“Valentines day is the perfect excuse to rent a vacation villa on an island that is overflowing with romance,” said Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, which specializes in luxury villas. “Renting a beach villa over a condo is preferred by couples because they feature private pools and hot tubs that they don’t have to share.”

Couples can stay in, rekindle their romance, relax and add romantic or adventurous excursions as they choose, said Smillie.

For couples looking to relax together, salons on the island offer couple’s massages, facials and body treatments in a private room with dim lighting and soothing music. The property management company you are renting the villa from can even arrange an in-home spa day for a more private experience.

Aruba may be a small island, but it is full of beauty and natural wonders. Excursions in Aruba are endless with many companies offering tours by Jeep, horseback and all-terrain vehicles. Private tours can be arranged for couples interested in scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing and even riding in a helicopter.

“A trip aboard a luxury catamaran at sunset or a moon lit dinner by the beach are among the most popular choices for couples,” the beach rentals expert said. “Aruba also has some of the best Latin dance clubs, casinos, Las Vegas style shows, party boats and piano bars in the Caribbean.”

Booking your romantic vacation rental in Aruba has never been easier with the help of an experienced property management company such as Smillie’s. The villa you find for rent on their website is the villa you will be staying in. Company employees are there to escort you off the plane, into your villa and are available 24/7 with services that include booking excursions, shopping for groceries, car rentals and much more.

“Our guests never feel stranded and on their own in a foreign place,” said Smillie, who also offers guest house rentals. “We can escort them to the grocery store, give them a tour of the island and even send someone out to repair an issue in the rental within minutes.”

©2012 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers E-commerce SEO, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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Every year, tens of thousands of people fall victim to vacation rental scams and the common complaints include poorly maintained properties, properties that are no longer available and properties that do not even exist.

‘With the economy still where it is, people are looking for rental properties that give them the most bang for their buck,’ said Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, which specializes in condo rentals. ‘While these properties appear to be affordable, scammers are taking advantage of these unsuspecting people.’

A common place for rental scams is online community boards, where scammers advertise foreclosed or abandoned homes as vacation homes, then take your money and give you nothing.

Another tactic known as the bait and switch is very common as well. A renter books a specific house, but at the last minute they are told the home is not available and a similar home is available for them to stay in. Usually the home was never available, or a higher paying renter came through and they gave the home to them.

‘A few rotten scammers shouldn’t deter you from experiencing a wonderful vacation in a villa rental,’ said the Aruba golf vacation expert. ‘There are ways to prevent being scammed, it just takes a little preparation and research.’

Smillie has come up with a list of tips on how to avoid a rental scam:

• Never send cash or wire money. Use a credit card that has a dispute-resolution department who can get your money back if you get scammed.

• Look up properties online, Google the address and if nothing comes up, odds are it doesn’t exist.

• If you’ve been promised a free vacation in return for a one-hour seminar, think again. Usually this is a ploy to get your credit card information so you can pay the processing fees. You should never pay for something that is free.

• Tell your bank and credit card companies where you are traveling and when you plan to come back. This way they can flag any suspicious activity if a scammer gets your credit card information and goes on a shopping spree.

• Ask for a rental agreement.

• Have a conversation with the homeowner or property management company that handles the home you are looking to rent. Search online to make sure the company is legit.

• Look for reviews or past renter testimonials.

‘If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,’ the beach villa provider said. ‘Only rent vacation properties from a company that you trust and one that is reputable within the community.’

©2012 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers a first page of Google guarantee, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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The 58th annual Carnival celebration kicks off on January 8, 2012 and is followed by weeks of events that bring you floats, continuous music, glamorously decorated groups of participants of all ages, king and queen elections, torch parades that wind through the streets, and finally the grand parade, which takes place March 8.

“This is the greatest party ever,” said Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, which specializes in Aruba villas for rent. “It is an event for the entire family and the fanfare is as exciting in the beginning as it is when the celebration comes to an end.”

