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Aruba Vacation Rentals & Beach Villas

Exploring Aruba’s Beaches

June 11th, 2013

Aruba vacation rentals

Aruba – The beaches of Aruba are consistently ranked among the top beaches in the world, and after even just a quick visit, it’s not hard to see why. Matthew Smillie, the owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, an Aruba vacation rentals company, discusses what sets the island apart.

“Our white sand beaches that meet beautiful turquoise water are perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing tropical getaway,’ says Smillie, who provides luxury accommodation services. “Aruba is considered to have the finest beaches in the Caribbean because they are clean, easy to access and perfect for every type of traveler, from the adventurous to the casual sunbather.”

USA Today voted the island’s Eagle Beach as the number one beach in the Caribbean. With its gentle surf and accessibility by car or taxi, it’s not hard to see why visitors flock there throughout the year. And Palm Beach, with clam waters perfect for swimming, was named the best family-friendly beach in the world by The Travel Channel. Conde’ Nast Traveler named Palm Beach one of the best beaches in the entire world.

All beaches on the island of Aruba are open to the public, and while there are many beautiful resorts, many visitors choose to rent a villa directly on one of the gorgeous beaches.

The West Coast of the island offers 7 miles of stunning beaches, loaded with activities. Snorkeling, kite surfing, water skiing, parasailing and more is available for adventurous tourists.

“The island and its beaches are full of exciting activities for tourists,” says Smillie, whose company rents Aruba beach villas throughout the island, including nestled in safe and comfortable gated communities. “We pride ourselves on helping our guests plan their perfect vacation, and we are on hand to arrange scuba or snorkeling excursions, deep sea fishing trips or transportation to and from our beaches.”

Windsurfers of all skill levels flock to the island’s beaches. Because of its constant trade winds, the island is perfect for the sport. Beginners can find beaches perfect for flat-water surfing, while the experiences enthusiasts love more challenging wave conditions found in other areas.

The beaches of the windward coast are located in undeveloped areas. There are excellent areas to explore, such as coves carved from limestone and inlets formed by the waves, but because of the strong undertow in the area, swimming is not recommended. The beaches located here are excellent for sightseeing.

No matter what type of beach vacation you may be looking for, you are sure to find it in Aruba. From the adventure seeking tourist looking for an adrenaline rush, to the relaxed tourist looking to soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand, to the family looking for some fun in the sun, Aruba’s beaches offer it all.

Aruba Reef Care Project Improves Island Beaches

May 30th, 2013

Aruba Reef Care ProjectAruba – Tourists love to visit Aruba for its beautiful beaches and incredible scuba diving opportunities. Residents love it for the same reasons. And each year for the last 19 years, the two groups, along with environmentalists, have come together for the Aruba Reef Care Project to create awareness and improve the marine life of the island.

Created in 1994 as a mission of the Aruba Tourism Authority, the program has grown to include close to 900 volunteers annually. Cleanup sites are set up along the coast, extending from Baby Beach to Arashi Beach. Volunteers are asked to clean the beaches by picking up trash and other debris. Snorkelers and scuba divers take on the task of retrieving debris that has entered the water and threatens the diverse marine life that calls the waters of Aruba home.

“Aruba is consistently hailed as a top tourist destination, and tourists flock to the island for a one-of-a-kind Aruba golf vacation or romantic getaway,” says Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, a rental company that specializes in helping tourists find the perfect Aruba accommodation. “During the cleanup, everyone comes together for one simple mission – to keep our beaches and waters pristine not just for those enjoying our beach villas in Aruba today, but so that they can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.”

The project quickly gained support from the local tourism authority as well as the many hotels and resorts that dot the island. Volunteers are treated to boxed lunches provided by many of the area’s resorts, and some may even win prizes furnished by the hotels.

This year’s event will take place on the morning of Sept. 29. Those interested in helping should make plans to visit the island during this important time to help preserve the beautiful white sandy beaches of the island.

“In recent years, Aruba has seen a tremendous increase in wanting to preserve our beautiful island,” says Smillie, who helps visitors plan their perfect Aruba golf vacation. “The Aruba Reef Care Project helps us promote ecotourism, and to encourage those who flock to the island for our beauty to give something back. The coral reefs in the Caribbean leave visitors in awe of their beauty – this project ensures we can keep it that way.”

