17th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival Hosted by Aruba Announces Mega Superstar Headliners Mary J. Blige, Usher and The Roots

Memorial Day Weekend May 24-29
Comedy Night And Live Music Performances By An Array Of Artists

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/-- The 17th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival hosted by Aruba, where music meets the soul! Unveiling its expanded line-up to include the queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige, fresh off her new single, 'Thick of It' from her upcoming album Strength of a Woman and crushing the charts with the fastest climb to No. 1 in over 20 years on adult R&B songs, she joins the multi-award winner worldwide phenomenon Usher and prolific Grammy award-winning icons The Roots, all are sure to set the stage on fire this Memorial Day weekend, May 24-29, 2017. Soul Beach Music Festival, previously named #4 by USA Today readers' choice "10 Best Caribbean Celebrations" and #1 "Caribbean Summer Festival" by Jetsetter Magazine, boasts a truly unique and unforgettable three-in-one experience featuring live music performances, comedy shows and beach parties. Festival goers will immerse themselves in Aruba's majestic oasis of culinary prowess, catch the rays of serene escapes and bask in the glow of a paradise just as beautiful as the people who inhabit it.

Newlyweds Can Celebrate Their "Forever" with the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives Wedding & Honeymoon Packages

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA - (December 2, 2016) - Weddings and honeymoons are important milestones in a couple's life, and with this in mind, The Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives are offering an array of packages that will create a once in a lifetime destination wedding and honeymoon. The packages are designed to ensure a stress-free experience and to help launch the happy couple into wedded bliss. Brides- and grooms-to-be that dream of a fairytale wedding and saying "I Do" with a backdrop of the Caribbean Sea or picture perfect sunset, or spending their honeymoon relaxing on the pristine white sands of Divi Aruba's beach, can make their dreams a reality with any of the packages.

Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in Aruba

Link: Celebrate the Holidays in Aruba: It is a time when food, music and parties take over the island, homes are decorated and streets are lined with lights. The festive mood is inescapable, and everyone seems swept up in the spirit of the season, with proclamations of Bon Pasco y Bon Aña – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

For that moment in the Caribbean

Aruba Marriott Resort Appoints New Executive Culinary Team Members

The One Happy Island’s Premier Resort Promotes Seasoned Property Chefs to Director of F&B, Complex Executive Chef and Selects New Local Executive Sous Chef

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is pleased to announce the recent promotions of two leading members of their culinary team. Teddy Bouroncle has been promoted from Complex Executive Chef to Director of Food & Beverage Operations for the property and Romeo Penacino from Complex Executive Sous Chef to Complex Executive Chef. In addition to these promotions, the resort has appointed Aruba-born Ever de Peña as Complex Executive Sous Chef.

Aruba Christmas Decorations

10 Secret Beaches in the Caribbean

Link: 10 Secret Beaches in the Caribbean

Aruba's your one-stop shop for both relaxation and adventure

Link: Aruba's your one-stop shop for both relaxation and adventure, offering everything from bumpy jeep tours to SNUBA lessons

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Bars

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives Offer Exclusive Cyber Monday Sale for 5th Consecutive Year

** Promotion Includes 50% Off Stays Plus a Chance to Win 5 Nights Free**

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA - (November 21, 2016) - On November 28, 2016, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives will celebrate five years of Cyber Monday deals by offering a discount of 50% off hotel stays between April 22 - December 22, 2017. As an added bonus, one reservation will be selected at random to receive five nights free towards that stay.

"Our Cyber Monday sale has become a popular annual promotion, and it is a way for us to say thank you to our guests for their loyalty," commented Alex Nieuwmeyer Managing Director of Divi Resorts Aruba. "With every stay, our guests can enjoy the new features and facilities we have to offer including the new Pure Lime restaurant, the newly renovated indoor/outdoor Cunucu Terrace restaurant at the Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive and the new pool view building with rooms just steps away from the poolside bar at Divi Aruba All Inclusive."

The promotion also includes accommodations steps from the beach or pools, access to 10 restaurants and grills, eight bars, four freshwater swimming pools, non-motorized water sports, daytime activities, nightly entertainment with theme nights and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the properties.

Check out how easily this woman got $300 in travel freebies!

Link: Check out how easily this woman got $300 in travel freebies!

The Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba needs you!

