@Gandalf4568 the water in the netherlands its not nice at all as the one in Aruba so what has the dutch to do with it? Aruba is part of the netherlands but it’s not dutch. We still have our own official language and etc.
As an Aruban that lives in the poor district (San Nicolas) we have some good places here to eat at as well. And way cheaper. Like O'Niel Caribbean Kitchen which is in the main street of San Nicolas. Amazing food for a good price. As well as Zeerover's in Savaneta. And just a bunch of food trucks in general are awesome. Two people can eat for 25 fl at certain food trucks.
I always make a stop at Saco Felipe one night. It's one of my favorite meals on the island. I also liked Kamini's Kitchen. I would stop on the way back from Baby/Rodger's Beach.
I’ve been going ever since I was born, I’m now 22, it’s is without a doubt my happy place😌. I have the islands coordinates tattooed on my arm, The BEST Island in the Caribbean with such a diverse and rich history of Dutch, Spanish, and Native cultures, every islander knows 4 languages by age 12, including the native creole language, Papiamento which is a gorgeous language, also a pirate watch tower right in the middle of the capital which is cool🔥
Hello I love ur island I hope I can find a job as a trucker there one day it's such a beautiful place I am from the Netherlands and u guys also speak Dutch so why not the Netherlands is cold Grey and boring can't wait
Also 1 question if I may ask are there alot of natural disasters over there or does it almost never happen like hurricanes and all that scary stuff lol
@@christopherpoterson2244 "...you may make a right turn after a full stop..." Once I did not stop completely in LI. Got a ticket by mail. Just crying ...
@@evagezymalla Prepare for a hell-like experience with the government paperwork. It takes ages and lots of energy to get documents done with the government unless you have special contacts.
@@evagezymalla Second of all, learn papiamento straight away! It will help you so much! I’ve made the mistake of not learning it in my first year and it took me much longer to find my place that way.
Wolter - I had an interesting experience a few years back. I booked a quick trip in the Savaneta district of the island. Didn't realize it was their Labor Day - just about everything was shut down. The nearby Dutch/Aruban joint patrol base threw their gates open, an annual event that I was luckily there for. What a cool experience - vendors selling food, and demonstrations of military equipment, including a "shooting range" where we were able to fire M-16s loaded with blanks.
hey wolter, from aruba here! very happy you enjoyed our island! i do agree tht we do have a lot of jewelry stores on the island (its something me and my mom rant about with each other a lot). but a quick tip on visiting here, you can buy delicious pastechis at a good price if you explore those little snack places around the island. usually pastechis or any other local creole foods near the hotel areas are really expensive, but if you go deep in the island, you will find little snack places (especially in the morning) tht sells delicious pastechis and other snacks for a really cheaper price :)
Biggest shock we had was going inland and being surrounded by desert which felt like we were in Sedona Arizona rather than on a Caribbean Island in Aruba
In my case the biggest culture shock I had was just how multicultural Aruba is: everyone has all sorts of different heritage, and they're all poliglots! Also I was expecting everyone to mainly speak Dutch, but turned out that pretty much no one communicated to each other in this language (although of course they are fluent speakers). People socialize with each other mainly in Papiamento instead (which is also super interesting)
Thank you 🤗yes we are a mix of amerindians arrowak Caquetio native indians from Amazone with africans and Europeans. When you make your familytree you see the lastnames and faces.
I love the natural bridge and the parrot with the ice cube! Aruba looks beautiful, thanks for posting this video to help us all dream about warm beaches! 🙌🏻
No natural bridge did collapse in 2000s(very bad hurricane). And locals like myself called it natural disaster. But the bridge you are talking about its called the baby bridge being smaller and what not.
Aruba was a great time. Loved going there in December. Staying in Santa Cruz vs oranjestad was a great choice. Had more fun with the locals. The beaches were empty. Best beach trip ever.
Aruba is my favourite vacation destination spot❣️😎can’t wait to go back. No worries about food quality - excellent. The beaches are beautiful, people are friendly and safe to walk around.
Its all in the eye of the beholder. Come from Europe and it might seem Americanized or Latinized. Come from the US and it might seem European. Everyone is correct. Aruba is a mix of West Indian, Latino, Dutch, and American cultures(among others). In Curacao you will find a lot more Dutch people in general than in Aruba. They lean much more heavily towards the Dutch tourism market. Whereas Aruba leans towards the more affluent US market. There are many differences between Aruba and Curacao, but both are worth visiting.
Why is that a shock? The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) are dutch. Saba, st. Eustatius and Saint Martin are Dutch also (known as the SSS islands). All those islands together are the Dutch Antilles.
Hahahaaa I had to laugh when you spoke of food prices. I’m a local and yes, unfortunately it’s very expensive. Believe it or not... even for locals going to the supermarkets to buy regular food. Aruba is paradise but it does come with a heavy price-tag.
One thing I have to correct the beaches are not really east and west. The main difference is south and north. The southern half of the island is the tranquil white sandy beaches and the northern coast of the island is the rough Atlantic ocean side. With the dark lava rocks which are shown in the video. Besides that the video is really accurate.
