I've been fortunate enough to set foot on Aruba three times. The very first thing I noticed was that droves of pushy taxi drivers trying to part you from your tourist dollars were nowhere to be seen. Unlike destinations like Jamaica or Columbia, to name just a few, where tourists are seen as nothing but cash cows. Jamaica has all but destroyed much of its tourist industry, because many travelers, such as myself choose to avoid it and go elsewhere. Not so in Aruba. They treat all visitors with respect and welcome them to their island with courtesy.

ABOUT ARUBA:

Aruba is centrally located in the Southern Caribbean and is only about 15 miles from the coast of Venezuela. The population borders on 100,000 and is made up of very friendly, well educated people. They are famous for their hospitality and most are generally of a mixed ancestry. Amazingly, this unique destination claims at least 40 different nationalities who reside on the island. So if you cannot find someone who speaks your language, wait 5 minutes.

ECONOMY:

The islands economy for the most part revolved around the building of an oil refinery that later became a subsidiary of EXXON OiL. The facility closed in 1985, however reopened in 1991 under new management. In March of 2004 it changed hands again and was sold to the Valero Oil Corp.

TOURISM:

Of course now, tourism has taken center stage. It is a stunning island surrounded by powder white sand beaches and incredible blue-green water. And the locals in Aruba sure no how to treat people. In all my traveling, they rank as the most welcoming I have ever come across. Cruise ships dock on a daily basis and very reasonable package stays are also available at dozens of top caliber resorts.

ACTIVITIES:

I don't even know where to start. As soon as you cross the first street you will find state of the art casinos and some of the worlds finest shopping.

I remember my first visit there when I asked a local how to get to the nicest beach. He said, "just cross the street and get on the city bus that will come along and tell the driver you want the best beach." Sure enough for just $1, I got on the bus with the locals and 20 minutes later was on a stunning beach. On the way I saw numerous huge hotels with casinos alongside.

Every water sport you can imagine is available with scuba diving and snorkeling some of the best in the Caribbean. Just ask the locals the best locations for these two activities and there is a myriad of beaches in different locations around the island.

DINING:

You have your choice of either local Caribbean fare or French, Italian, Spanish, American and Indian cuisine. Eat in a gorgeous, romantic terrace under the stars or you can find numerous more intimate hideaways if you prefer. The predominant currency is American dollars as is the case in most of the Caribbean.

For a cruise stop-over or a week or two stay you won't go far wrong with Aruba. A truly amazing, beautiful and friendly island.