Indeed, this is an appeal of the Donkey Sanctuary, which is in urgent need of volunteers. Due to their extended opening hours (daily from 9am to 4pm) and the increase in the number of donkeys at the shelter, they are sorely in need of more volunteers. They are caring for more than 130 donkeys, which are divided into two locations. And all of them need their feed, the grounds need to be cleaned and there are lots of other cores as well.

Donkey Sanctuary volunteers can often be found in booths and behind stands during different festivities and they receive visitors to the shelter. The number of visitors increases every year as well.

Airbnb and Aruba Tourism Authority Sign Historic, Tourism Agreement

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Nov. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today in Aruba, the Aruba Tourism Authority and Airbnb, the world's leading community-driven hospitality company, signed an agreement that will position Aruba as a regional leader in the sharing economy and help to promote more tourism to the island. It will also create a framework to allow the Aruba Tourism Authority and Airbnb to address the issue of taxes, host accommodation standards and regulations and ensure that it is in line with Aruba's tourism policy.

The first Donkey Calendar 2017 went to De Palm Tours

The new Donkey Calendar 2017 has been presented and, as is traditional, the first calendar went to somebody who has been of much importance to the Aruban Donkey Sanctuary. Warren Stanley, general manager of De Palm Tours, was the happy recipient of the first copy of the calendar. The Donkey Sanctuary has been included in the safari trips of De Palm Tours and thus a considerable number of visitors to the island gets to know the place. But aside from that De Palm Tours are actively involved in sponsoring as well and the volunteers of the Sanctuary may count on them in many instances.

13 Things Every Kid Who Travels On Christmas Knows To Be True

Only those who travel on Christmas know the true joy it can bring. Whether your journeys take you to Northpole or beyond, enhance the trip with magic from Hallmark. Link

Snorkeling at De Palm Island

Don’t take a picture on the plane until you’ve read this story

Link: Don’t take a picture on the plane until you’ve read this story

Butter Fly Farm Aruba

Butter Fly Farm Aruba, The Beauty of Nature. from Philip Chirino on Vimeo.

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives Awarded with Silver Earthcheck Certification

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba Earn Silver Certification for Fourth Consecutive Year, Affirming the Properties' Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA - (October 13, 2016) - The Divi & Tamarijn Aruba properties continue to stand out as premier resorts as 2016 is the fourth consecutive year they have earned Silver certification from Earthcheck, the world's leading certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators.

"We are extremely proud to have our two all-inclusive properties in Aruba continue to receive this prestigious certification from Earthcheck, as it demonstrates our company's commitment to being a leader in sustainable development," commented Alex Nieuwmeyer, Managing Director, Divi Resorts Aruba. "It is mutually beneficial to the environment and to us that we continue to comply with sustainability principles and best practices."

Aruba Shortcut to Relaxation

Aruba is your shortcut to relaxation.
Unwind with Aruba’s cooling trade winds
Or bask in the crystal blue Caribbean.

Steps You Can Take To Stay Safe While Traveling Abroad

Traveling abroad these days can seem scary. The political unrest in Turkey and the tragic events in France are just the latest in a seemingly endless stream of attacks and upheaval abroad. When planning a trip overseas, use these guidelines to ensure your safety should you get caught up in such an incident.

Link: Steps You Can Take To Stay Safe While Traveling Abroad

Superior Studio- Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba

Upgrade to a little more luxury and enjoy this Superior Studio with Jacuzzi tub. In addition, this luxury suite comes with a king-sized bed, kitchenette, and pool or distant ocean view from your private terrace. All Superior Studios Suites are located on the ground floor.

Foodies on Aruba: Unique Culinary Travel Deals at Divi Resorts

Divi Resorts is celebrating Aruba Restaurant Month in October with a last-minute travel deal, as well as limited-time, exclusive menus at participating resort restaurants.

Aruba Restaurant Month is a very special time of year on the “One Happy Island.” During the month of October 2016, tourists and locals alike have been invited to explore the rich culinary variety available on Aruba. The theme this year is “Eat Local,” and more than 60 restaurants will be participating with limited-time menus highlighting their best takes on Aruban and Caribbean cuisine.

How to Pack For a Month in One Carry-On Bag: Traveler Obsession

Surely not for everyone, however if you dare... How can you get a month's worth of wardrobe into a single carryon bag? Kickstarter-funded clothing brand Vetta has an answer: A capsule wardrobe of just five pieces that are perfect for travel. Here, we show you how to turn 5 pieces into 30 outfits.

