Jan 4, 2008
Why do so many Americans choose the island of Aruba for their Caribbean vacations?
Though it's full of casino nuts (the types who remain at the gaming tables until 4am, then sleep until 2pm before re-entering the casinos), a favorite of people whom you wouldn't want to associate with (one of the reasons I no longer go there), this island in the Netherlands Antilles has one countervailing advantage: some of the world's great coastal beaches. The two main beaches of Aruba -- Palm Beach and Eagle Beach -- are a deep expanse of fine white sand stretching for miles and lined with modern hotels (each one with a giant casino). Detractors call it "Las Vegas in the Caribbean," but Vegas doesn't have such a beach -- the key reason for the island's heavy tourist numbers.
Tourism is supported here by elaborate resorts; more modest hotels and inns; happening nightspots; plenty of dining both plain and fancy; those flashy casinos; and fab duty-free shopping.
As for those beaches: gorgeous, powdery Palm Beach north of Oranjestad is where all the bigger resorts are located, while equally attractive Eagle Beach tends to sport more of the lower-key, lower-rise type.
It's true (I've got to be fair) that there's plenty of good sightseeing both cultural and natural. Of the former, check out Oranjestad's Fort Zoutman, or the archaeological museum. Nature, though, is where Aruba especially shines: the craggily dramatic north coast boasts a natural bridge affording spectacular photo ops, and you can also roam the cactus-lined byways of the desert-like interior, including 54-square-mile Arikok Park, an aloe farm/museum/factory, caves, and even an ostrich farm. But the problem remains: too many mindless sorts attracted there by casino gambling. You'll find better companions on the islands that don't permit casino gambling.
You can arrange it all yourself -- flying down on a number of the major U.S. and Canadian airlines -- or look for package deals from outfits like Funjet (tel. 800/558-3050; www.funjet.com), Inter-Island Tours (tel. 800/245-3434; www.interislandtours.com), Liberty Travel/Gogo Worldwide Vacations (tel. 800/271-1584; www.libertytravel.com), and Travel Impressions (tel. 800/284-0044; www.travimp.com).
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Tourism is supported here by elaborate resorts; more modest hotels and inns; happening nightspots; plenty of dining both plain and fancy; those flashy casinos; and fab duty-free shopping.
As for those beaches: gorgeous, powdery Palm Beach north of Oranjestad is where all the bigger resorts are located, while equally attractive Eagle Beach tends to sport more of the lower-key, lower-rise type.
It's true (I've got to be fair) that there's plenty of good sightseeing both cultural and natural. Of the former, check out Oranjestad's Fort Zoutman, or the archaeological museum. Nature, though, is where Aruba especially shines: the craggily dramatic north coast boasts a natural bridge affording spectacular photo ops, and you can also roam the cactus-lined byways of the desert-like interior, including 54-square-mile Arikok Park, an aloe farm/museum/factory, caves, and even an ostrich farm. But the problem remains: too many mindless sorts attracted there by casino gambling. You'll find better companions on the islands that don't permit casino gambling.
You can arrange it all yourself -- flying down on a number of the major U.S. and Canadian airlines -- or look for package deals from outfits like Funjet (tel. 800/558-3050; www.funjet.com), Inter-Island Tours (tel. 800/245-3434; www.interislandtours.com), Liberty Travel/Gogo Worldwide Vacations (tel. 800/271-1584; www.libertytravel.com), and Travel Impressions (tel. 800/284-0044; www.travimp.com).
Write and read comments about this post.
Fifty years ago, 
Arthur Frommer is generally acknowledged to be the nation's foremost travel authority. He is the founder of the
