Im going to aruba in 2 weeks, anyone give me heads up on anything? please !?

Question

Im going on a vacation with some friends and am not really getting too excited. I have 2 leave my kids for a week and havent done that yet. they are 4 and 7. Anyway, a big issue for me is that im feeling like i may not be able to keep in contact with my kids, as people told me that verizon doesnt work there. There are other things that i have read on internet about the place that we are staying. (that would be the tamarijn) but i was hoping that someone here would have atleast visited the island and could give me kindof the run down on what to expect. Well thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I have a 2nd home on the island and communication for me is a big deal since I own a business here in the States. As soon as you get out of the baggage area of the airport there is a cell phone rental kiosk in the lobby. Get one.

The calls to the US cost .29 cents a minute on Digi-cel (one of the 2 cell companies on the island). You'll get your own # and can get rechargeable cell cards in the hotel gift shop for the duration of your stay. If the kids call you....you don't get charged minutes for receiving a call, only placing the call.

Verizon may work there, I have t-mobile & can place and receive calls via roaming but you must have an international access phone. Call them, they'll tell you what the rates are but t-mobile charges 1.50 a minute if I place the call or receive the call so that's why i rent. Much cheaper the cost of the phone and .29 a min.

It's a fun island. Very safe despite what people say. They have a special police force in the hotel areas for your safety. Bring lotsa money if you eat & drink in the American hotel area, it's expensive.

Best $ bets:

Happy Hour La Cabana hotel 4-6:30pm 2 for 1 drinks

Happy Hour The Mill hotel 7:30-9:30pm 2-1 drinks

eat in downtown Oranjestadt for a variety of excellent resturaunts with reasonable prices. Be sure to take the excursion to Baby's Beach, have drinks and a late lunch at Coco Beach Bar (on Rogers Beach adjacent to Baby's beach, you'll see it as you come down the hill.)

Have fun. Don't worry, the kids will be fine...you'll miss them like the dickens but don't let worry get in the way of having a great vacation.

Go to: http://www.aruba.com for hotel, resturaunt and activities

Answer 2

Well, Aruba is expensive, and there's pretty much not much to do. You'll see a lot of lizards on the roads, people rent jeeps, its much fun. There's beaches and clubs, but look no further than that, Aruba is pretty small, so I hope you like beaches a lot, because thats all you can expect from Aruba.

Answer 3

bring alot of sunblock! trust me the sun is strong (:

its a wonderful place!

Answer 4

virginia, don't drink the water!!!  Oops, sorry; that's Mexico.  Have fun!!!

Answer 5

Aruba is beautiful.  There are several internet cafes which aren't expensive in the main town.  There are also inexpensive calling cards you can buy to call home.  You may want to check on the internet for the best deal on a calling card.  

My favorite beach is "baby beach"  down by the former power plant.  It has beautiful snorkeling and a big beach with a lagoon.  

Be careful of the nightlife.  Don't go anywhere with locals as this is a very dangerous place.  I personally won't take my kids there and go to other islands now because of all the crime and murders.

Answer 6

Aruba is a great place and very safe.  I don't know why you would go with the "locals" anywhere if you do not know them. that's just dumb.  At the Alhambra area there is an phone station where it is very inexpensive to call home.  there are also internet cafes in town where it is very inexpensive to call home.  We have never used our cell phone in Aruba, but I know people who have.  You have to check with your provider to see if they have service on the island.  Some hotels have internet service, I don't know about the Tamarijn.  

Go downtown for several local inexpensive restaurants.  We like Carlos and Charlies, but there are many good, inexpensive restaurants to choose from.  We also like the French Steakhouse.  We have gone on day and evening cruises, we have gone on tours. There are also a lot of water sport activities. For a first timer there are a lot of things to do.  The local buses are inexpensive and safe and they will take you all up and down the coast to all the hotels if you want to see them.  The American dollar is okay to use for currency.  Your tips are usually included in the price of your meal.  Bring really good sunscreen, and do't worry about your hair because the wind will wreck it anyway.  The tap water is not "cold" but it is perfectly safe to drink.  The water is wonderful and there are not too many waves.  There are also casinos on the island for entertainment if you care to gamble.  Your hotel concierge will help you with anything you want to know.  Have a great time.

Answer 7

Been there 4 times!! LOVE it - go to Baby Beach, California Lighthouse, do the Kuku Kanukoo bar bus hopping tour (FUN!!) Also, the Tattoo Party Cruise & one of the day sailing snorkeling excursions on a catamaran.  They make these great drinks called a green iguana - such a great time. Have a blast!!!!