De Palm Island Aruba

These 5 Airlines Have The Best Customer Service

One way to make air travel easier is to stick with those airlines that score well in customer service. Here are the Top 5, according to AirlineQualityRating.com.

Link: These 5 Airlines Have The Best Customer Service

Aruba's Eat Local Restaurant Month

Link: Preparations are in full swing for the second annual EAT LOCAL RESTAURANT MONTH | Aruba.com

Starting October 1 and lasting through October 31 2016, the One happy island of Aruba invites guests to explore local culinary delights during the second annual Eat Local Aruba Restaurant Month.

Commemorating FDNY Firefighters on the 15th Anniversary of September 11

Link: On Sunday the 11th of September ‘16, a special ceremony will be held in the Wilhelmina park in downtown Oranjestad at 5:00 pm, to commemorate the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives whilst saving civilians from the burning World Trade Towers

Aruba Birdlife Conservation

A call for support to stop the destruction of nature areas in Aruba. Sign the petition here: http://www.savenaturearuba.com/

These Apps Will Make Travel Easier

14 Aruba Restaurants That'll Rock Your Taste Buds - Wonderful Wanderings

Don't think Aruba is a foodie destination? These 14 Aruba restaurants will change your mind! Breakfast lunch or dinner, they've got you covered!

Link

Beach House Aruba

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Nightly Entertainment

Under the Pier Hadicurari Aruba

These are the quietest seats on an airplane

Get some peace and quiet on your next flight... Link

Delta Promises It Will Never Lose Your Bags Again

RFID bag tags will ensure it. Link

What is RFID? Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. The tags contain electronically stored information. Passive tags collect energy from a nearby RFID reader's interrogating radio waves. Source

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba

Our commitment to the environment

3 New Smart Suitcases for High Tech Travelers

Stay connected on the road with the latest in wired luggage. Link

Among the features offered from these three suitcases:

• built-in charger
• GPS technology
• scale so you never pay for overweight luggage again
• scratch-proof
• hard-case
• carry-on with a built-in battery located under an adjustable handle that can charge devices via a USB cable

This is Aruba

Best places to catch Pokémon in Aruba

Since the release of Nintendo’s mobile game Pokémon Go almost two weeks ago, the world has been turned upside down with the Pokémon game. From grandparents to grandchildren, everyone’s main goal for the past two weeks has been to level up and catch as many Pokémon’s as possible. Here are some of the hotspots for Pokémon hunting on the island.

Link: Pokemon Go Tips

Rodgers beach, Aruba

Top Five Hottest Caribbean Beaches

Link: Number 3 on the list Eagle Beach, Aruba.

19 Packing Hacks From Travel and Leisure Editors

Every traveler has baggage. No matter the length of the trip—be it a weekend beach getaway or a three-week Himalayan trek—you'll need to pack a bag, and you'll want to pack it right. Enter: the editors at Travel + Leisure, here to share their genius ways to keep your cosmetics spill-proof, your souvenirs safe, and clothes wrinkle-free.

19 Packing Hacks From Travel and Leisure Editors

Aruba from the sky

14 Reasons Why Aruba Is the Happiest Island in the World

Has your reason for loving Aruba or thinking you will love it, make the list?

14 Reasons Why Aruba Is the Happiest Island in the World

One Bedroom Suite- Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba

If you prefer lots of space, this suite is perfect.

Features include:
• separate bedroom with a king-sized bed
• connecting bathroom with shower
• fully-equipped kitchen
• dining area
• living area with pull out sofa bed for two
• front and back entrances, including your own private terrace with pool or distant ocean view

All One Bedroom Suites are located on the ground floor

TSA Forecasts Extreme Delays At Least Through the End of 2016

Hours-long wait times are a problem that isn’t likely to go away any time soon.

Link: TSA Forecasts Extreme Delays At Least Through the End of 2016

Pictured right, arriving passengers waiting to go through Aruba Immigrations

A Look at the Island of Aruba

LOOK AT THE ISLAND from Elias Brugs on Vimeo.

5 Tips for Getting Bumped Up to First Class

The silver lining of travel that remains: upgrades. Sometimes it’s possible to get the first-class experience.