Ecotourism has seen a rise in recent years as travelers wish to not only visit beautiful ecosystems, but to give something back as well. The term is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” Eco-tourists abide by a few rules, such as their travel should minimize the impact on the area they are visiting, travel should build environmental and cultural awareness and respect, and the travel should provide direct financial benefits for conservation.

Each year scuba divers and eco-tourists flock to Aruba for the island’s beauty and unique tourism opportunities. The waters off the coast of the island offer some of the best diving opportunities with several wrecks giving scuba divers interesting areas to explore. Coral reef tracts also offer additional diving opportunities.

“Our little island relies heavily on the great tourists who visit,” says Smillie. “But just as with anything else, that tourism can take a toll if visitors are not conscious of the fragility of the ecosystems they are eagerly visiting. We are proud of the work our tourism authority is doing to educate visitors on what they can do to help us keep our island beautiful.”

The Aruba Reef Care Project gives visitors and residents the opportunity to work together to preserve the beauty of Aruba’s marine life. Participants get the joy of experiencing the island’s best dive spots, coupled with knowing they are doing their part to ensure scuba divers for years to come will have the same opportunity. And the sentiment has permeated throughout the island’s culture as even local schools are now featuring classes that teach the importance of environmental responsibility.

For the traveler looking to explore some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and interesting scuba diving sites, while having the pleasure of giving something back, the Aruba Reef Care Project provides the perfect opportunity. Matthew Smillie and his team at Aruba Villa Vacation Homes can help visitors plan the perfect ecotourism getaway.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Discovering the Advantages of Booking a Vacation Home

May 16th, 2013

Advantages of Booking InadvanceAruba – Travelers looking to plan their perfect summer vacations are inundated with travel options – from places to visit, to places to stay, to where to eat. How do travelers navigate the waters to determine the best options for them? Here, Aruba travel experts explain why visitors should rent a home when planning their next beach vacation to Aruba.

One of the most obvious advantages to booking a rental property is that travelers will be able to feel like they are at home. As opposed to a hotel, a rental home or condo will have all the accommodations travelers are used to in their own homes, such as kitchens, laundry facilities and sometimes even private pools. Travelers can enjoy exploring their exotic surroundings, but come back to a place that lets them settle in just as if they were home.

“We recommend that travelers rent a beach villa or other home if they are looking for more privacy and comfort,” says Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes and a travel expert. “The options are almost endless, and there is sure to be something for every type of traveler in every price point. From romantic cottages for the honeymooning couple to a large villa for the family to a gated home on a golf course, the perfect home is out there.”

Renting a home also allows travelers to save money. Not only do rental homes tend to be less expensive than hotels, homes and condos will come equipped with kitchens. That means vacationers can save money by cooking their own meals rather than eating out every meal during their stay. And with companies like Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, travelers can even request to have their kitchens stocked with groceries upon their arrival.

Another great advantage to booking an Aruba beach house or condo during your next vacation is the added space a home affords. With a hotel room, visitors are confined to a small space. However with a home, visitors and their families have the ability to spread out. Vacation homes make traveling as a family or large group of friends much easier because while everyone has their own space, everyone will have the opportunity to be in one centralized location.

Rental villas also afford visitors more privacy than a hotel would. Travelers have the advantage of being the only residents in their rental, whereas during a hotel stay, vacationers can’t control the noise level of guests on either side of them. Renters can have a quiet and peaceful vacation, without being worried about being disturbed by cleaning crews or other guests. Many rental homes are even equipped with a private pool, which means guests will have the ability to enjoy the sun without being disrupted.

“Our renters know that during their stay, we are focused on their happiness,” says Smillie Aruba rental homes expert. “We offer personal services that many large hotels simply can’t offer. We can arrange to have your beach villa set up exactly as you want it upon your arrival, right down to a fully stocked pantry loaded with your family’s favorite foods. And someone from our staff is always on call, ensuring you can be helped with any issue that should arise as quickly as possible.”

Discover what savvy vacationers are learning – booking a vacation home can offer all the comforts of home, at an affordable price and with all the amenities and privacy you deserve.

Is the Pilot Shortage Real and How Will it Affect Consumers

April 24th, 2013

Aruba Pilot ShortageAruba – There is a fear that America may soon be facing a pilot shortage, due to both new regulations and impending retirements. How will that shortage affect travelers looking to book their dream Aruba golf vacationing Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes and a travel expert, explains more about the shortage below.

