By Jen Lewallen
The holidays will be here before you know it, and it’s never too early to start planning your family getaway. Aruba has termed the slogan “One Happy Island” and its ideal beaches, perfect year-round weather, and amazing people make it a superb destination to celebrate with your family this upcoming season.
Enjoying family time on Renaissance Beach
Melissa Schwarz, a travel consultant from Cherry Hill, N.J., has frequented the island with her family since the age of 7 and returns often, especially during the holidays.
“The people in Aruba are some of the nicest I’ve ever met,” says Schwarz, “I have made lifelong friends there and primarily go to visit them now, although the beautiful beaches don’t hurt!”
The weather in Aruba is perfect for fun in the sun all year, and the island’s cool breezes keep beachgoers refreshed on the warm sand.
“You are almost always guaranteed to have perfect weather there,” raves Schwarz, “I have never once seen it rain for more than an hour total throughout the entire day. Locals never look at the weather report and say that the only reason for even having one is for tourists.”
Always inclined for a good celebration, this lively island truly embraces the holiday spirit. Decorations, music, and island-style “Christmas” trees (festive palm trees) grace the lobbies of hotels and pedestrian areas around Aruba.
Shopping in Aruba during the holidays
Remembers Schwarz, “One resort that I stayed at [Occidental Grand Aruba] even had a live nativity scene with farm animals for a few years.”
Celebrations continue in Aruba well after Jan. 1, and Schwarz recommends extending your stay to participate in Carnival. “Aruba’s biggest event is definitely their Carnival which takes place for an entire month, usually in January. There are parades, children’s events, street parties, and Carnival Queen Elections. It is definitely something worth checking out!”
Festive Dancer at Aruba’s Carnival
This friendly island encourages mingling with locals and offers endless activities making it an ideal destination for creating family memories and new holiday traditions. A variety of accommodations and excursions ensure something wonderful for everyone, and your local travel agent will find the perfect resort for your Aruban Holiday escape!