Link: 5 Tips for Getting Bumped Up to First Class

Timeshare Tour Marriott's Aruba Surf Club

9 Travel Safety Tips from a Former CIA Agent

A veteran intelligence operative on how to curb risks during a hotel stay. (Stay away from the top floor, you fools!)

Article

Daily activities at De Palm Island

What a Travel Writer Always Packs: Condé Nast Traveler

CNT Senior Editor Paul Brady never boards a plane without suction cups, earplugs, and more—all packed into a well-worn suitcase that flies through airport terminals on inline wheels.

8 ways to help protect your home while on vacation

8 ways to help protect your home while on vacation via RichmondAmerican.com

Two Bedroom Suite- Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba

This suite is perfect for families, couples, or friends who like to share accommodations.

Features include:
• master bedroom with a king-sized bed
• connecting bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and shower
• second bedroom with two single beds (or a double by request)
• second bathroom with a shower
• fully-equipped kitchen
• dining area
• living area with pull out sofa bed for two
• private balcony with a distant ocean view

All Two Bedroom Suites are located on the second floor.

Four ways to spot fake online reviews

How do you know if you can trust that online review?

Zipline at De Palm Island

Jeeptour on Aruba with GoProAruba.com

Zika Virus

Zika Virus: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Includes:

1. What we know
2. Steps to prevent mosquito bites
3. If you have Zika, protect others from getting sick
4. If you are a man who lives in or has traveled to an area with Zika
5. If you are concerned about getting Zika from a male sex partner
6. Information for travelers

Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers

Zika Virus in Aruba
What is the current situation?
Local mosquito transmission of Zika virus infection (Zika) has been reported in Aruba. Local mosquito transmission means that mosquitoes in the area are infected with Zika virus and are spreading it to people.

Zika Virus in Pregnancy
A pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.

CDC recommends special precautions for the following groups:
Women who are pregnant: Should not travel to Aruba.

Walking Tour of Oranjestad

Walking Oranjestad

Additional Oranjestad info

Getting around downtown Oranjestad has never been easier or more fun with the addition of a state-of-the-art tram, inaugurated in 2012. Connecting the cruise ship terminal with the center of town, the tram passes through the Main Street, now totally remodeled and an attractive pedestrian mall. The tram makes six stops, at monuments and museums along the way, as well as at key shopping areas. In 2015 Oranjestad has welcomed the new cultural/historical project Paardenbaai Aruba, which features 8 blue horses showcased around the downtown area. Tram Route

The Aruba Tourism Authority has put together this project, including a map 

Paardenbaai Aruba

Meet the herd: Rosalinda, Saturnina, Bonifacia, Eufrosina, Celestina, Sinforosa, Escapia, and Ambrosio. Eight horses revisiting us from our memorable past, claiming their nearly forgotten place in history.

Courtesy the Aruba Tourism Authority

Aruba Cruise Tourism Experience on the One Happy Island

Standard Studio Suite- Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba

These studio suites feature modern décor with beautiful dark wood furnishings. Located on the ground, second, or third floor, each Standard Studio Suite comes equipped with a queen-sized bed, kitchenette, bathroom with shower, and courtyard view or partial ocean view from a terrace or private balcony.

Perle D'or & Pam Pam Aruba

Hidden Gems of Aruba: Eco-Adventures and Distinct Cuisine

Peter Greenberg: The Travel Detective, CBS News Travel Editor presents-

Link: Hidden Gems of Aruba: Eco-Adventures and Distinct Cuisine

Aruba International Airport Inaugurates Extension of Aruba Happy Flow

Passengers are already clearing immigration through the newly expanded Automated Border Control solution with more state-of-the-art eGates serving both Arrivals and Departures

(TRAVPR.COM) PORTUGAL - January 19th, 2016 - Aruba, January 18, 2016– Passengers traveling through Queen Beatrix International Airport (Aruba Airport) have surely noticed great changes in the last months. It has been almost a year since Aruba Happy Flow pilot project, the first 100% self-service passenger flow ever, has been operational at the Airport, with extremely positive results: passengers from 28 different countries have already testified this unique contactless experience, responsible for a fast and convenient passenger processing, decreased waiting times and certainly a more relaxed journey for passengers.

Best Aruba Beaches for Families

Link: Best Aruba Beaches for Families. From a long-time fan of Aruba- reviews of the best Aruba beaches for families: Palm Beach, Eagle Beach and Baby Beach.

