In This Issue:
Bombini to Aruba

Located approximately 5 hours from Toronto by air, Aruba is ideally situated on the outside fringes of the hurricane belt. Aruba boasts year-round cooling trade winds, perfectly predictable weather with an average annual temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, and less than 50cm of rainfall per year. The one happy island of Aruba is truly a destination for all seasons.

Aruba serves up 30 luxurious resorts, championship golf courses, sumptuous spas, vibrant casinos, extraordinary international and local cuisine (over 200 restaurants and counting!), exclusive boutiques, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, world-famous music festivals and events, clubs and cafes with live music and more. The backdrop of a cosmopolitan tropical destination with warm, hospitable people is the perfect place for first-time guests and loyal visitors who return to Aruba at a 60% repeat rate, more than any other Caribbean destination Aruba is a Dutch island, and with its close proximity to South America it has a notable Latin flair and a multicultural feel. Most Arubans speak four languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamento, making Aruba a very easy transition for many travellers. An astonishing 96 nationalities call Aruba their home. Aruba is comfortably small, at approximately 32 km long by 10 km wide, nothing in Aruba is too far away. Your time is best spent with your toes in the sand and luxuriating in doing... nothing.

For those with a restless spirit, Aruba delivers an array of things to do. From riding the trade winds by windsurfing, diving the myriad of wrecks near Aruba's coastline, or simply kayaking through mangroves, the waters of Aruba are host to many activities. The southern coastline of Aruba is lined with crystalline waters and white sand beaches, making this side of Aruba home to a wide array of resorts, from boutique-style intimate low rise resorts to brand name all inclusive properties. The surrounding Palm Beach area is also home to a growing list of things to do, from movie theatres, boutiques with evening shopping hours, piano bars and outdoor cafes, countless restaurants, and even a new dinner show. Visitors have only to walk a few steps to find a myriad of entertaining options.

The contrasting northern coast of Aruba is rugged and adventurous, making off-roading and horseback riding popular pastimes. The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, natural bridges and pools, and attractions such as the Ostrich Farm and the Alto Vista Chapel are often visited on these north coast explorations. The central part of Aruba is home to Arikok National Park, which comprises approximately 20% of Aruba. Walking and hiking tours offer an awe-inspiring view of Aruba's flora and fauna.

After a day of sightseeing, hop into your jeep and drive to the less travelled side of Aruba for a swim at crystal clear Baby Beach or Rodgers Beach. In the evening, enjoy one of Aruba's typical dishes called 'keshi yena' made with stuffed and melted Gouda. And then wonder why you would ever want to leave this magical place. From the very first Bonbini (Welcome), Aruba is sure to make a loyal fan out of you.

Call 1-866-317-4794 and ask a Flight Centre travel consultant about pre-packaged vacations to Aruba or perhaps something a little more personalized.

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