The first issue currently facing airlines is the mandatory retirement of many pilots. In the United States, there is a mandatory retirement age of 65 for all commercial pilots. The next several months see many commercial pilots reaching that age, which means there needs to be a new crop of pilots to replace them.

However, after a regional airline plane crashed in 2009, new legislation was enacted that required more hours of training before pilots can fly for commercial airlines. That legislation goes into effect this summer. The new regulation requires 1500 hours of flight before a pilot can apply to fly commercially. That is nearly six times the previous requirement, which leaves many experts fearful that it will leave many well-qualified pilots unable to apply for positions with the larger airlines. The smaller, regional airports will be the first to feel the shortage because that is where most pilots begin their commercial training.

Other issues facing the airline industry include new pilot fatigue rules, which require pilots to have more rest time in between flights. Previously, pilots only required two hours of rest time in between flights, but the new time has increased to a mandatory 10 hours. This, and other pilot fatigue rules, will make fewer pilots available for the steady stream of flights that leave airports each day.

Another issue United States airlines face is competition from overseas airlines that often pay more, meaning U.S. pilots leave for increased pay. That means American companies will need to begin increasing pay to keep these pilots in America. That cost will trickle down to consumers, who might see slight increases in airline tickets. That means families budgeting for those beachfront rentals now have another added expense to consider.

Regional airlines will be the first to feel the pilot shortage. These smaller airlines are where commercial pilots typically begin their careers, and as these larger airlines are in need of new pilots, they will begin to attract more and more regional pilots. That could force these smaller airlines to cancel some, and in many cases maybe even all, of their flights.

But just because the bigger airlines may be able to attract those new pilots doesn’t mean they are in the clear. The thousands of retiring pilots are leaving a void that will be difficult to fill, even with the smaller airline pilots moving up. The demand for pilots has increased, but the pool of available and acceptable candidates has decreased, due to stricter training regulations and the expense of training with no guarantee of being hired once training is completed.

So what is the good news for consumers?

According to Smillie who offers vacation villas in Aruba, there is debate as to whether the pilot shortage is real, or simply a scare tactic by the industry to fight back against the new, stricter regulations. While the reality of thousands of pilots reaching retirement age is very real, some related to the field believe the industry may be causing panic to push back against Congress for enacting the new guidelines.

“While the pilot shortage may well be a cause for concern for regional and even some commercial airlines, consumers may not feel the effects for quite some time,” says Smillie, an Aruba rentals and vacation expert. “While the cost of an airline ticket may increase slightly to accommodate increases in pay, most travelers won’t even realize it. Those most affected will probably be budget savvy consumers and families traveling together. We are still encouraging our clients to book those rental properties as normal.”

For now, consumers are encouraged to keep a close eye on the industry to see what transpires. While there is a need for new pilots, only time will tell whether the impending crisis is real, or simply a scare tactic being used by the industry to fight tougher regulations.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Sampling the Local Flavor of Aruba

April 10th, 2013

Aruba Beach VillasAruba – One of the best parts about any vacation is sampling the local cuisine. And the island of Aruba has an abundance of great dining spots, ranging from those showing off the local flavors, to the creative and elegant. Chances are, no matter what you’re craving, you can find it at one of the many restaurants that dots the strip while you’re enjoying one of the island’s many beautiful villas for rent.

Traveling abroad gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, and food is an excellent way for travelers to learn more about the country or city they are visiting. Authentic Aruban cuisine marries together flavors from a few other cultures, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, English and native Aruban, to make a unique flavor that’s special to the island.

“Our beautiful island has great adventures waiting,” says Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, an Aruba beach villas rental company that can help visitors plan their perfect family, romantic or golf vacations. “Culinary adventures abound – from sampling our local flavors that include the freshest seafood such as mahi-mahi and wahoo, to French delicacies such as foie gras and frogs’ legs. Our brightest chefs on the island even offer delicious Middle Eastern, South American, Spanish, Asian and American menus. Chances are excellent that if you’re craving it, you’ll be able to find it expertly prepared at one of our many restaurants.”

While visitors are relishing one of the stunning beach rentals on the island, they can also enjoy restaurants that suit whatever mood they might be in. For visitors traveling with children, there are many wonderful locations that offer excellent family-friendly menus. Quaint and comfortable cafes abound in the local shopping district, making it easy to pop in for a delicious bite while out and about.

