Expert: Andy Mendyk - 5/17/2001

Question
My husband is a foreman for an iron-working crew and is considering a 6-8 month job in Aruba for the summer months.  My initial response is to be excited for ANY excuse to visit the Carribean! We will be visitng Aruba in the summer, so here is my list of questions.

Are all the accomodations expensive? Available?  Do I need to make reservations a long time in advance?

Is it a nice place to bring my 4 year-old? If so, please recommend some family-oriented entertainment.

How big is the Island and how hard is it to get around?  Is it necessary to rent a car for a long weekend?

What are the "must sees" for an extended weekend visit?

Thank you for your time. I will look forward to hearing from you.  

Answer
Hi Carolyn! First, Accomodations are in the range as American prices..you may be better off trying to locate a home and rent it for the duration. The avg. price per night canm be from 145 to 300$$  Aruba is a desert island,very little rain. I have rented a car there once, but I find that the Taxi rates are not that high compared to renting a car, and driving around the island can be very confusing. (still is for me!!) For the 4 year old, there is really not much i can think of there, as you have to remember that Aruba is  a tourist island meant for "getaways", and mostly adult oriented. Most hotels do have childrens activities, and they vary depending on where you go. The best thing to do is go to www.aruba.com  or  www.aruba4u.com and browse thru the site. I think spending time at those sights will make you more aware of what to do, and what they have to offer. I can go on for hours on that subject. However, as an adult..I know you will enjoy your time there, but i would recommend being there for more then a weekend to get the full "feel" of the ambiance of this island. Since space is limited here for my response, please feel free to contact me again if there is anything in particular you may need to know, and i will be more then happy to answer.  If you find what you need on the sights i have given you, have a great time there!! (I know you will!!)