FAA to Allow Airlines to Expand Use of Personal Electronics

The FAA has determined that airlines can safely expand passenger use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) during all phases of flight

"...Passengers will eventually be able to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions. Electronic items, books and magazines, must be held or put in the seat back pocket during the actual takeoff and landing roll. Cell phones should be in airplane mode or with cellular service disabled – i.e., no signal bars displayed—and cannot be used for voice communications based on FCC regulations that prohibit any airborne calls using cell phones. If your air carrier provides Wi-Fi service during flight, you may use those services. You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards. ..."

More info

YOGASANITY- Weight Loss at Happy Buddha Aruba

Yogasanity Pre-Christmas weight loss and body sculpt program

14 intense yoga classes to shape your mind and tone your body.

More info Happy Buddha Aruba

Traffic on Aruba

ARUBA- The traffic on our beautiful island is sometimes very congested in some places. There are a lot of people driving from different countries and have all different driving styles. The rules and traffic laws are almost the same all over the world, (just some small difference). Rules like keep on driving on the right side is the same all over the world. Stay in your lane is applicable when you are in a traffic jam.

However on the way to the hotels (the two lane road) almost everyone keeps on driving in the left lane. Officially you are not allowed to pass on the right, in an collision you are wrong, you’re only allowed to pass on the right if the car on the left of you signals to turn left.

10 tips for travelling solo

Link: 10 tips for travelling solo

How Has the Weather Been in Aruba?

October through mid-January has always been the rainy season in Aruba. La Niña in 2010-2012 did bring more rain to the island however things are now back to normal. The Aruba Department of Meteorology had only recorded 6.27 inches of rain January to August this year. Unofficial rainfall up to October 20 is closer to 10 inches, which is only slightly below average.

Keep in mind, that if there is a tropical storm or low in the area there will be higher quantities of rain. Having said that, the rain in Aruba, even during rainy season falls mainly overnight and early morning with an occasional passing shower (those happen all year 'round) during the day.

We have been to Aruba 3 times during rainy season- Christmas & New Years (twice) and once mid-January. 2 out of 3 trips we saw very little rain. One trip over Christmas and New Years we had rain every single day. HOWEVER, the rain on all but 2 of a 13 day vacation was always over and the sun out shining brightly by 10 am. One day was overcast and one day was morning sprinkles off and on. The day of sprinkles the sun was out and skies clear at 3 pm. We toured the island on the overcast day and snorkeled on the sprinkle day. ;)

How Many Seats Are Left On the Plane?

Booking codes, booking classes or fare classes, the term means the same thing. It specifies the rules for an airline's fare. Booking codes vary by airline and are specific to individual airlines. A rough guide is:

F: first class
J: business class
Y: economy class

Everyone has to live by the rules and we all know that airlines have plenty of rules. How do you find out whether or not the ticket you are purchasing is refundable? How do you know if you have one of the cheapest tickets available on your flight? ... more

Fall Is In Full Swing In Aruba With "Arubapalooza"

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer may be over on the mainland, but the fun is just beginning in Aruba, known as the One happy island. Fall marks the start of "Arubapalooza," the sunny island's seasonal extravaganza encompassing countless cultural, culinary, music and fashion-oriented events and festivals. Known for its perfect weather and powdery white beaches, Aruba is celebrated as one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean.

EPB Hospitality Students Host 3-Course Lunch Two times per week starting October 15, 2013

October 10th, 2013- During their graduation year, the students of the EPB (Educacion Profesional Basico), basic professional training high school, need to practice what they learned, while interacting with each other and clients in real-life restaurant situations. The Aloe Restaurant and its professional commercial kitchen is where these students train and invite the general public to enjoy a three-course lunch for only Afl. 25,00 per person [$13.97 USD], every Tuesday and Wednesday to work towards their diploma. Lunch is served every Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. starting October 15, 2013 until November 13, 2013 when they go on break for the holidays. The restaurant opens again on January 14, 2014 and closes March 13, 2014 which is at the end of the academic year.

Aruba's Arikok National Park

Nature & Conservation at Arikok National Park

The protected area of National Park Arikok was officially established in 2000. Arikok National Park is a 34 square kilometers (7907 acres) of natural area, located at the north-eastern part of Aruba which contains examples of most of the island’s flora and fauna against a backdrop of great geological complexity. We are proud to state that approximately 18% of the total land area of Aruba is assigned as a National Park, to protect and preserve the flora, fauna, geology and historical remains present within Arikok National Park.