Great video! I love that Aruba has invested in infrastructure with the WattyVos highway that takes airport visitors direct to the main resort areas and the addition of linear parks lining much of the coastal roads from the northern point to the airport - demonstrates an appreciation for the tourism and not taking it for granted. 14 trips since 2001 thanks to the friendly Aruban people that make me feel so welcome
The Dutch government also really cares about their islands! The Dutch recently invested millions for a better ferry connection. And they also invested in restoring the old buildings and helping poor people out!
Aruba is the most expensive of the ABC islands, but none are overly cheap. Curacao is roughly what you would pay in the states for meals but if you get off the Tourist trail the Mom and Pop restaurants are less expensive with usually better food.
We go there every year for an extended vacation... our average plate for a good meal is 50 dollars a plate or less without drinks... I actually think it’s more expensive at home in Pa to get the same meal
Thank you for visiting, love the video! The reason restaurants are so expensive over here is because we need to import everything! But I think you definitely went to the expensive spots, there are plenty of decently priced restaurants that us locals enjoy.
I've been in Aruba like 10 times in last 4 years, and hung out for many days, each visit ( its going to be my retirement location) and don't recall those so called expensive restaurants. I never rent a car. I ride the buses. Go to Mathews on the high side. Indeed it's safe, and no hurricanes. Baby beach is nice, and check out the Flintstores figures and the bar. Go for new years eve. Talk about fireworks.
When was this vid taken? The natural bridge has been long gone (2005). And have you been around the port area in Oranjestad lately? Have you not seen the decay? Lot's of shops and bars are closed (long before COVID). But some things you're right, the beaches are beautiful. There are lot of great places where you can get great food at a good price. You should try Zeerovers (the freshest fish you'll ever eat) or O'Niel in San Nicolas or Reflexion's Beach Bar, cheaper than his neighbour Barefoot but with the same stuning sunset!
When we went June 2019 you guys had not been yet , I always like to get travel information from you. Totally recommend getting an off road vehicle to explore but have a good experienced driver. Crazy fun! Checking out the caves, east side beaches and national park. Check when the cruise ships are coming in and stay around your resort that day. Loved Aruba, so ready to travel again!!! Happy New Year from another central Illinois resident.
The quintessential Caribbean island, Aruba is all sun and sea and stretches of powdery sand. Time slows to a languid pace here as you linger over a tropical drink or bob serenely in the water
Well priced delicious places: Kowloon, Casa Vieja, Grand Fish, Fish House, O'Neals. Also seek out thr Food trucks, like Well Done at Linear Park, Ruiz, and last but not least Urataca Center for the best home made pizza, a must have. Blossoms is pricier but worth every cent as is Local Store with their amazing American-Aruban comfort food and craft beers. Bazrrr and Green Foods are excellent vegeterian and vegan offers which are actually surprisingly inexpensive. For the Brunch, no one beats the Hyatt Regency, not even close. Enjoy, bon apetite!
My husband and I have been going to Aruba for 30 years and I disagree with the cost of food. Yes there are plenty of good expensive restaurants in the price range mentioned; however, there are many good restaurants where a party of two can eat for less. In the high rise area, there are few fast food restaurants. The capitol may have more to accommodate cruise ship passengers who are seeking a quick bite to take to the beach.
We are heading here this wednesday and your videos are very helpful. We've never done a resort before so we don't really know what to expect. Thank you for posting!!!
There are plenty of expensive places to eat in Aruba, but if you do some research you will find the locally owned restaurants you'll get some great food for a very reasonable price. Ask the locals for their recommendations. Always stop at the little pastechi stands! So much good food that is not expensive.
I love Aruba been here for three months and im learning papeimento from my gymnastics and kitesurfing friends we found a house and are thinking abt moving does anyone have any advice/tips
Aruba also happens to have the best German restaurant (Bavaria German Restaurant ) in all the Caribbean (well not a lot of competition but it's still great food). Get a brezel. Yum.
Two shocks you didn’t mention: 1. It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (so it’s Dutch), though it looks more American. If you want a Dutch Caribbean experience visit Curaçao. 2. It has a desert landscape (unlike most Caribbean islands) because it is in a rain shadow effect from the eastern islands (such as Saint Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Saint Vincent, and Barbados) and the Venezuelan Andes.
Oh I miss this place, my first time there was in 2007, went back in 2013... it's time to go back once again. Yes it's "One expensive Island " Great tips.