Jan. 8 – Aruba’s oldest social club, the Tivoli Club, organizes Aruba’s Torch Parade, which is the official parade on the Carnival schedule.

Jan. 29 – Local bands and singers compete to be crowned the Tumba Queen or King in the grand finale tumba contest.

Feb. 4 – Contestants compete to become Mrs. Carnival through a series of skits and joyful displays of Carnival costumes and dance.

Feb. 5 – The Calypso and Road March contest is one of the biggest and most popular local music festivals, attracting more than 10,000 people. Samples of sounds and popular songs of Carnival that will be featured in upcoming celebrations will be played.

Feb. 19 – Young women between the ages of 17 and 25 representing various districts, schools and social clubs will compete to become Aruba Carnival Queen and lead the Grande Parade.

Feb. 26 – Aruba’s Tivoli lighting parade is among the favorites for guests, as there are tiny lights incorporated into costumes, road pieces and floats.

“I would not, under any circumstances, miss this event,” the family beach villas provider said. “There are people lined up along the street to watch this parade for miles and it is a sight to see.”

March 5 – Beginning at 4 a.m., thousands of people gather in San Nicolas to follow the live music caravans down the streets during jouvert morning, also known as the pajama party, which is the island’s largest jump up (street party).

March 5 – The Grande Carnival parade in San Nicolas is the prelude to the Grande Carnival parade.

March 6 – Held the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the largest Carnival parade winds through Oranjested. It is filled with music, decorated floats and costumes.

March 8 – On the eve of Ash Wednesday, Carnival 58 will come to a close with the burning of King Momo- the symbol of flesh.

“This is the best time to visit Aruba, so book your Aruba beach villa as soon as possible,” said the vacation condo rentals expert. “There are a lot of events for children as well, which makes this an ideal opportunity to mix fun and family on your vacation in one of our oceanfront rentals.”

© 2012 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a site optimization company, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

The 58th annual Carnival celebration kicks off on January 8, 2012 and is followed by weeks of events that bring you floats, continuous music, glamorously decorated groups of participants of all ages, king and queen elections, torch parades that wind through the streets, and finally the grand parade, which takes place March 8.

”This is the greatest party ever,” said Matthew Smillie, owner of Vacation Homes, which specializes in Aruba villas for rent. ”It is an event for the entire family and the fanfare is as exciting in the beginning as it is when the “celebration comes to an end.”

Jan. 8 - Aruba’s oldest social club, the Tivoli Club, organizes Aruba’s Torch Parade, which is the official parade on the Carnival schedule.

Jan. 29 – Local bands and singers compete to be crowned the Tumba Queen or King in the grand finale tumba contest.

Feb. 4 – Contestants compete to become Mrs. Carnival through a series of skits and joyful displays of Carnival costumes and dance.

Feb. 5 - The Calypso and Road March contest is one of the biggest and most popular local music festivals, attracting more than 10,000 people. Samples of sounds and popular songs of Carnival that will be featured in upcoming celebrations will be played.

Feb. 19 – Young women between the ages of 17 and 25 representing various districts, schools and social clubs will compete to become Aruba Carnival Queen and lead the Grande Parade.

Feb 26 Aruba’s Tivoli lighting parade is among the favorites for guests, as there are tiny lights incorporated into costumes, road pieces and floats.

”I would not, under any circumstances, miss this event,” the family beach villas provider said. ”There are people lined up along the street to watch this parade for miles and it is a sight to see.”

March 5 – Beginning at 4 a.m., thousands of people gather in San Nicolas to follow the live music caravans down the streets during jouvert morning, also known as the pajama party, which is the island’s largest jump up (street party).

March 5 - The Grande Carnival parade in San Nicolas is the prelude to the Grande Carnival parade.

March 6 – Held the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the largest Carnival parade winds through Oranjested. It is filled with music, decorated floats and costumes.

March 8 – On the eve of Ash Wednesday, Carnival 58 will come to a close with the burning of King Momo- the symbol of flesh.