Traveling off the beaten path to discover hidden gems is also highly encouraged. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find trendy new restaurants with cutting-edge menus, as well as romantic ones with traditional menus. There truly is something for every taste-bud.

And for those who really want to sample true Aruban flavor, it doesn’t get any more authentic than the street food dotting the island. From roadside carts and stands at the local markets, travelers can sample local favorites such as iguana stew. Locals love stoba, a stew with goat meat; the polenta-like funchi; the delicious ayaka, a tamale stuffed with beef, capers and scallions; and keshi yena, Edam cheese stuffed with chicken, green olives and scotch bonnet peppers – a combination of Dutch and Caribbean flavors. Yucca chips and fried cactus are other common treats that can be found.

“When in doubt, ask the locals,” says Smillie. “Locals love to share their culture, and food is a big part of any community.”

Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, and other companies like it, take pride in helping visitors have the best travel experience possible. From finding the perfect rentals to helping visitors find the perfect restaurant, the local experts can make sure travelers soak up as much local flavor as possible.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Staying Healthy While Traveling Abroad

March 30th, 2013

Travel to Aruba BeachAruba – Traveling to a Caribbean paradise is a dream come true. But what happens if travelers become ill on their trip and that dream quickly becomes a nightmare? Before traveling, especially out of the country, there are some important things to remember.

“We have good medical care in Aruba,” says Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, a company that rents luxury and beach accommodations in Aruba. “We have one hospital and a smaller medical center that is located on San Nicholas. But we do advise visitors to be sure they are healthy before any kind of travel, especially some place far from home.”

The most important thing to do when traveling abroad is to check to make sure your health insurance will cover you wherever you are traveling. Ask your insurance company not only if it follows you outside of the U.S., but also if it covers emergencies, such as a trip to a foreign hospital or an emergency evacuation. If your policy does not include overseas coverage, consider purchasing additional coverage before going on your trip.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a few recommendations before visitors set foot in their villas in Aruba. It’s important to visit your physician four to six weeks before travel. At that time, the doctor can provide any vaccinations you may need before travel. The CDC encourages travelers to see a physician who specializes in travel medicine, because he or she will be more familiar with what conditions may face you in your travel.

Before traveling, always be sure your vaccinations are up to date. Let your physician know if you will be traveling to more than one country during your travel. This is important because you may be required to have different vaccinations in each country. For instance, while yellow fever is currently not a disease risk in Aruba, the government does require travelers coming from certain countries that have a risk of the virus transmission to present proof of vaccination. If you travel into Aruba from a country other than the U.S., this could affect you.

“Although we do have good medical care and pharmacies that can fill prescriptions, it’s important to bring any medicine you regularly take with you,” says Smillie, who prides himself on helping visitors to Aruba find their perfect beach villa. “Our pharmacies may not have the exact medications you have available in the U.S., so to prevent an emergency, always bring the medicines you take every day.”

Be sure you bring a supply of your prescriptions to last for your entire trip. It’s a good idea to pack a little extra, in the event of an emergency. To avoid confusion, it’s best to keep them in their original prescription bottles and keep them in your carry-on luggage. That way, even if your luggage is lost, you will never be without the medication you need. If your medications are liquids, be sure to read and follow all guidelines as set forth by the Transportation Security Administration. Also, please remember that some prescriptions available in the U.S. are actually illegal in other countries. If your medication is deemed illegal in another country, your physician can write you a letter detailing why the medicine has been prescribed.

When packing, it’s important to remember a few essentials, in addition to your bathing suits and sunglasses. Purchase iodine tablets or portable water filters to purify water if needed. Pack plenty of sunblock to prevent damage from dangerous UV rays. Pack plenty of antibacterial hand wipes or hand sanitizer. Also pack long-sleeved shirts made from a lightweight material and long pants to wear outside to avoid mosquito and other insect bites.

Once you’re safely in the country and enjoying your rental villa, there are a few things to remember. The leading cause of illness in travelers is diseases from food and drink. Travelers should always thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water, especially before eating. Travelers are encouraged to drink only bottled or boiled water or drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid eating food from food vendors and always be sure food is fully cooked. Also, be sure any dairy products have been pasteurized.

If you happen to become ill while in Aruba, healthcare on the island is considered to be on par with that of a smaller U.S. city. Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital is a 280 bed facility with modern equipment and is walking distance from the hotel district. It has established ties to U.S. and Dutch hospitals for specialized treatment and care.

