Simply Aruba....

Photo credit: K. Crumb Travel, L.L.LC.

Earlier this year, (pre-pandemic) I had the pleasure and honor to book an Aruba vacation for the lovely couple you see above. They were celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. Of course, I go all out for my clients to ensure they have an amazing getaway, but this one was special. I am a huge fan of Black Love, so this had to be right! Needless to say, they had an amazing time and have the pictures to prove it! Let's go inside for more.....

Photo credit: K. Crumb Travel, L.L.C.

Many of you may have heard that Aruba is beautiful, for lovers and one of the most gorgeous places that the Caribbean has to offer; to this I would have to agree. Its beaches are pristine and the people are so inviting, that Caribbean love thang I suppose.

But before we get into all things fabulous pertaining to Aruba, let's get the housekeeping out of the way. Being in a pandemic for almost a year now, we have all learned to adapt and adjust. So many rules and regulations have been created to try to control this, seemingly uncontrollable virus. So as of the date of this blog, here are the latest travel provisions when visiting Aruba, courtesy of the Center for Disease Control:

• Travelers should avoid all travel to Aruba.
• Travel may increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.
• If you must travel:
  • Before you travel, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip. Do not travel if you are waiting for test results, test positive, or are sick. Follow all entry requirements for your destination and provide any required or requested health information. 
  • During travel, wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from people who are not traveling with you, wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer, and watch your health for signs of illness.
  • Before traveling back to the United States, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before travel. Follow all destination and airline recommendations or requirements.
  • After you travel, get tested 3–5 days after travel AND stay home for 7 days after travel.
    • If you don't get tested, it's safest to stay home for 10 days.
    • If you had a known exposure to COVID-19 while traveling, delay travel, quarantine from other people, get tested, and monitor your health.

As our parents used to tell us children, "Safety First", so as we are still in the throws of a pandemic, I encourage all travelers at this time to travel with caution.
Now that the law has been laid down, let's talk about what Aruba has to offer.

Aruba is the smallest and most Western island of the Dutch Antilles, which, known locally as the ABCs, also include Bonaire and Curaçao. Aruba is a popular cruise destination, and it's little wonder why. The beaches are so perfect they're almost cliched: miles of white, sandy beaches, turquoise waters and the requisite year-round sun. Over a million visitors arrive on this tiny island each year, enticed by its luxury resorts, first-class restaurants, 24-hour casinos and excellent water sport facilities.
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Most visitors stay either in the capital, Oranjestad, or just to the north in one of the many resort complexes on Eagle and Palm beaches. The remainder of the island is much less developed and in the arid interior there is nothing more substantial than cacti and divi-divi trees, contorted by the consistently strong trade winds. For those who need more than sunbathing to get their kicks, there are plenty of activities available on the island. There is good diving and snorkeling along the reef on the protected leeward coast and the windsurfing is excellent a little further north at Fisherman's Hut. Deep-sea fishing can also be arranged through many of the hotels.

Key Facts:

Language:
The official languages in Aruba are Dutch and the native Papiamento. English and Spanish are taught in school and are also widely spoken. Some French is also understood.
Passport/Visa:All passports must be valid for period of intended stay. It is highly recommended that travelers always have six months validity on their passports after departure. Visitors must hold sufficient funds, onward or return tickets, and all documents for next destination. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Most visas can be extended up to a total of 180 days per calendar year.

Currency:The official currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG). The Florin is tied to the US Dollar. US currency is accepted everywhere and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs in Oranjestad.
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​ELECTRICITY:
Electric current in Aruba is 127 volts, 60Hz. Flat two and three-pin plugs are standard.

For more information on how to book your next vacation, please visit: www.kcrumbtravel.com and click the Book Now tab or e-mail your request to [email protected].