”This is the best time to visit Aruba, so book your Aruba beach villa as soon as possible,” said the vacation condo rentals expert. ”There are a lot of events for children as well, which makes this an ideal opportunity to mix fun and family on your vacation in one of our “oceanfront rentals.”

© 2012 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a site optimization company is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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“This time of year, people are making New Year’s resolutions that deal with ways to make their lives better,” said Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, which specializes in vacation house rentals. “In addition to focusing on weight loss or eating right, why not make travel resolutions? Vow to travel more, pack less or be more spontaneous.”

Start 2012 off on the right foot and be part of the traditions and festivities on the island of Aruba, said the vacations rentals professional. Our New Year celebrations are full of superstitions, traditions and fun.

Dande, which comes from the Papiamento word dandara, meaning to revel or to have a good time, is the traditional celebration on the island. The celebration began after King William III of the Netherlands declared slaves to be free. The island welcomes the New Year with music and an island-wide display of fireworks.

The outlandish amounts of fireworks fulfill the superstitions associated with the celebrations on the island. Their purpose is to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity to the people.

“Fireworks go on sale for one week in Aruba, with celebrations beginning around Dec. 28 and ending well after the clock strikes midnight,” said the Aruba golf vacation expert. “The amount of fireworks that go off is astounding. The whole island is euphoric, with events going on in every establishment. It’s a wonderful celebration to be part of.”

Christmas and New Years are the busiest time of the year on the island, said the beach villas provider. Our villa rentals are usually booked months in advance by people from all around the world. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and the perfect place to start tackling your travel resolutions.

© 2011 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, an SEO Internet marketing company, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“Vacation rentals can easily be the factor that makes or breaks your vacation,” said Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. “Choosing the right one is about finding a property that will make you feel comfortable in an unfamiliar place and give you the space you need to relax. We will work with you to compare the various condos, apartments and rental homes we have available on the island and find a property that suits you best.”

Some of the factors to consider that will ensue we pick the right property for you are:

• Location – Choose a rental that is close enough to the attractions you want to see, but far enough that you are not surrounded by other vacationers.
• Atmosphere – Rental homes are often privately owned, which means the homes are decorated to suit the owner’s style. Pick a home that is appealing to the entire family. An intimate villa decorated to allure couples would not be ideal for a family and vice versa.
• Layout – Villa vacation rentals come in all shapes and sizes. Choose a rental that will be comfortable for everyone in your party. Separate bedrooms and bathrooms are great for friends traveling together. But if you are traveling with family, a rental where siblings can bunk together and share a bathroom may work well.
• Amenities – Some guests want a home with a pool, a view or a golf course, others prefer beachfront. Many would like all four. Consider who is traveling with you and how you would like to spend your time in the home. People looking for a golf vacation may not care about beach access, while those with children may enjoy the ability to walk to the beach instead of driving.

“Property management companies can help you with everything, from tee times and dinner reservations to hiring a private chef and planning your wedding,” said Smillie. “But the process begins with you. We are simply the middleman between you and your vacation because we feel traveling for the holidays should be a pleasant experience.”

© 2011 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that posts articles on the top ten article submission sites, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“When you book your vacation through our rental company, we can arrange a wide array of services for you from watersport excursions to personal chefs,” said Smillie. “We want you to be able to enjoy your vacation from landing to take off.”

Activities We Can Book For You
Kitesurfing and windsurfing: The constant 15-knot trade winds and a mix of flat, shallow water and waves has made Aruba one of the most popular spots for kite and windsurfers. There are many instructors and schools available on the island that are professional and insured.

Horseback Riding: Aruba’s terrain is a mix of picturesque coastline and countryside, which is why riders of all levels enjoy exploring the island on horseback. There are five well-known ranches on the island that offer trips on trails, though the Arikok National Park and along Aruba’s natural pool, the ocean.

ATV Tours: Explore the wild side of Aruba in all its beauty by renting an all-terrain vehicle. Guided by a professional, you will discover the most coveted spots in Aruba while riding in the open air and basking in the sun.