Price: $10 USD per person. Children under 17 years are free.

Contact the park directly for guided hiking tours.

Downloadable Map of Arikok National Park

New Survey Finds Americans Feel They Need Help With Romance; Marriott Caribbean & Mexico Resorts Responds With “Cupid On Call”

New Program Designed to Help Guests Say “I Love You” ...or Maybe “I’m Sorry”

October 10, 2013 NEW YORK, NY- According to a new survey of more than 850 Americans conducted by Marriott Caribbean & Mexico Resorts, a majority feel that, when it comes to love, they are more romantic than their partners but could still use a little help to spark passion in their relationship.

The survey also found an overwhelming 92 percent of respondents agreeing that traveling as a couple provides sparks in the relationship, however 51 percent felt they don’t plan amorous getaways often enough. More than 57 percent of respondents also lamented that, when it came to remembering anniversaries and special occasions, their partner was more likely to be the forgetful one.

The Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives Earn High Honors From Multiple Travel Industry Organizations

Leading Travel Organizations Continue to Recognize the Sister Properties for Excellence

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA – (October 10, 2013) – In what is becoming yet another banner year for the properties, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives have received distinctions of excellence from several top travel organizations including TripAdvisor®, MLT Vacations SM, Apple Vacations®, Travelife and Zoover.

“It is very gratifying to see such prestigious travel sites continuing to give high marks to the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba, particularly considering today’s highly competitive marketplace,” said Alex Nieuwmeyer, Managing Director of the Divi Resorts Aruba and Bonaire. “Whether based on guest reviews submitted by travelers or by audits conducted by the organizations themselves, our efforts to distinguish our resorts as industry leaders continue to bring us success. This is largely due to the devoted efforts of our wonderful staff, who clearly share in Divi’s commitment to excellence.”

Daily Thanksgiving Activities at the Ritz Carlton Aruba

Thanksgiving Daily Activities

Saturday November 23 – Friday, November 29, 2013
Beach, Sun and Fun Adventures – 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Bring the whole family for some beach games under the sun and meet other kids and families.

Windsurfing Clinic – 10 a.m.
Learn how to windsurf with the Instructor from Vela Surf Center.

Gobble Gobble Cookie & Cupcake Décor – 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Decorate a sweets-o-licious cookie and cupcake treat for you and a friend or family member. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance

U.S. Department of State & Passport Services During the Federal Government Shutdown

Passport service remain normal at the time of this writing.

In the event of a lapse in appropriations, the Department of State will continue passport and visa operations as well as provide critical services to U.S. citizens overseas.

Processing time for passport applications remain at four weeks or less for routine service and two weeks door-to-door for expedited service.

Customers planning to travel within two weeks or requiring passports to obtain foreign visas should make an appointment at the nearest passport agency.

Check for updates to the situation.

Delta Introduces Smart Travel Pack Options

Skymiles Members May Purchase A Package of Enhanced Travel Benefits for $199 with Unlimited Use Through January 5 Popular Add-On Conveniences Include Up to Eight Travel Companions

ATLANTA, Sept. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will begin offering a new travel option for SkyMiles customers which provides access to some of the airline's most popular enhanced travel extras such as checked bags, priority boarding and seat selection for $199. The new package, called Smart Travel Pack, introduces a practical and affordable way for customers to add a suite of extra services and additional comfort for their upcoming business or personal travel.

How Many Seats Are Left On the Plane?

People automatically go to a plane's seating chart to judge how many seats are still available in trying to decide when to book a flight. Who can blame them for want to get the best price, yet, not get shut out of buying a seat all together. They see there are only one or two seats still available and panic sets in. Well hold on a second.

From past experience, those seating charts do not always show how many seats are still available. ...more

Walking on water in Aruba

Stand up paddleboards in Aruba and more

Link: Walking on water in Aruba | Easier

Thanksgiving at the Ritz Carlton Aruba

Thanksgiving at the Ritz's Solanio Italian Trattoria

$90.00 for adults w/o champagne
$125.00 w. Bloody Mary & Champagne
Kids Ages 6-12 = $45.00
Ages 3-5 = $20.00
Under 3 Free

Cured Fish Station & American Caviar Station

Gravlax and assorted House Smoked Seafood
Salmon, Trout
Chopped Egg white & Egg yolks, Capers, Crème Fraiche and Bagel Chips