Ohhh what a nice video my friend !!! You talked in a very simple and friendly way !!! Good sound ... good views ... Congratulations !!! Greetings from Cusco in Perú ... hope someday you n your family wi ll come here !!!
great video really enjoyed your insight and knowledge of the island as well as your cheery and smiley personality also you sound just like the great american actor 'Jack Black' keep up the good work
If you want some great Italian food & gorgeous views go to Terrazza. We enjoyed the food and drinks so much we went back four nights. The owner who also cooks everything, is the sweetest woman our last night there she actually came out and gave us all a hug. I can't recommend this place enough! It's across from Eagle beach
O'neills caribbean kitchen in San Nicolas the art capital and sunrise city, they have the best food and very good price, the garlic conch is the bessttt , however it is seasonal so you will have to ask if its available
Getting screened a second time before the flight back to NY by US TSA caught me off guard. I had never heard of "Preclearance" - I was annoyed at first (and glad I got there extra early), but it was actually really cool to just land in the US and not deal with Customs - just walk off the plane and out to my ride home.
@@daddydoodoo9089 Actually I've heard that both Aruba and Curacao have those concerns. But "preclearance" is something done at a select number of foreign airports to more ease landside congestion for US -bound travelers. The drug screen issue is secondary.
It is not TSA, it is U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Officers. An agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You are being cleared for immigration and Customs before landing in the U.S.. They are located at major cities thru CANADA, BAHAMAS, BERMUDA, Shannon Ireland. There was a plan to expand them further, but that has been placed on hold.
@@RTDoh5 Ah, I do appreciate the correction. Nonetheless, for some reason I didn't know about it ahead of time, but despite the initial annoyance at being screened a second time, the upfront investment of time paid off groundside back in NY. Why was preclearance expansion put on hold? It just makes so damned much sense...
If you don't eat at the tourist spots, it is not as bad price wise. But some of the tourist spots are still excellent. Don't skip ZeeRovers! It's like Vegas, I can drop 400 at Gallagher's on a steak dinner for the wife and myself or I can drop 20 on pizza. Its about what you want. The reason why the island is so safe is over 90% of the island is middle class. The resorts and such pay. So you are going to pay more for things. Which I have zero issues with. I feel safe with my family on the island and I know we aren't locked into the resort. I also feel like the employees at the resort aren't being taken advantage of. Talk to the bartenders, they will tell you were to go that's more local as well.
It's apropos that I watched this video just now, because now is the 6th anniversary of my trip to Curacao (my one and only time, so far, that I've been to any of the ABC islands). When watching this video, it brings back memories of that trip of mine. I see many broad similarities between Aruba and Curacao - gentle, sandy west side beaches vs. the rough and rugged east shore (including the waves), plus oil refineries next to sites of interest (in Curacao's case, next to the old Jewish cemetery). But yeah, Curacao packs much culture and history where Aruba is more purely (but by no means 100%) a beach resort.
I respectfully disagree. Aruba has a rich history and a very interesting culture. Colonized by the Spanish, the British and the Dutch, these infliences can be seen back in everything -the language, the culture, the way of living. Of course if you stay in the resort area you are not going to get the real Aruban experience. Aruba and Curaçao (and Bonaire) are A LOT more different than people would think at first glance.
The extremely dangerous waves are on the north and east sides. ALERT 🚨 ALLOW AT LEAST 4-4.5 hours to arrive at the airport when departing. This is no exaggeration. Such a beautiful island. Been there nine times. Number 10 coming soon! Edit: As mentioned, the tap water is DELICIOUS! So smooth and 100% safe.
Your videos are great! I've been to Aruba about 25 times, made a Covid jailbreak for two weeks in December for two weeks. Good restaurants are expensive, we do splurge on a couple favorites when we are their and they are worth it. We stayin a low rise on Eagle beach. Easily the best beach on the island. Rent a car to get where we want to go and there is a big grocery store accros the street. They have grills so we cook out alot for dinner and make lunch in the room most days to save a bit. We know certain things that are pricy in the stores and bring them with us. The rest isn't really that much more expensive once you get over the exchange rate shock! They have also started putting the US prices on the shelve prices to help.
I’m currently in Aruba and you’re right the food prices are expensive. We’re currently staying at the Marriott Ocean Club. We will have to plan to save more money next time. We do have a small rental car
I went to Ocho Rios, an all inclusive (I was traveleing alone) and there were large Iguanas walking all around the property, in addition to all the cactus. It was very cool.
I am an Aruban also but I live in Sydney, Australia. I still miss my Aruba every day I would go back today if I could. The people are Different in Australia but not as friendly as Arubans.
Thanks for your video. My husband and I are considering Aruba but we are wondering if we need to do and All Inclusive resort or and Airbnb. I’m thinking about the cost of food and drinks and wondering if you guys have an opinion. I’m sure we won’t get the local feel on an AI resort.
We aren't highly trained in the food industry. We are just really helpful and carrying people. That why our service is top. Our culture does that to us.
Question, can we drive the ATV’s anywhere on the island, are there 2 seaters, and can we rent it for multiple days? Or would anyone suggest just renting a car instead?
When people ask me where I'm from and I tell them Aruba they look at me like I grew a second head with three eyes and the next sentence is why are you in NY? 😂😂😂
I'm a 55-year-old ( physically & mentally 40) single Midwest guy ( letter carrier) retiring from the United States Postal Service. I'm looking to retire in an affordable, safe & friendly Island atmosphere. I've recent recently been looking into Ambergris Caye, Belize please help me with your suggestions. Love the videos!!!