Snorkeling: Snorkeling is one of the best ways to discover Aruba’s underwater marine life and with so much to explore its no wonder its home to some of the world’s most popular snorkeling destinations. Snorkelers of all ages are welcome to go on a boat trip to visit some of Aruba’s best underwater locations, including a sunken shipwreck.

Scuba Diving: Scuba Diving Magazine has recognized Aruba as the top wreck diving and third best advanced diving country in the world. For travelers who are not certified many dive shops offer courses to give you temporary or full certification, however the length of the class depends on the depth you would like to go to.

Sailing: Take in the stunning views of Aruba’s coastline while watching a spectacular sunset aboard a luxurious catamaran. Take a day trip to go snorkeling or a sunset sail and enjoy a multi-course dinner for you and your party as prepared by a private chef.

Spa Services: You can have your own massage therapist come to your Aruba beach villa or we can book a day at the spa for you and your guests. “There is so much to do and see in Aruba that people often forget the relaxing effect a spa day can have on them,” said Smillie.

Personal chef: Personal chefs work with you to plan the meals for the week and will work around your dietary needs and preferences. They will do the shopping and prepare the meal in your vacation home.

“We provide our Villas in Aruba guests with the personal concierge service that they would expect from a five-star hotel, but without the noise of neighbors above, below and next door to them,” said Smillie.

© 2011 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, one of the top SEO optimization companies, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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“There is never a bad time to visit Aruba,” said Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, which specializes in villas for vacation getaways. “Temperatures are consistently mild, the island is outside the hurricane belt and the sea temperature stays around 82 degrees all year long.”

For travelers who can’t stand another morning spent scraping ice from their windshield during the coming winter months, be sure you are informed about the latest documentation requirements before you book your Aruba vacation rental.

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, more than nine million Americans stayed at least one night in a Caribbean country in 2010. Prior to 2009, most Caribbean countries did not require a passport, but new rules titled the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires returning Americans and other nationalities to have a passport for reentry into the United States.

Entry/Exit Requirements
All U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport for air travel, including to and from Aruba. All sea travelers must now also have a passport or passport card. Visitors to Aruba may be asked to show return tickets, proof of sufficient funds and proof of lodging accommodations for their stay. Length of stay for U.S. citizens is granted for 30 days and may be extended to 180 days by the office of immigration. During your stay as a tourist, you are not allowed to work.

“We understand how complicated traveling can be,” said Smillie. “That is why we are happy to assist travelers by providing you with proper proof of lodging paperwork for your beach villa as well as answer any questions you may have.”

Currency
The official currency of Aruba is florin, but the U.S. dollar is also widely accepted as well as travelers’ checks and many major credit cards. ATMs also dispense U.S. dollars and florins. One U.S. dollar is equal to 1.79 florin.

Language
Papiamento and Dutch are the official languages of Aruba, but most Arubans speak a minimum of four languages including Spanish and English.

Time Zone
Aruba is on the Atlantic Standard Time year round.
“Vacationing in Aruba is affordable and fun for the whole family,” said Smillie. “Once travelers figure out the seemingly ever-changing passport laws, they are ready to experience the whirlwind of activities, nightlife and natural wonders that is Aruba.”

© 2011 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that delivers advanced SEO research to help companies achieve top rankings, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“There are ways to take a vacation that will give you the escape from the every day hustle and bustle without hurting your bottom line,” explains Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, an Aruba beach villa rental company, which specializes in beach rentals.

Take Advantage of Vacation Rentals
Travelers often put a great deal of attention on airfare and neglect to see the total price of accommodations. Booking a few nights in a hotel during peak traveling season can include a premium charge with varying amenities. Staying in a vacation villa provides you a great value with added extras, which allows you to travel longer and spend less.

Travel in Packs
Stretch your travel budget by inviting friends and family members along. Having more people in your party gives you the freedom to book more expensive ocean front rentals with multiple bedrooms because you can split the bill.

