World Visits

Going to Aruba? Thinking about an Aruba vehicle rental? You’ll be happy with your decision. At first, Aruba seems like a tiny little island (and it is), but you’ll discover so much more than the average tourist, if you get an Aruba vehicle rental.

For years, I stayed at a hotel and casino. I got the royal treatment. The southwest coast of Aruba is highly populated with tourists from the east coast of America. At any given time, you’d find the Yankees or the Giants game splashed all over the TVs of the local clubs. I felt like I was at my home away from home.

When I decided to take a small trek into Oranjestad with a friend for shopping, I wished I had my own car to carry my souvenirs. Also, I was entranced with the local culture. I had never seen such a diverse mix of culture in any Caribbean island.

Aruba was discovered in the 15th century and settled by the 17th century. This makes Aruba one of the oldest and most culturally rich islands in the Caribbean. It’s only 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela. The Dutch govern this island. The natives are a mix of Creole, Dutch, Spanish, and English.

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Thinking about driving a car rental Aruba this year? I think you’ll be very happy with your decision. The island is much more than the pristine coast of southwest Aruba and resorts. You still have scuba diving, shopping, national parks, local cuisine, and much more.

If you want to explore the culture of Aruba there’s nothing like getting lost in your Aruba car rental. The local roads make it easy to go astray and easy to find your way out. The island is only 70 square miles. The widest point is 6 miles, and the island isn’t even twenty miles long.

When I chose my car rental Aruba, I decided to share my experience with other open-minded travelers. Keep the following tips in mind:

1. The only street in Oranjestad that is clearly labeled, is Lloyd G. Smith Blvd.

1. You might want to park at the Renaissance Mall and get your bearings before you pack your bags with souvenirs.

1. The speed limit on Oranjestad is 40mph.

1. NO turns on red.

1. The road signs contain no words. Which can be confusing at first, but makes it easier than deciphering Dutch or Creole. Get a tourist map to learn these quick references. (more…)

Aruba is my favorite Caribbean destination, and my Aruba auto rental makes my trip complete. Many people never even leave their resort on the southwest coast. And while on one hand I can’t blame them for not wanting to leave, they’re missing out on some of the best parts of the island.

I’m not even going to bring up how much easier shopping is in Oranjestad with a car rental (okay, I already did). Aruba is the crossroads of the Caribbean combining European, North American, South American, and Creole cultures onto one tiny island that is only 70 square miles.

Granted your beach resort takes the breath away with the pristine white sands and smooth turquoise waters. However, hop in that Aruba auto rental and visit the top wonders of this beautiful island. You may want to consider an off-terrain vehicle while you’re at it.

1. California Lighthouse – This lighthouse went up in 1914, and makes Aruba visible to Venezuela (only 15 miles off the coast), Curacao, and Bonaire.

1. Butterfly Farm – This is a nice break to take with the kids. It can also make a great romantic getaway. The 3,000 square foot farm is filled with waterfalls and tropical gardens. New Age music permeates the air as butterflies flutter around, and it smells heavenly. (more…)

When you’re looking for Aruba car rentals, it’s important that you brush up on the driving etiquette and traffic laws. Although most of the tourists are from New York, once you get off the beaten path a little, you’re in a completely different world.

Aruba is unlike any other Caribbean Island that I’ve ever visited. It’s a crossroads of culture. Did you know that Aruban natives are a mix of over 40 different cultures? The Dutch govern this island. It’s only 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Both Spanish and English moved here during the age of industrialization. And don’t forget the native population of the peaceful Arawak Indians.

The best way to get a taste of this culture is to get in a car and drive around the island. However, you need to keep in mind a few tips–especially if you come from the hustle and bustle of city life.

1. Oranjestad is the capital city where most of the island’s commerce occurs. The shopping here ranges from high-end designer boutiques to hand crafted Aruban items. Most people like to park Aruba car rentals at the Renaissance Mall and get their bearings before they explore the rest of the city. (more…)

I don’t like to travel unless it’s off the beaten path, and an auto rental Aruba delivers just that. I love the Dutch West Indies because it offers a distinct crossroads of culture that no other region of the Caribbean can boast. The history is deeply entrenched in Native American, Spanish, Dutch, and Venezuelan culture among 40 other nationalities that call this place home.

As a regular in Aruba, we go here every winter when the New York slush and snow gets to be too much for us. If you’re from America, you know exactly what I mean when I say this place is a home away from home. You’ll find New Yorkers cheering on a Yankees or Giants game at any given time.