Aruba is amazing!! ❤❤❤ My family used to have a timeshare there up until I was 15 (i am 28 now). I haven't even been on a plane since then lol My family chose to only vacation here every year because it is one of the only places in the world you are guaranteed 85 degree weather year round which is perfect and not too hot and it never rains for more than like 10 minutes.It really is soooo safe. Everyone is sooo friendly. Baby beach is amazing for little kids because it never gets deeper than like 3 or 4 feet no matter how far you go out. The island looks sooo much different now! I want to go back soo bad❤❤
@@mariapaulagl the water is very warm year round but cool enough to cool you off when you get too hot from laying out. And the waters are 4 beautiful shades of blue, it truly is breathtaking. And don't get me started on the sunsets lol.😍😍 Also you definitely want to reapply sunscreen often! Even if you do not normally burn, you will in Aruba if you do not wear sunscreen. Aruba is right by the equator so the sun is no joke there. 🌞
One other shock you didn’t mention; unlike many other Caribbean countries, the tap water is of excellent quality and perfectly safe to drink.
they distill it from sea water
@Gandalf4568 the water in the netherlands its not nice at all as the one in Aruba so what has the dutch to do with it? Aruba is part of the netherlands but it’s not dutch. We still have our own official language and etc.
Jamaica also has great tap water quality
Especially if you’ve survived a major city’s tap water in the USA 😂
As an Aruban that lives in the poor district (San Nicolas) we have some good places here to eat at as well. And way cheaper. Like O'Niel Caribbean Kitchen which is in the main street of San Nicolas. Amazing food for a good price. As well as Zeerover's in Savaneta. And just a bunch of food trucks in general are awesome. Two people can eat for 25 fl at certain food trucks.
Sucks man im from rooi santo
I’m scheduled to be there soon enough. I will definitely look for local/non tourist eateries 😉
Kamini’s Kitchen is a great Restaurant on the way to Baby Beach. The food at the Bus Stop downtown San Nicholas is surprisingly good!
Zeerover's was awesome.
I always make a stop at Saco Felipe one night. It's one of my favorite meals on the island. I also liked Kamini's Kitchen. I would stop on the way back from Baby/Rodger's Beach.
I’ve been going ever since I was born, I’m now 22, it’s is without a doubt my happy place😌. I have the islands coordinates tattooed on my arm, The BEST Island in the Caribbean with such a diverse and rich history of Dutch, Spanish, and Native cultures, every islander knows 4 languages by age 12, including the native creole language, Papiamento which is a gorgeous language, also a pirate watch tower right in the middle of the capital which is cool🔥
Thank you for coming to Aruba!! We definitely appreciate tourists even more during these difficult times🙏🏽🥺
I always wonder what natives of these different places think of tourists and if they like them or not.
Hello I love ur island I hope I can find a job as a trucker there one day it's such a beautiful place I am from the Netherlands and u guys also speak Dutch so why not the Netherlands is cold Grey and boring can't wait
Also 1 question if I may ask are there alot of natural disasters over there or does it almost never happen like hurricanes and all that scary stuff lol
@@UNDEADWXRLORD it almost never happens!😁
Something that might “shock” Americans: you cannot make a right turn on a red light in Aruba. Red light means stop in all cases.
There is also barely any lights it’s almost all round about
A lot of states in the US have mo roght turns on red....red means stop.
only US has that stupid rule.Red light means stop almost everywhere
Not on long Island, if there isn't a no turn on red sign, then you may make a right turn after a full stop...🛑👀
@@christopherpoterson2244 "...you may make a right turn after a full stop..." Once I did not stop completely in LI. Got a ticket by mail. Just crying ...
I hope you like it here(I’m from Aruba)🇦🇼
Same
@@dayanaalexia1037 anything I should know abt moving or living here (staying for 6 months and trying to buy a house)
@@evagezymalla Prepare for a hell-like experience with the government paperwork. It takes ages and lots of energy to get documents done with the government unless you have special contacts.
@@evagezymalla Second of all, learn papiamento straight away! It will help you so much! I’ve made the mistake of not learning it in my first year and it took me much longer to find my place that way.
@@evagezymalla Third of all, when you finish your work at the end of the day always go for a sunset walk and swim at the beach;)
Wolter - I had an interesting experience a few years back. I booked a quick trip in the Savaneta district of the island. Didn't realize it was their Labor Day - just about everything was shut down. The nearby Dutch/Aruban joint patrol base threw their gates open, an annual event that I was luckily there for. What a cool experience - vendors selling food, and demonstrations of military equipment, including a "shooting range" where we were able to fire M-16s loaded with blanks.
