Aruba

Flying the Dutch flag just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is all about sunshine, romance and beachside relaxation. Topping many charts as the world's best honeymoon destination, Aruba attracts couples looking for spectacular beaches, great food and wine, fun activities and generally easy travel. The island centers on Oranjested, a charming town where the cruise ship passengers and resort visitors collide to shop at duty-free boutiques or hunt for souvenirs at the flea market. Northwest of Oranjested are Aruba's best beaches, and resorts decorate the length of Palm and Eagle Beaches. If you want a vacation where the maximum ...

Flying the Dutch flag just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is all about sunshine, romance and beachside relaxation. Topping many charts as the world's best honeymoon destination, Aruba attracts couples looking for spectacular beaches, great food and wine, fun activities and generally easy travel. The island centers on Oranjested, a charming town where the cruise ship passengers and resort visitors collide to shop at duty-free boutiques or hunt for souvenirs at the flea market. Northwest of Oranjested are Aruba's best beaches, and resorts decorate the length of Palm and Eagle Beaches. If you want a vacation where the maximum exertion is hauling yourself to the bar for another rum drink, Aruba's your kind of place. If you do like getting the blood flowing, the island can oblige with some excellent diving and snorkeling, sailing, deep-sea fishing, even windsurfing. Naturalists will want to view the migratory bird population at Bubali Bird Sanctuary and hike the rugged terrain at Arikok National Wildlife Park.

About the Expert

Debra Landau has written eight Lonely Planet guidebooks, including books on the USA, Caribbean, and the South.