In the case of an emergency, many of the hotels will have a consulting physician available. The Emergency Department also has physicians on site 24 hours a day and specialists are on call.

The medical center offers services in internal medicine, obstetrics, urology, orthopedics and much more. The physicians are licensed and certified in the U.S. or Holland, while a few are from South American.

In the case of a dental emergency, there are also excellent dental services available on the island.

Traveling abroad, no matter where the destination, takes some planning and preparation on the part of the traveler to ensure good health during their visit. But when visiting a country like Aruba, visitors can rest easy knowing that should an emergency occur, there are well-trained and compassionate physicians available to help.

The Best Ways to Explore Aruba

March 14th, 2013

Explore Aruba With Right AccommodationAruba – Traveling to a foreign country can often leave visitors wondering about the best way to get around during their stay. In Aruba, the options are limitless – from ATVs to public buses to rental cars, there’s an option for everyone.
“Discovering Aruba on your own is quick and easy – it just depends on what accommodation best suits your personality,” says Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. “If you’re renting one of our many beautiful beach villas, bus service to and from downtown is reliable, and best of all inexpensive.”
Daily bus service between all the districts and the hotel areas has a round trip fare of just over two dollars. The main bus station is in downtown Oranjestad, conveniently located just across from the waterfront shops and restaurants.
The largest bus operator is a government owned company called Arubus. They operate six lines that run 29 buses along the hotel and resort zone, making it easy for tourists who have decided to rent a villa to visit all the tourist hot spots. Other routes are also available to take passengers to other locations throughout the island. Buses typically run every 20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then every hour from 6 p.m. to midnight.
Many tourists choose to visit Aruba because of its beautiful weather. While you’re enjoying your vacation in this beautiful climate, consider touring the island by taking advantage of one of Arubas motorcycle rentals.
“Since the island is relatively small and roads are in good condition, touring by motorcycle or scooter is a great way to see the island’s unique topography and get the most out of the pleasant climate,” says Smillie, whose travel company can help tourists plan their perfect Aruba vacation – from finding the perfect front beach villas to rent to arranging transportation.
Tourists can rent a motorcycle or scooter for the day or for their whole vacation. On and off road adventures are plentiful and all tourists need is a valid driver’s license. Scooters typically rent for around $40 per day and motorcycles can be rented for $70 to $120 a day. Tourists can even go hog wild by renting a Harley for $150 per day.
For the adventurous tourist, renting a four-wheel drive Jeep or ATV will allow them to visit the rougher terrains that can’t be explored by car. Visitors can even arrange a Jeep Safari tour, where they will be one of up to 10 four-wheel drive vehicles on a guided tour of the island.
For visitors who want their own air conditioned vehicle and plan to stick to the well-paved roads, a rental car is the way to go. Cars can be rented at the airport, or if you’ve chosen to rent a place, you can arrange to have it waiting upon your arrival. The major car rental companies all honor valid U.S., British, Australian, and Canadian driver’s licenses. Arubans drive on the right side of the road and there is free parking throughout the island. It’s best to familiarize yourself with the island’s road signs before driving – the rental car company can provide a sheet detailing the signs.
If you’re planning to rent a car, here are some other things to note:
• The minimum age to rent a car is 21-25, but there is a maximum age of 65-70 as well. These ages vary slightly among rental companies.
• The renter must have held a valid driver’s license for at least two full years prior to renting a car.
• Many companies require a sizeable deposit, as much as $500, or an open signed credit card.
• Insurance is recommended.

According to Aruba Vacation Rentals, taxis are an additional option for visitors. All taxis in Aruba are non-metered, but have fixed rates. Each taxi will have a copy of the rate schedule. It can be difficult to hail a taxi from the street, however hotels and restaurants will be able to call a car for visitors. Tourists can also ask their taxi driver to return for them at a certain time.
No matter what your plans are while you’re in Aruba, getting around the island won’t be a problem. From reliable buses to friendly taxis to Harleys, options abound. Moreover , By the agency of Accommodation in Aruba everyone can have pleasant time in the city.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

The Benefits of Booking a Vacation Package

February 26th, 2013

Aruba vacation and rental packages

Aruba – Travelers often research for extended periods of time before booking travel. But working with the experts at a vacation rental company can ensure all details of a vacation are well thought out before vacationers leave the comfort of their homes.