Passions on the beach. Best lobster and steak I've ever had. Will be returning back to Aruba
The Amsterdam Manor...I love that place. Ever go to Pete's Bar in the resort in the evening? Best bartender anywhere.
when I went to passions the food was garbage maybe I went a bad day but I don’t no
hey wolter, from aruba here! very happy you enjoyed our island! i do agree tht we do have a lot of jewelry stores on the island (its something me and my mom rant about with each other a lot). but a quick tip on visiting here, you can buy delicious pastechis at a good price if you explore those little snack places around the island. usually pastechis or any other local creole foods near the hotel areas are really expensive, but if you go deep in the island, you will find little snack places (especially in the morning) tht sells delicious pastechis and other snacks for a really cheaper price :)
Biggest shock we had was going inland and being surrounded by desert which felt like we were in Sedona Arizona rather than on a Caribbean Island in Aruba
In my case the biggest culture shock I had was just how multicultural Aruba is: everyone has all sorts of different heritage, and they're all poliglots!
Also I was expecting everyone to mainly speak Dutch, but turned out that pretty much no one communicated to each other in this language (although of course they are fluent speakers). People socialize with each other mainly in Papiamento instead (which is also super interesting)
Papiamento is the official language. So yeah....
What do you mean almost nobody speaks Dutch? Believe me i live in Oranjestad and (almost) everyone speaks it!
You'll hear all four languages in a the span of 3 sentences.
Thank you 🤗yes we are a mix of amerindians arrowak Caquetio native indians from Amazone with africans and Europeans. When you make your familytree you see the lastnames and faces.
I love the natural bridge and the parrot with the ice cube! Aruba looks beautiful, thanks for posting this video to help us all dream about warm beaches! 🙌🏻
I believe the natural bridge collapsed back in 2005 :(
@@M0rbidCuriositea Hmm, maybe a different one did? I really liked the one they showed in this video, very pretty!
There are 2 they are next to each other the big one is the one that collapsed
No natural bridge did collapse in 2000s(very bad hurricane). And locals like myself called it natural disaster. But the bridge you are talking about its called the baby bridge being smaller and what not.
@@MeansToTravel looks patched up
Aruba was a great time. Loved going there in December. Staying in Santa Cruz vs oranjestad was a great choice. Had more fun with the locals. The beaches were empty. Best beach trip ever.
I'm so happy you enjoyed my country. You are always "bon bini" :)
One day Aruba, one day...
Yep.....
Go for it we are waiting😁✌🏾
It’s worth it 🤩 just do it!!
In Aruba during Covid. Oranjestad is almost deserted.
Were the restaurants open on the main strip? If so, I heard they all closed a lot earlier than usual, like 11pm.....is this true?
As a Aruban we thank you for visiting us a hope to see you guys soon.. One love!!!
Aruba is my favourite vacation destination spot❣️😎can’t wait to go back.
No worries about food quality - excellent.
The beaches are beautiful, people are friendly and safe to walk around.
The biggest shock when I visited was the huge impact of the Netherlands on nearly everything from culture to food.
It's even more so on nearby Curacao, which I actually prefer to Aruba.
Its all in the eye of the beholder. Come from Europe and it might seem Americanized or Latinized. Come from the US and it might seem European. Everyone is correct. Aruba is a mix of West Indian, Latino, Dutch, and American cultures(among others). In Curacao you will find a lot more Dutch people in general than in Aruba. They lean much more heavily towards the Dutch tourism market. Whereas Aruba leans towards the more affluent US market. There are many differences between Aruba and Curacao, but both are worth visiting.
Why is that a shock? The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) are dutch.
Saba, st. Eustatius and Saint Martin are Dutch also (known as the SSS islands).
All those islands together are the Dutch Antilles.
@@Hi_MyNameIs_ yeah but the other dutch islands do not adore the Netherlands like Curacao do
Really? I believe we are more americanized over here. Glad to hear u feel like that!
Greetings from brrr cold and snowy Ontario Canada.Im closing my eyes and dreaming of going back to Aruba one day!Such a gorgeous Happy Island!!
Hahahaaa I had to laugh when you spoke of food prices. I’m a local and yes, unfortunately it’s very expensive. Believe it or not... even for locals going to the supermarkets to buy regular food. Aruba is paradise but it does come with a heavy price-tag.
Did he just end the video with the last "Don't"? 😂 That's another video 😂 but still great video, as always!
One thing I have to correct the beaches are not really east and west. The main difference is south and north. The southern half of the island is the tranquil white sandy beaches and the northern coast of the island is the rough Atlantic ocean side. With the dark lava rocks which are shown in the video.
Besides that the video is really accurate.
Great video! I love that Aruba has invested in infrastructure with the WattyVos highway that takes airport visitors direct to the main resort areas and the addition of linear parks lining much of the coastal roads from the northern point to the airport - demonstrates an appreciation for the tourism and not taking it for granted.
14 trips since 2001 thanks to the friendly Aruban people that make me feel so welcome
The Dutch government also really cares about their islands! The Dutch recently invested millions for a better ferry connection. And they also invested in restoring the old buildings and helping poor people out!
