companies. They often give you older cars that aren't all that comfortable. Try to stay with the big names, such as Hertz, Budget, Alamo, and any other name that you've seen in the states or Europe
All the luxury hotels have expensive restaurants and amenities. If you want the LOCAL FLAVOR go to a local barber/hairdresser, eat where the locals eat, hang around the bars in San Nicolas! Take a few bus rides or mini busses. Did you know that hotels charge double for a hair coloring or similar services if you are a tourist and 50% less if you are a local? If you can get away, without showing a residence permit, you can get some services half the price..
Bucuti Beach resort Oranjestad Oranjestad
1163 Opinions
Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba
2 Reviews and 1163 Opinions We were greeted with not just one but two glasses of champagne while we checked in, which we thought...
Caribbean Palm Village Resort Noord
146 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Aruba attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Aruba sightseeing.
Q: i need some help to choose a hotel in aruba.it should be a romantic place ,close to the sea. thanks M
A: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is the only Aruba hotel with honeymoon suites, I would say thats romantic. Other places would be: Bucuti Beach Resort - for...
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