Many people ask what the best time of year to visit Aruba is. Although an enthusiastic “Anytime!” is a valid answer, thanks to the perfect weather, Carnival season is an easy favorite. The history of Carnival in Aruba is an interesting one. Carnival has been celebrated in Aruba since the 1940’s.and is in the 6 weeks leading up to the Lenten season in the Catholic calendar, which is a time of fasting and penitence. It begins on New Year’s Day and ends on Ash Wednesday. Carnival is a time of great joy and celebration. Originally introduced to the island nation by British West Indian immigrants, the celebration has evolved over the decades to include many multi-cultural flavors.
The original history of Carnival started in the 1940’s and is based upon the Carnival in Trinidad. Known for its vibrant costumes, and wild festivities, the celebration is also widely known as “Bacchanal”. Bacchanal is loosely based upon the ancient Greek and Roman festivities celebrating the Gods of wine, vegetation and cheer. Arubans often mark these celebrations with great artistic expressions, similar to the way that the Greeks and Romans would write tragedies for theirs.
Carnival in Aruba has changed over the years and now has many elements from Holland, North America and even native Arubans. The celebration is marked with many grand parades and parties, known as “jump ups” and reaches its festive peak with the election of the “Queen”. It is an expressive mix of music, color, motion and merriment that is a real draw for tourists from around the globe. Vibrant colors, elaborate costumes and fireworks delight the eyes while music, laughter and merriment fill the ears. The history of Carnival in Aruba has grown over the years to make it one of the most raucous celebrations in the Caribbean today.
If you are looking for a great time of year to visit Aruba, you can’t go wrong in Carnival season. While much of the Northern Hemisphere is mired in the cold gloom of winter, Aruba is alive with warmth and color, and aglow in the happiness of celebration. As is the history of Carnival, you will be treated to near daily parades and parties, so opportunities to join in the celebration abound. Be sure to bring a camera and your dancing shoes, as you take to the streets with the locals in a true celebration of life, music and of course, wine.
For many people, vacation is a time to try out things that you normally wouldn’t do. Some people opt to go snorkeling or scuba diving. Others may try out cliff diving or horseback riding. Many people travel to exotic destinations and just delight in the native cuisine. But for some, a trip to the hospital may become an unexpected addition to the itinerary. Sometimes, all of those fun activities that you are not used to can catch up with you, and you may find yourself bringing back a broken bone or a twisted ankle as a souvenir. If you find yourself injured in Aruba, you can rest assured knowing that you are in good hands.
Most people that get injured or ill enough to require a trip to the hospital on vacation suffer only fairly minor medical problems. Top of the list are digestion issues, caused by differences in the water and the food. Visitors to the island nation of Aruba that find themselves in severe gastrointestinal discomfort may seek treatment at either the medical center in San Nichols or the hospital in the capital city of Oranjestad. Comparable to the level of care that is provided in small hospitals in the United States, the Dr. H.E. Oduber Hospital is capable of providing treatment for most common medical concerns.
Though nobody really sets out to get hurt or get sick, it may be worthwhile to give it some thought before you leave on your dream trip. Check with you medical insurance provider to determine what the rules and regulations are regarding international care. Find out ahead of time whether it will cover you financially for expenses like consultations or hospital stays. Another good idea before coming to Aruba on vacation is to make sure that you have all of your routine vaccinations up to date. Though there are no regional medical concerns that are specific to Aruba, the last thing anyone wants is to fall needlessly ill while on vacation.
Though you certainly won’t hope to visit the hospital while on vacation in Aruba, it is good to know that, should a trip get spontaneously added to your itinerary, you will be in good and capable hands. If you should suffer a life threatening illness or injury you will likely be airlifted to another country that has state of the art equipment available, but truthfully, most ailments befalling tourists are not that serious.
Lizards of all species are abundant in Aruba and many of these reptiles cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast, an amateur photographer, a nature lover, or simply a traveler in search of an interesting vacation activity, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Aruba.
One place to begin your search is Arikok National Park. This ecological preserve covers nearly 20 percent of the island and is home to various animal species that are exclusive to Aruba. The park contains a variety of lizards including the Aruban Whiptail lizard, or Kododo blauw. The Aruban Whiptail is among the most common, and important, reptiles in Aruba. The males are known for their beautiful turquoise blue color. These omnivorous reptiles are indigenous to Aruba and survive on a diet of fruits, insects, and occasionally eggs and mice. The Aruban Whiptail and a variety of other reptiles, birds, and animals can be seen in part of the park called Cunucu Arikok. Cunucu Arikok is a partially-restored farm that serves as a 45 minute nature hike and gives up-close views of wildlife and vegetation.