And im Aruban from Oranjestad
Aruba is high quality...love it!🥰😃💕
Aruba is the most expensive of the ABC islands, but none are overly cheap. Curacao is roughly what you would pay in the states for meals but if you get off the Tourist trail the Mom and Pop restaurants are less expensive with usually better food.
I'm from Aruba.. sunset is great.. but if you ever get a chance to see the sunrise.. .. .. it's Majestic!!!
We go there every year for an extended vacation... our average plate for a good meal is 50 dollars a plate or less without drinks... I actually think it’s more expensive at home in Pa to get the same meal
Thank you for visiting, love the video! The reason restaurants are so expensive over here is because we need to import everything! But I think you definitely went to the expensive spots, there are plenty of decently priced restaurants that us locals enjoy.
I've been in Aruba like 10 times in last 4 years, and hung out for many days, each visit ( its going to be my retirement location) and don't recall those so called expensive restaurants. I never rent a car. I ride the buses. Go to Mathews on the high side. Indeed it's safe, and no hurricanes. Baby beach is nice, and check out the Flintstores figures and the bar. Go for new years eve. Talk about fireworks.
I miss traveling, can’t wait!
When was this vid taken? The natural bridge has been long gone (2005). And have you been around the port area in Oranjestad lately? Have you not seen the decay? Lot's of shops and bars are closed (long before COVID).
But some things you're right, the beaches are beautiful. There are lot of great places where you can get great food at a good price. You should try Zeerovers (the freshest fish you'll ever eat) or O'Niel in San Nicolas or Reflexion's Beach Bar, cheaper than his neighbour Barefoot but with the same stuning sunset!
I take it back. You did a good job of describing baby beach. The constant breeze makes it good.
I loved it there. Can’t wait to go back
When we went June 2019 you guys had not been yet , I always like to get travel information from you. Totally recommend getting an off road vehicle to explore but have a good experienced driver. Crazy fun! Checking out the caves, east side beaches and national park. Check when the cruise ships are coming in and stay around your resort that day. Loved Aruba, so ready to travel again!!! Happy New Year from another central Illinois resident.
Headed to Aruba for our 5 year wedding anniversary in June/July! Thanks so much for the tips!
hope everyone likes their stay (i'm from Aruba)😊🇦🇼
The quintessential Caribbean island, Aruba is all sun and sea and stretches of powdery sand. Time slows to a languid pace here as you linger over a tropical drink or bob serenely in the water
Well priced delicious places: Kowloon, Casa Vieja, Grand Fish, Fish House, O'Neals. Also seek out thr Food trucks, like Well Done at Linear Park, Ruiz, and last but not least Urataca Center for the best home made pizza, a must have. Blossoms is pricier but worth every cent as is Local Store with their amazing American-Aruban comfort food and craft beers. Bazrrr and Green Foods are excellent vegeterian and vegan offers which are actually surprisingly inexpensive. For the Brunch, no one beats the Hyatt Regency, not even close. Enjoy, bon apetite!
My husband and I have been going to Aruba for 30 years and I disagree with the cost of food. Yes there are plenty of good expensive restaurants in the price range mentioned; however, there are many good restaurants where a party of two can eat for less. In the high rise area, there are few fast food restaurants. The capitol may have more to accommodate cruise ship passengers who are seeking a quick bite to take to the beach.
We are heading here this wednesday and your videos are very helpful. We've never done a resort before so we don't really know what to expect. Thank you for posting!!!
you know professor, very few times have i ever wished i was someone else!!! ty for the video!
Been there twice and was not disappointed. Food is definitely their specialty. Little pricey but worth it.
There are plenty of expensive places to eat in Aruba, but if you do some research you will find the locally owned restaurants you'll get some great food for a very reasonable price. Ask the locals for their recommendations. Always stop at the little pastechi stands! So much good food that is not expensive.
I love Aruba been here for three months and im learning papeimento from my gymnastics and kitesurfing friends we found a house and are thinking abt moving does anyone have any advice/tips
It’s a shame that the algorithm hasn’t been noticing you for a while :/
Yeah. Its been not liking our videos for awhile now. I'm glad you found this one though. Thank you for the support!
Love your videos!!
@@woltersworld did this start before or during COVID? If it's during, I wonder if they're deprioritizing travel vids right now.
@@colinstu he’s been on youtube for many years
@@madarauchiha1636 I know? What’s that gotta do with it. Plenty of people have been around a long time and don’t have issues.
I love the Dutch caribbean island❤ we have such different cultures but we are still brothers and sisters 🇳🇱🇦🇼🇧🇶🇨🇼🇸🇽
Yesss you r. Right !!!!
Eh kakashiiii !?
Aruba also happens to have the best German restaurant (Bavaria German Restaurant ) in all the Caribbean (well not a lot of competition but it's still great food). Get a brezel. Yum.
Dude you have great energy
Two shocks you didn’t mention:
1. It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (so it’s Dutch), though it looks more American. If you want a Dutch Caribbean experience visit Curaçao.