“Planning your perfect vacation doesn’t have to be stressful,” says Michael Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, a beach rental company. “Our company can help vacationers not only find their perfect place to stay during their vacations in Aruba, but we can also help plan all of the details of the trip.”

Traveling to someplace you’ve never been, especially if it’s out of the country, can lead to anxiety about making sure you’ve remembered all the details. How will you get to and from the airport? How will you rent a car during your stay? Who can help you book spa treatments, tours or other excursions during your trip?

All these can be solved by working with a local company like Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Not only does the company offer luxury vacation rentals in Aruba, but they offer tailor-made packages to make your vacation perfect.

When planning your travel, map out your vision for the vacation. Once you have an idea of the places you’d like to visit and where you’d like to stay, a vacation rental company will be able to help you make those dreams a reality.

Working with a travel or rental company can take the guessing out of travel for you, and make you feel at ease before you jet off to paradise. No matter how big or small your requests, a reputable travel company will be able to accommodate you.

Arrange airport transportation with the travel company beforehand. They can arrange a taxi, car or limo to meet you and your family and deliver you directly to your accommodation. This can be especially helpful if you are planning an extended vacation or have several members in your party and have many pieces of luggage.

If you are planning a vacation somewhere that will require the use of a car to get around, your vacation experts can recommend preferred suppliers and book a car for you. The vacation company you use will most likely have contacts they use regularly and can arrange to have the car delivered directly to you at your rental home or have it waiting for you upon your arrival.

“Another advantage to using a company like ours is that we will meet you when you arrive at your vacation rental,” says Smillie, whose company offers beachfront villas in Aruba. “If you rent a vacation home or condo, it is helpful to have someone meet you to show you the ins and outs. The expert who meets you can explain local culture and help familiarize you with your rental home.”

Renting a vacation home can save travelers money because they have the advantage of having a kitchen and therefor won’t need to eat out every meal. But knowing where the grocery stores are and arranging transportation to them might be difficult. A travel company can assist travelers by having kitchens fully stocked when guests arrive.

Travel experts will also know what tours and activities are the best for visitors. In many cases, they will have established relationships with many suppliers, which can lead to discounts for travelers. But most importantly, the experts can recommend can’t-miss activities that will make your vacation world class. They can even arrange spa appointments and schedule rounds of golf to make your vacation complete.

Perhaps the greatest advantage to using the knowledge of a travel expert is the peace of mind it can bring you. Booking accommodations, arranging airport travel and scheduling excursions and activities take the guessing out of the traveling game. And renting a vacation home will allow you the comforts of home, even when traveling outside of the country.

To learn more about what type of vacation is awaiting you, call the experts at Aruba Villa Vacation Homes today.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Discovering Aruba’s Top Tourist

February 24th, 2013

Aruba Beach Villa

Aruba – Aruba is a world-class vacation destination, known for beautiful beaches and a calm island way of life. But there’s much more to the island, and Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, wants to help you discover what you’re missing.

“Yes, Aruba has some of the most stunning beaches,” says Smillie, who provides accommodation in Aruba. “But this island also has amazing ecological sites, a beautiful butterfly farm, and a picturesque lighthouse, among other great destinations.”

  • California Point Lighthouse was named for the 100-year-old vessel, which wrecked and sits on the bottom of the ocean just offshore from the lighthouse. It offers beautiful views of the west coast of the island and the island’s beautiful beaches.
  • Arikok National Park, with its 20 miles of hiking trails, makes up about 20 percent of the entire island. It houses desert landscapes, giant lizards and Arawak Indian drawings. It boasts beautiful native flora and fauna, and park rangers are available throughout the park to lead tours.
  • Aruba Butterfly Farm is home to hundreds of gorgeous butterflies from all over the world. The 3,000 square foot garden has waterfalls and fish ponds, and guests are delighted when butterflies land silently on their shoulders.
  • National Archeological Museum traces the history of Aruba back to 2500 BC when the first inhabitants arrived from Central and South America. It’s housed in a plantation home built in 1870.
  • Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins were the site of a mini gold rush in the 1800s. Three million pounds of ore were mined after gold was discovered in 1824. Visitors can tour the remains of the mine.
  • Aruba Aloe Vera Factory and Museum allows visitors to sample the island’s fresh aloe and learn the history of the Aruba aloe fields.
  • Oranjestad is the island’s capital city. It boasts Dutch colonial architecture, and is also the primary shopping area on the island.

