Aruba is the westernmost island of the Netherlands Antilles of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, (the Dutch ABC islands).  The island lies outside the hurriane belt giving it low humidity, cool breezes, and hospitable weather pretty much all year.

Aruba doesn't have the lush interior of other Caribbean islands. In fact, much of Aruba looks like the desert of Arizona. But its miles of white, sugary sand and turquoise water more than makes up for it. 

Most travelers stay on Eagle Beach or Palm Beach, where high-rise resorts and hotels entertain visitors with casinos, Vegas-style shows, restaurants and bars. The charming capital of Oranjestad attracts shoppers. Its lovely architecture combines Dutch gables and baroque ornamentation with bright Caribbean colors. Between Oranjestad and San Nicolas on the south coast, Savaneta is Aruba's oldest town and major fishing center. San Nicolas is home to the island's oil refinery.

You'll find the majority of Arubans to be genuinely welcoming. Because the island is still part of the Netherlands, the Dutch influence adds a European flavor. And though Dutch is the official language, almost everyone speaks English.