A nickname says a lot about a place and perhaps no name says more than the one given to the island of Aruba, one happy island. Some tourists have commented that you have to try really hard not to smile once you arrive in Aruba, although we’re not sure why you would even try to fight it. This nineteen mile long, six mile wide paradise is 82 degrees year round with waters so clear and beaches so white that having a smile is all but impossible. At In-Aruba.Com we live and breathe Aruba. If you are looking for things to do or places to stay and much, much more, then you have come to the right place. 

Let’s start with the beaches and the water, as good as any you will find anywhere in the world. There are many small beaches spread around this island, some more private than others but all with the same amazing view of clear, blue water. Just 15 miles from Venezuela, the temperature averages 82 degrees year round and the sandy white beaches are the perfect place to take this one happy island in. 

Did you know that the people on this one happy island speak four languages? Yes they can spread their happiness in Dutch, Papiamento (the local native language), and Spanish and yes English. Communicating in so many different ways is just another part of the charm of Aruba. You will hear all of these languages and more during the many festivals held here. The Soul Beach Festival, the Caribbean Festival and the BonBini Festival bring even more crowds than normal. The annual Aruba Regatta is a sailing event not to be missed and of course there is always the biggest of all, Carnival. 

One happy island is a nickname that fits this island to perfection. From the smiles on the people’s faces to the laughter of the tourists who come to escape for even a little while, there is a feel to Aruba that is hard to describe. Many a tourist arriving by cruise ship has described this as their favorite port of all. You will find tours to take you across the island if your time is short. They are a quick peek, so to speak, of all Aruba has to offer. Fun bars and restaurants, rocks to climb, waterfalls to see, and beaches to lie on all are a part of the experience. Yes happy is a great way to describe Aruba.

You gotta love any organization with a name like Arubakitten.org. The recipe is pretty simple. Take an incredible island with sunsets you will never forget, waters so clear and blue you can see straight to the bottom, and add in cute little kittens and cats in need of homes and you have this very cool group. After all there are plenty of people to take care of tourists. We can’t go ten feet without a valet driver for our car, a bellman offering to take our bags or any number of island employees waiting on us hand and foot. But the little furry friends of the island need a little TLC too and luckily there are dedicated volunteers to make this happen.

Arubakitten.org knows how to name its little ones. You’ll find Elmo, Fred, Wilma and Pebbles which admittedly sounds a lot like the Flintstone family! These cute cats and kittens have been saved from the streets and are taken in with tender, loving care. They get medical care, high quality food and probably what they need most, attention. They get lots and lots of that from the volunteers. So if you are planning a vacation to Aruba, how can you help? Believe it or not you can and it just might make for a very memorable trip. Why not take one home with you?

Arubakitten.org sends their furry friends home with tourists every day. You got it right, you can bring home one of these little guys or gals to the US. (You might not read this part to your kids unless you plan on brining one back home!) They have done this so many times they have an easy system for you to adopt. They will give you the certificate you need for customs and you can even have the cat or kitten ride on the plane back home with you under your seat. Of course they will need a ticket that can cost anywhere from $75 to $125 but it will be money well spent, especially when you have a constant reminder year after year of the great memories of your trip to Aruba. 

So pack your bags for the trip of a lifetime and don’t forget the animals when you are there. Arubakitten.org would love to see you as they spread the word about adoptions and successfully controlling the animal population of the island. Aruba is ready for you and your newly adopted pet.

There are plenty of people to take care of the tourists in Aruba but someone needs to take care of all the animals and thankfully there is a great group to do that. AnimalrightsAruba.org was founded in 1999 with a goal of making life better for the unwanted animals on this vacation island. They are a member of the WSPA otherwise known as the World Society for the Protection of Animals, a very worthwhile cause indeed. This organization is even backed by the United Nations and plays a key role in helping Aruba be a friendly island not just for people but for animals as well. 

Why is controlling the pet population so important in Aruba, maybe even more important than back in the US? Aruba is a small island which means limited room for people and animals and too many of either can cause major problems. The Aruba Board of Tourism works closely withAnimalrightsAruba.org to make this island a happy place for all. If you think about it, one of the worst situations they could face would be an island over run with stray dogs and cats. Can you imagine the impact that would have on tourism and the experience of those visitors? Thankfully with the hard work of these volunteers and the organizations they represent this has not happened. Instead Aruba has maintained its beautiful setting and is a memorable experience for travelers all over the world. 

AnimalrightsAruba.org does this great work though several different channels including the ARA Angels. This program recognizes tourists who bring along items to donate to them. It’s a great idea so when you pack your bags for your dream trip, why not leave room in your suitcase for a chew toy or two for the animals at the shelter? Education is also a big part of what they do with classes on everything from spaying and neutering to Cat Cafes! We all know about the importance of having your pet spayed or neutered and controlling the pet population but they make sure that even the school kids (the pet owners of the future) understand what it means and why it is needed.

The Cat Café is a cat friendly part of the shelter where any stray cats are watered and fed each day. ARA is hoping to set up these Cat Cafes in local hotels too. AnimalrightsAruba.org deserves our thanks and donations for making life better for people and animals too.

There many attractions in Aruba that draw visitors there. One reason, and probably the most obvious, why people visit this Caribbean island is for the sandy beaches and gorgeous water. Another is for the lavish day spas and the overall feeling that you are in paradise. Still another reason, and one that is more of a plus, is the nightlife opportunities and the chance to drink exotic island cocktails. There are many places strewn all over the island where excellent and unique concoctions can be purchased and enjoyed.

Oranjestad, Aruba’s capitol, is home to many enjoyable bars, restaurants and lounges that offer the exquisite taste of paradise. Many establishments boast distinguished bartenders who never fail to impress guests. The elaborate cocktails of Aruba are unlike any you can find anywhere else in the world. Not only are the cocktails some of the finest on earth, but the views you can experience from some of the best bars are outstanding. Some look over gorgeous ocean views, other over casinos and other popular, brightly-lit downtown attractions. Dress is always casual in such locales, so come comfortable and leave satisfied. The general atmosphere in these establishments is obviously mostly island-themed. Experience the most authentic island dining and drinking you have ever had because you are on the island! Once you find the restaurant, bar or lounge that suits your fancy the most, you will certainly find yourself coming back for more!

Most of the lounges and bars are obviously adult-exclusive locations, so remember this if you are traveling with a family. Chances are if you want a night on the town with your spouse, your children will be more than happy to take some time out of the sun relaxing in your hotel room. Drink your cocktails and other alcoholic beverages responsibly and count on public transportation or other arrangements to get you back to your hotel room.

Everyone flaunts what they have to offer by making such claims as, “Ours is the best in the world!” or “Try our one-of-a-kind concoction. You will not be disappointed!” The only way to test the truth of these claims, though, is to try it. You have nothing to lose, so on your next visit to Aruba, be certain to make an effort to try new cocktails and martinis. The truth is, these Caribbean beverages can be found in no higher quality than where they originated: in the Caribbean.