“Aruba allows visitors to do and see so much,” says Smillie, whose Aruba villas rental company can help visitors plan their perfect getaway. “From jet skiing to scuba diving to snorkeling, our beaches provide opportunities for exciting adventures. Try kite-surfing, kayaking or take a tour on a catamaran. We can even schedule a tour on a private boat, led by your very own captain.”

And for visitors who are the land-loving type, the opportunities are limitless. Visitors enjoy bird watching, horseback riding, golf and tennis. Aruba is home to several museums showcasing the unique history of the island, and first-class restaurants abound.

No matter what type of vacation you’re planning, chances are Aruba has exactly what you’re looking for. Rent a villa on the beach or a home on one of the award-winning golf courses, and let Aruba take you away.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Registering Contact and Itinerary Information in Case of an Emergency

January 28th, 2013

Aruba – When traveling, whether at home or abroad, there are so many things to consider. Did I pack appropriate clothing for any weather I may encounter? Did I remember my cellphone charger and medications? Did I turn off my appliances at home before leaving? These are a few of the questions you may ask yourself. But you might be forgetting one important one. Have I given anyone my itinerary and contact information in case an emergency arises?

Matthew Smillie, a vacation rental expert, explains important safety tips below when traveling abroad.

I’m going abroad – what should I do?
“One of the first, and most important, things to remember is to fill out the emergency page on your passport,” says Smillie, whose business rents and maintains luxury beach villas in Aruba. “The emergency page of your passport will help should anything happen while you are traveling. It will explain to anyone who sees it who should be contacted in the event of an emergency, and can make an already confusing time much easier to navigate.”

The United States Department of State offers the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to U.S. citizens traveling abroad. STEP allows travelers to register their information so that you can be reached should an emergency arise at home during your travels, and also to assist you if there is a crisis while you are out of the country.

The STEP program registers you with U.S. embassies or consulates in the area to which you are traveling. U.S. consular officers will then be able to help you more efficiently should an emergency arise while you. The officers can help you should you run into a medical or other emergency while you are traveling.

“Before you begin your travel, you may not even consider the idea of an emergency arising,” says Smillie, whose Aruba rentals company prides itself on providing exceptional service to its customers. “But accidents can occur any time. Traveling abroad does bring dangers and issues you might not plan for.”

Have you thought about what would happen if you ran into serious financial or legal difficulties while outside the United States? American consular officers can provide names of local attorneys or doctors, and can even provide loans to destitute American citizens traveling abroad. If dangerous conditions arise while you are traveling, the officers can provide important information to assist you.

Consular officers can also assist travelers with nonemergency services. If you are planning travel during an election season and still wish to participate, the officers can help you with absentee voting. They can also help file tax forms, and even notarize documents and issue passports.

STEP is a free program, and is available for those traveling and living overseas. Registering your information is simple and only requires a visit to the State Department’s website. Registering for STEP can help protect you, but it also allows your family a means of locating you should an emergency arise at home while you are overseas. They can contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, who can then contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you are in. If your information has been registered, the embassy will then be able to contact you at your hotel or the accommodation where you are staying.

Other tips to keep in mind when traveling abroad are:
• Always leave a copy of your itinerary. Be sure family or friends have been given a copy of your itinerary so they know your travel plans. It is also helpful to leave them with a copy of your passport data page and visa.
• Before leaving, check your overseas medical coverage. Contact your insurance company to see if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergencies. You might not be able to plan ahead of time for a medical emergency, such as medical evacuations, but you can be sure you’re covered if something should happen. If your current plan does not include international coverage, consider purchasing supplemental insurance to cover you.
• Familiarize yourself with not only the current condition of the country to which you are traveling, but also its laws. You are subject to the laws of the country to which you are traveling. Visiting the state department website before traveling can provide you with useful information about the country you plan to visit.
• Take safety precautions during travel. Avoid being the target of a crime by not carrying excessive amounts of money or wearing conspicuous clothing or jewelry. Do not leave your luggage unattended, or accept anything from strangers. Do not travel to areas that are considered dangerous.

Traveling abroad has much to offer – learning more about different cultures, experiencing sights and tastes that aren’t available at home, and so much more. With proper safety precautions and preplanning work, traveling, whether around the country or to the other side of the world, can be fun, meaningful and most important, safe.

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