Most of the resorts are in the southwest region for a good reason, it’s beautiful here. Pristine, calm water makes the ocean a brilliant turquoise. Powdery white sand fills the beaches. You could take your sunscreen, swimsuit, and a nice drink, and sit by the luxury pools on the ocean for you entire stay and be perfectly happy.

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For an island that has a population of less than 40,000 people, it’s surprising that you can find a variety of choices from luxury to economy cars Aruba. You can even rent a cargo van, minivan, or all-terrain 4×4 Jeep.

If you don’t know yet what you want to rent, here are a few things to think about:

• Economy cars – Aruba works great with an economy car. The speed limit is 40km/h in town and 60km/h out of town. You won’t be doing any racing here, especially if the extent of your adventure is hitting the restaurants in Oranjestad’s downtown area or shopping the wharfs and chi-chi boutiques.

Economy cars make it easy to navigate Main Street and Lloyd G. Smith Blvd. You want something small to hold your souvenirs. Plus, these cars are much better for navigating the unmarked streets when you have to make a turn at the last minute.

• 4×4 all-terrain Jeeps – Get lost in Aruba. It doesn’t get much better than this. You’ll find your way out easy because the island is only six miles wide and 20 miles long. The unpaved back roads beg for something like a 4×4 Jeep. Ask your rental company about driving all over the island. Your insurance may not cover some of the trails. They’ll let you know which ones. (more…)

The Aruba Airport car rental services and food and shopping are top notch compared to any other airport I’ve been to in the Caribbean. You would never guess that there are over ten places to rent a car in Aruba right across from the terminal.

• Security – Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix takes painstaking efforts to ensure ease and accessibility along every step. With only eight gates, it’s not hard to find where you’re going. You still need to follow the international security rules, but the sheer size of the airport makes navigation so much easier.

• Shopping – All the usual option in duty-free shopping offered in personalized and friendly airport boutiques. This makes last minute shopping a lot of fun. You can find liquor, tobacco, cosmetics, sunglasses, and souvenirs all located on the ground floor near check-in and security.

• Food and Beverages – There are several locations scattered throughout the airport that have hot food and vending machines. (more…)

Don’t waste any more money on taxis or waiting around for the bus because Aruba car deals are cheap and driving around the island is easy. Just take your pick from the three most popular choices: taxis, buses, and rental cars in Aruba.

Of course, there are a few other ways to get around in Aruba. It’s totally possible to walk the entire island since it’s only six miles wide and twenty miles long. If you’re a marathon runner, you’ll enjoy the trails and scenic views. You also have horseback and motorcycle. However, Aruba car deals are the most viable option for most of us.

The bus might be a good choice if you only plan on going from your hotel to Oranjestad. Just remember you’ll have to carry those souvenir bags around all day. Personally, I take my Aruba car rental and park it in the Renaissance Mall.

Getting around this city is a lot easier than any in other city in America. Just remember that the speed limit is 40km/h and the international signs operate strictly by picture. Grab a map and look at the sign references.

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If you’re worried about driving a car hire Aruba is a great place to hone your international driving skills. Driving a car hire in Aruba is easy and will seem very natural after about 20 minutes.

Keep the following tips in mind.

1. Arubans drive on the right side of the road. This is the “right” side of the road to most people from the western hemisphere.

1. Aruba has one main road–1A–that goes from the southern tip to the northern tip. When you hit Oranjestad, it’s called Lloyd G. Smith Blvd.

1. A few roads go off this one, but they probably won’t be labeled. Eventually, most of them circle back around to 1A.

1. Get a road map from your Aruba car hire.

1. The signage uses the European international signage system. What this means for you is, no English. Read your map and know what the pictures mean. In some cases, there may be signs written in Dutch. Keep in mind that “verboden” translates to something like “no”. This usually means no parking. The airport signs are blue and say, “Reina Beatrix”. (more…)

When I am in Aruba, I rent a car in Aruba every time. I try to look past the luxury of the resorts and soak up the culture, too. Don’t get me wrong–I absolutely adore the five star treatment the five star resorts and casinos offered on the southern part of the island. Everything about it says relaxation.

But did you know that you can discover the true history of the Dutch Antilles if you rent a car in aruba? Aruba was discovered and claimed by 1499. The Dutch acquired the island in 1636, and they have the architecture to prove it.

By the 19th century, one of many gold rushes was in full effect after a little boy discovered gold while he was playing around in the water. In 1986, Aruba became a separate and autonomous member of the Kingdom of Netherlands. In 1990, Aruba declined the move to be completely free of the Dutch rule.

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