2. It has a desert landscape (unlike most Caribbean islands) because it is in a rain shadow effect from the eastern islands (such as Saint Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Saint Vincent, and Barbados) and the Venezuelan Andes.
A friend went there last week from Florida. 💘 Loved it. ✌️👌
Oh I miss this place, my first time there was in 2007, went back in 2013... it's time to go back once again. Yes it's "One expensive Island "
Great tips.
Ohhh what a nice video my friend !!! You talked in a very simple and friendly way !!!
Good sound ... good views ... Congratulations !!! Greetings from Cusco in Perú ... hope someday you n your family wi ll come here !!!
Wonderful video! I'll be moving to Aruba for 3 months soon and this truly helps. Thank you!!
I was in Aruba from 9 24 22 to 10 1 22 for the first time. I NEED to return !!!!
Awesome! Headed there in a few months! Thanks as always!
This is such a lovely video i enjoyed watching
great video really enjoyed your insight and knowledge of the island as well as your cheery and smiley personality
also you sound just like the great american actor 'Jack Black'
keep up the good work
Aruba is an amazing place
IKR
just came from there last week! might I add that it's also super windyyy there 😭 amazing island though 💞
Yeah but the wind helps keep you cool. I got a sunburn here that lasted a year 😝
You can rent Harley’s there and ride around the island so much fun. You should also try the National dish Keshi Yena it is Awesome!
It’s on my bucket list, even if I go by myself!
Go where the locals go, not expensive and great food. I really miss Aruba, already 5 years ago that I visited it was for the 10th time.
Where did you eat? The food looked good, but I didn’t see a list of the restaurants?
Thanks for all tips!
I miss Aruba ❤❤❤
"Well Baby Beach, what do you want to be, when YOU grow up?"
"Waikiki!"
If you want some great Italian food & gorgeous views go to Terrazza. We enjoyed the food and drinks so much we went back four nights. The owner who also cooks everything, is the sweetest woman our last night there she actually came out and gave us all a hug. I can't recommend this place enough! It's across from Eagle beach
Thank you so much trying to remember name of this place was driving me crazy gona try and make reservations before we go
O'neills caribbean kitchen in San Nicolas the art capital and sunrise city, they have the best food and very good price, the garlic conch is the bessttt , however it is seasonal so you will have to ask if its available
Getting screened a second time before the flight back to NY by US TSA caught me off guard. I had never heard of "Preclearance" - I was annoyed at first (and glad I got there extra early), but it was actually really cool to just land in the US and not deal with Customs - just walk off the plane and out to my ride home.
Aruba is s major stop off point for a variety of illegal drugs including Cocaine from Columbia and Hash from Spain. Customs are being preemptive.
@@daddydoodoo9089 Actually I've heard that both Aruba and Curacao have those concerns. But "preclearance" is something done at a select number of foreign airports to more ease landside congestion for US -bound travelers. The drug screen issue is secondary.
It is not TSA, it is U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Officers. An agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You are being cleared for immigration and Customs before landing in the U.S.. They are located at major cities thru CANADA, BAHAMAS, BERMUDA, Shannon Ireland. There was a plan to expand them further, but that has been placed on hold.
@@RTDoh5 Ah, I do appreciate the correction. Nonetheless, for some reason I didn't know about it ahead of time, but despite the initial annoyance at being screened a second time, the upfront investment of time paid off groundside back in NY. Why was preclearance expansion put on hold? It just makes so damned much sense...
If you don't eat at the tourist spots, it is not as bad price wise. But some of the tourist spots are still excellent. Don't skip ZeeRovers! It's like Vegas, I can drop 400 at Gallagher's on a steak dinner for the wife and myself or I can drop 20 on pizza. Its about what you want. The reason why the island is so safe is over 90% of the island is middle class. The resorts and such pay. So you are going to pay more for things. Which I have zero issues with. I feel safe with my family on the island and I know we aren't locked into the resort. I also feel like the employees at the resort aren't being taken advantage of. Talk to the bartenders, they will tell you were to go that's more local as well.
I went there for it honeymoon..can't wait to go back!! 💘💘
Aruba🇦🇼💘❤🤩🍻🏝is Dushiii😃
It's apropos that I watched this video just now, because now is the 6th anniversary of my trip to Curacao (my one and only time, so far, that I've been to any of the ABC islands). When watching this video, it brings back memories of that trip of mine. I see many broad similarities between Aruba and Curacao - gentle, sandy west side beaches vs. the rough and rugged east shore (including the waves), plus oil refineries next to sites of interest (in Curacao's case, next to the old Jewish cemetery). But yeah, Curacao packs much culture and history where Aruba is more purely (but by no means 100%) a beach resort.
I respectfully disagree. Aruba has a rich history and a very interesting culture. Colonized by the Spanish, the British and the Dutch, these infliences can be seen back in everything -the language, the culture, the way of living. Of course if you stay in the resort area you are not going to get the real Aruban experience. Aruba and Curaçao (and Bonaire) are A LOT more different than people would think at first glance.
