Aruba Planning & Tips

The Art of Smart Timing
In high season, Christmas through mid-April, expect crowds. Low season is summer, roughly May through September or October. Shoulder-season rates may apply at some properties from November through mid-December, when Aruba typically gets some rain.

Getting There
Many airlines service Aruba's Queen Beatrix Airport. These include Air Canada, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, United and US Airways.

Tip: U.S. travelers go through U.S. Customs and Immigration in Aruba. The island recommends that you arrive at the airport three hours before departure. On your return to the U.S from Aruba, you don't need to allow extra time when making connections for those formalities.

Getting Around
Taxis are available, and rental cars are plentiful. If you want a local experience, try the public bus, at least for the not-too-long ride from Palm Beach to Oranjestad. Roundtrip fare is about $2.50 U.S. The buses lack air-conditioning, but the island breezes remain constant.

Off the Radar
Find out about Aruba's aloe-growing history on a tour of the Aloe Factory's one-room museum, and see how items are produced by looking down on the factory floor. (The plant is not always in production.) You can skip the tour and head directly to the shop to browse the wide range of aloe products, such as shampoos, body creams, facial moisturizers and sunburn creams. (You might want to stock up on some, just in case).