Aruba - 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.

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