Avoid Unnecessary Costs
Airline fees for baggage are on the rise and packing efficiently in one bag instead of three will save you money. If you can’t fit your items into one bag and be under the weight limit, try putting non-liquid items in your carry-on.

Eat Smart
It is easy to underestimate how much you will spend on food while you travel, but if you take in to account that your family will eat three meals a day, every day, for an entire week, your food bill can easily reach four digits.

Booking a vacation home with a kitchen will allow you to take charge of how often your family eats out. However, if you prefer not to cook while on vacation, be mindful of the restaurants you choose to take your family to. Restaurants located on main thoroughfares can be more expensive than the diamond in the rough the concierge told you about just a few blocks down.

Go Off the Beaten Path
Experience the culture Aruba has to offer. Attend a free event such as the Bon Boni Festival taking place every Tuesday in Fort Zoutman (www.aruba.com),visit a museum (www.aruba.com/explorearuba/culture/museums.aspx) or even an ostrich farm (www.arubaostrichfarm.com). Explore a world unknown in a cave (www.aruba.com/thingstodo/attractions/caves.aspx) or take a walk on the beach or a dip in the ocean; bonus if you bring your own snorkel gear.

“Aruba Villa Vacation Homes offers guests a wide variety of vacation rentals,” adds Smillie. “Whether you want to be on the beach, in the heart of the city or secluded in your own paradise, we have what you are looking for at a price that is easy on your wallet and close to the activities you want to take in during your stay.”

© 2011 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that the SEO expert, Orange County-based Master Google, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Whether you are visiting for a family reunion, family vacation, golf vacation or a wedding, Aruba Villa Vacation Homes offers unique vacation accommodations for all.

“Our vacation rentals extend from villas on the beach to private sanctuaries in Tierra del Sol,” said Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, which specializes in vacation rentals. “We have more than 40 rental properties available on the island, more than any other rental company, which means we can recommend the perfect location on the island for you based on your preferences and needs.”

What a couple, individual or family would like to do on their seaside vacation dictates where they should stay. There are many villas on the shoreline if vacationers are into water sports or soaking in the sun. Vacationers who prefer independence and privacy can stay in the Tierra del Sol community, just a few feet away from the only 18-hole golf course in Aruba.

“When vacationers are looking to book a villa, we ask them to evaluate what they are looking for as far as privacy, comfort and cost,” said Smillie.

Privacy
In some of our vacation properties, only you and your guests are on the property with access to the pools and hot tub. There are no strangers. Your stay at one of our properties will be more enjoyable than at a large, crowded resort.

Comfort
Our villas are designed as a private home, not a hotel. In our properties, you will find all the luxuries of home with fine bed linens, fully equipped kitchens and multiple lounge chairs just for you. When you choose a vacation villa, additional guests in your party will have the same privacy as you do with individual suits and bathrooms, panoramic views and spacious living areas for time together.

Cost
The cost of renting Aruba villas is far less than the cost of renting the same number of rooms at a hotel in the area. In addition, vacation costs will be lower, as you will be able to cook for your family, which allows you to control where they eat. Lastly, many vacation properties offer luxury amenities such as a gym, restaurant, spa and clubhouse.

Vacations are about relaxation, fun and adventure. Let us at Aruba Villa Vacation homes do the heavy lifting by taking advantage of the services we offer for free to our rental guests:

Unbeatable Services

• Tailor made packages: Our experienced staff will cater to your every need no matter how large or small your requirements are.
• Airport transport: We are available to meet you or arrange for a taxi upon your arrival.
• Car hire: We can recommend you to our preferred partners and they will deliver the car to your villa if you prefer.
• Grocery supplies: Upon request, we will do the grocery shopping for you so that you will have a fully-stocked kitchen to use.
• Tours and activities: If you are not sure what to do while in Aruba, we can recommend excursions that fit your activity level and price.

2011 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company working to debunk common SEO myths, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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