Mangel Halto Aruba

50 top packing tips

Confused about baggage rules? Or just hopelessly disorganised at packing? Maggie O'Sullivan helps get you started

Aruba: Shortcut to Romance

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives Family Vacation

Fliers Vote: The Most Annoying Passengers in the Skies Are...

Fliers Vote: The Most Annoying Passengers in the Skies Are... via Condé Nast Traveler

Exploring downtown Oranjestad; the capital of Aruba

Zika virus infection – Netherlands - Bonaire and Aruba

Link: Zika virus infection – Netherlands - Bonaire and Aruba: World Health Organization

Between 15 and 16 February 2016, WHO was notified of the first autochthonous cases of Zika virus infection on the islands of Bonaire and Aruba. These islands are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and are situated in the southern part of the Caribbean region, just north of the Venezuelan coast.

On 16 February, IHR NFP for the Netherlands notified WHO of the first four autochthonous cases of Zika virus on the island of Aruba. The cases include three resident islanders and a tourist. All cases were confirmed by RT-PCR on 15 February.

An additional seven cases of Zika virus infection have been identified in Aruba. These reported cases acquired the infection in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.

In the continental part of the Netherlands, to date, 24 imported cases of Zika virus infection have been confirmed. All patients were diagnosed following a visit to Suriname or Aruba. All diagnoses were made by RT-PCR.

How to Fit a Full Outfit Into Your Socks

Maximize space in your tote or suitcase

16th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival Hosted by Aruba

Announces Epic Performances by the Isley Brothers, Miguel & Fantasia

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2016 /satPRnews.com/ -- Let your soul glow with the 16th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival hosted by Aruba, featuring award-winning powerhouses such as The Isley Brothers, featuring Ronald and Ernest Isley, Miguel and singer-songwriter Fantasia delivering breathtaking main stage concert performances this Memorial Day weekend, May 25-30. Aruba's annual Soul Beach Music Festival, previously named #4 by USA Today readers' choice "10 Best Caribbean Celebrations" and #1 "Caribbean Summer Festival" by Jetsetter Magazine, boasts a cross-section of visitors and celebrities who attend this renowned three-in-one experience featuring live music performances, comedy shows and beach parties.

A Brief Guide to Eating in Aruba

Link: A Brief Guide to Eating in Aruba

Aruba Carnival 2016 Official Aftermovie

Grand Carnival Display at the Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

Passport Expiring Soon?

Passports are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Aruba

Passport Expiring Soon? Renew It Now, State Dept. Says - The New York Times

Aruba Lionfish Hunting beauty underwater

Divi Aruba All Inclusive Opens New Pool View Building & Restaurant

New and Renovated Facilities for 2016 Unveiled at Grand Opening Event

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA - (January, 18, 2016) - On Thursday evening, January 14, 2016, the Divi Aruba All Inclusive hosted key members of the Aruba Tourism Industry at a grand opening and ribbon cutting event to celebrate the property's new developments for 2016. Divi Aruba's new pool view building and new Pure Lime Mexican Restaurant were officially introduced and renovations to the front entrance and lobby were unveiled to kick off the New Year.

"We are extremely excited to offer these new additions to our guests," said Alex Nieuwmeyer, Managing Director, Divi Resorts Aruba. "The Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives is not only about quantity with its 501 rooms, ten restaurants and seven bars, but more about continuously looking to increase and upgrade the quality of our product and services. The properties will continue to strive to offer visitors an unforgettable vacation experience with our accommodations, cuisine and overall hospitality."

Celebrate Love with Divi & Tamarijn Aruba's Wedding/Honeymoon Packages

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA - (December 21, 2015) - With a mile-long white sandy beach and turquoise waters, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives are the perfect locations for couples to begin their happily ever after. For the future Mr. and Mrs. looking to plan an overseas celebration of love, or who want a magical setting for their honeymoon, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba offer an array of wedding and honeymoon packages.

What Did You Miss in Aruba This Holiday Season?

Cas di Luz 2016 from Artmando Multimedia on Vimeo.

Directed and filmed by Armando Goedgedrag (Artmando Multimedia)

Fireworks show by Heroudini Firework International

Music by Tony Anderson

Assistant Cameraman Daniel Quant

The Easiest Way To Save Space When Packing

I have tested this and it WORKS!

21 things you should never pack in a checked bag

Link:  21 things you should never pack in a checked bag

Holiday Season Celebrations in Aruba