Recommend Aruba palm Beach area was lovely 👍
The restaurant prices in the tourist district are comparable to prices in the Tri-state area of NYC.
The extremely dangerous waves are on the north and east sides. ALERT 🚨 ALLOW AT LEAST 4-4.5 hours to arrive at the airport when departing. This is no exaggeration.
Such a beautiful island. Been there nine times. Number 10 coming soon!
Edit: As mentioned, the tap water is DELICIOUS! So smooth and 100% safe.
Travel out on a weekday, the airport is dead.
really the tap water is drinkable ?
Your videos are great! I've been to Aruba about 25 times, made a Covid jailbreak for two weeks in December for two weeks. Good restaurants are expensive, we do splurge on a couple favorites when we are their and they are worth it. We stayin a low rise on Eagle beach. Easily the best beach on the island. Rent a car to get where we want to go and there is a big grocery store accros the street. They have grills so we cook out alot for dinner and make lunch in the room most days to save a bit. We know certain things that are pricy in the stores and bring them with us. The rest isn't really that much more expensive once you get over the exchange rate shock! They have also started putting the US prices on the shelve prices to help.
I’m currently in Aruba and you’re right the food prices are expensive. We’re currently staying at the Marriott Ocean Club. We will have to plan to save more money next time. We do have a small rental car
Aruba is beautiful 😻 you can also see the ostriches
I went to Ocho Rios, an all inclusive (I was traveleing alone) and there were large Iguanas walking all around the property, in addition to all the cactus. It was very cool.
I know what place your talking abt and an iguana bit me around there haha
Ocho Rios is in jamaca
Great review Thanks!
That’s why I like all-Inclusive …
Hope that you had a good stay on our island (i'm from Aruba) 🇦🇼🇦🇼
Same! :) 🇦🇼
I am an Aruban also but I live in Sydney, Australia. I still miss my Aruba every day I would go back today if I could. The people are Different in Australia but not as friendly as Arubans.
Flights are so damn expensive! I'm trying to book a flight for May! Ugh!
Try february just booked from boston its about 1/2 what i paid two years ago so im happy
Is the oil refinery up and running polluting all the air?
Love your travel videos 👍
Love Aruba! We’ve been there 4 times.
Thanks for your video. My husband and I are considering Aruba but we are wondering if we need to do and All Inclusive resort or and Airbnb. I’m thinking about the cost of food and drinks and wondering if you guys have an opinion. I’m sure we won’t get the local feel on an AI resort.
We aren't highly trained in the food industry. We are just really helpful and carrying people. That why our service is top. Our culture does that to us.
I agree, Victor. That was a dumb and insulting comment.
@@kenbrown8524 insulting indeed. Some comments he made in the video isn't accurate.
Question, can we drive the ATV’s anywhere on the island, are there 2 seaters, and can we rent it for multiple days? Or would anyone suggest just renting a car instead?
This video made me so hungry! Yum yum yum.
I have been to Aruba 5 times with a family of 4 and I have only had one bill over $200 that was at El Gaucho's with drinks.
WOW! Wolter I always watch your vids. I am from Aruba! HNY bro! Hope we treated you well and that you will return to our humble island..
Hope you really liked it here :) (I'm from Aruba 🇦🇼)
Same! :)🇦🇼
Quick correction, Natural Bridge collapsed several years back. The one in the video is the Baby Natural Bridge, being smaller then its predecessor
When people ask me where I'm from and I tell them Aruba they look at me like I grew a second head with three eyes and the next sentence is why are you in NY? 😂😂😂
😂
Im just curious, why did you leave ?
Really why are you in NY 😩😩😩
I'm a 55-year-old ( physically & mentally 40) single Midwest guy ( letter carrier) retiring from the United States Postal Service. I'm looking to retire in an affordable, safe & friendly Island atmosphere. I've recent recently been looking into
Ambergris Caye, Belize please help me with your suggestions. Love the videos!!!
Ha! I just got back from there today. 😁
How was it? :)
@@Bananaman-hk6qw It was lovely!
Aruba looks amazing!
Aruba is amazing!! ❤❤❤ My family used to have a timeshare there up until I was 15 (i am 28 now). I haven't even been on a plane since then lol
My family chose to only vacation here every year because it is one of the only places in the world you are guaranteed 85 degree weather year round which is perfect and not too hot and it never rains for more than like 10 minutes.It really is soooo safe. Everyone is sooo friendly. Baby beach is amazing for little kids because it never gets deeper than like 3 or 4 feet no matter how far you go out.
The island looks sooo much different now! I want to go back soo bad❤❤
How warm are the waters?
@@mariapaulagl the water is very warm year round but cool enough to cool you off when you get too hot from laying out. And the waters are 4 beautiful shades of blue, it truly is breathtaking. And don't get me started on the sunsets lol.😍😍
Also you definitely want to reapply sunscreen often! Even if you do not normally burn, you will in Aruba if you do not wear sunscreen. Aruba is right by the equator so the sun is no joke there. 🌞
We are waiting for you 😅🤗