Residing largely outside of the national park, Iguanas are also one of the most popular lizards in Aruba. Iguanas range from a bright, neon green when they are young, to a more subdued grey-green as adults. Male iguanas can grow up to more than 6 feet in length. These reptiles can often be found relaxing in the sun, or in trees in search of a snack. Iguanas are known to be quite fast, and much like chameleons, iguanas are known for their ability to blend into their surroundings, especially when they sense danger. The ability to camouflage themselves was once a valuable tool for iguanas because they were widely considered a delicacy in Aruba, and were made into a variety of soups and stews. It is now illegal to hunt iguanas and any restaurant caught serving them can be fined and possibly shut down.
Aruban Whiptails, Iguanas, and a variety of other species of reptiles can be found in most areas of the island. If lizards don’t seem to be your cup of tea, don’t worry. These local reptiles keep to themselves. Unless you try to feed them, they will do their own thing and allow you to do yours. These island natives add to the Aruban atmosphere and provide plenty of photo opportunities.
Are you ready for a little time in heaven on earth? An Aruba vacation is just what you need to relax from your busy lifestyle and let your hair down! Take advantage of the gorgeous and never-ending sunshine by making sunscreen and your favorite bathing suit your two most important accessories. You will undoubtedly be spending a lot of time in the water during your tropical vacation in paradise, participating in exciting activities like kite surfing, wave running, snorkeling, sailing and water skiing. Every water sport you can imagine and hobby that is accomplished in the ocean—from deep sea fishing to surfing—can be found in Aruba.
Apart from the water activities, there are many things to do on dry land as well. The overall terrain of Aruba is a sight to see by itself. Rugged cliffs, fascinating natural rock formations, rough hiking trails and bike paths lined with prickly cactus abound on this island. Feel free to explore everywhere on foot, riding horseback or driving an ATV. Claim the wilderness on the island as your own playground to explore and discover natural sights you have never seen before. This will be a much-welcomed alternative to sitting in an office chair all day staring at a computer screen.
The next important part of an Aruba vacation is the opportunity you have to visit old mills, museums, ancient churches and go on other tours around the island. You may also want to take the time to play some land sports like golf, tennis, beach volleyball or biking. Feel the tension and stress leave your body as you practice your putt to the sound of lapping ocean waves or play volleyball along the shore. When your feet start to tire out, take a break at one of the local beach bars and order yourself a refreshing cocktail. Enjoy new flavors and appreciate unique company. Vacations are all about relaxing, enjoying yourself and meeting new people along the way.
After a satisfying but tiring day, treat yourself to a spa service in the evening. Your Aruba vacation is the perfect time to pamper and spoil yourself in a way you never would at home. Everything from pedicures and massages to facials and haircuts can be had at one of the many island spas. Returning home from your Aruba vacation should leave you looking and feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rigors of your everyday life once more. Learn more about how to enjoy this experience at http://www.in-aruba.com.
Your vacation to Aruba is one you will remember for a lifetime! Great memories are made by thousands of visiting families and couples every year. If you are planning a vacation to Aruba, you must come to understand the proceedings in the airport, both coming and going. Once your relaxing vacation has sadly come to a conclusion, you will need to prepare yourself for the departing flight. Arrive at the airport three hours early to prevent stress as you stand in the many lines that are built into departing flights from Aruba. Baggage check-in, passport and boarding pass review, security screening and US customs are just a few of the lines you must pass through.
Upon your initial arrival to the airport, check-in your baggage at the main terminal if you brought large enough luggage on your trip. Take your carry-on luggage with you. The next step is to pass through an Aruba customs checkpoint. As you continue to make your way through the airport, following signs to your gate, you will approach the first US customs checkpoint. The process that awaits you here is similar to what you experience in many US airports. Once through the line, you will retrieve your carry-on luggage and proceed through the line.
Once you pass through the first checkpoint, you return your luggage to another conveyer belt and pass through the second US customs checkpoint for security screening. This is the final checkpoint and once you are through here, you can pick up your luggage for the final time and proceed to your gate and await the departure of your plane. There is a bit of a mystery as to why there is a dual US customs procedure in addition to the one Aruba customs line, as all it really seems to accomplish is the necessity for an earlier arrival at the airport. This is something the hotel industry can take advantage of, as their guests must depart early enough to catch their flight, giving hotel workers all afternoon to prepare for arriving guests later in the day.
Whatever the reason for multiple US customs checkpoints when departing from Aruba, you must plan to arrive early enough to pass through these points without stress, rushing and possibly missing your flight. This will aid in bringing your fun-filled vacation to a successful conclusion and not put a damper on the great memories of your family trip. There is more information available at http://www.in-aruba.com.