Aruba · Tourism · Sun, Sand and Surf

Sun, Sand and Surf, it's All There For You in Aruba

It's summer vacation and you're still home? School is just starting back up but there is still time for that last minute vacation. If you're thinking of a tropical beach to hang your hat for a spell, look no further than Aruba, the Caribbean's clear water paradise. There are so many great travel packages and affordable vacation rentals available in Aruba right now, you would be crazy to pass up the opportunity to get away. It's an opportune time for some R'n'R, since summertime is the off season in Aruba; you can catch better deals, even if you are booking at the last minute.

Grab your kids, pack your bags and book that flight while you still have the chance. If you're not sure how to plan for this tropical adventure don't sweat it, we have a few tips that will make planning for your trip to Aruba a breeze.

Get the Whole Package

Check out websites that offer summer deals including rental car, plane ticket and hotel accommodations. Getting a package can simplify your planning and get you a better deal overall. Sites that have great ongoing offers are Expedia, Travelocity and Hotels.com. Take note that these are not tour packages, but if you book your airfare, hotel room and car rental at the same time that will likely save you hundreds of dollars. What should also be included in your packaged deal is identity theft protection. These companies, such as Lifelock, monitor your personal information and keep you in the know if any part of your credit is tampered with. It's this added peace of mind that will keep you relaxed and stress-free while on vacation.

Go for the Silver

The more sensibly priced lodging options in Aruba are often better than the high priced resort hotels in terms of both service and accommodations. Many of the villas in Aruba are priced at under $100 a night for non-ocean view rooms. They're so close to the water that it should hardly matter what you can see outside of your room window and many of the hotels offer free snorkeling equipment, free breakfast and free beach chairs so you can lounge beachside more comfortably.

Ready for Activities?

If you're interested in signing up for a bevy of activities, it might be a good idea to scratch off the going simple solution and opt for booking a stay at a larger resort that will offer free activities with the price of your room. Suits at the Mill Resort start at $130 per night, so you can stay within your budget and get a good room with fun activities like free scuba diving lessons and a free shuttle that will take you to entertainment venues in the city and bring you back to your hotel.

There are also plenty of free events you can take advantage of like the Bon Bini Festival, which takes place every Tuesday in the summer and every Wednesday you will find people pouring over fresh produce, tasty delights and unique artwork at the Watapana Food & Art Festival.

Get away before your summer vacation time escapes you. With added security and extra sunscreen packed away, your tropical vacation is ready and waiting. You will be so glad that you seized the great opportunity to let go and recharge before heading back to work or school; down time at Aruba will give you a brighter perspective on many levels and improve your ability to get back in the game!