Key reasons you should visit the Island fo Aruba!

• Perfect weather. It’s always summer in Aruba. Average daytime temperatures of 82 degrees F and constant cooling trade winds help to keep the humidity low. Aruba has a desert-like climate with less than 20 inches of rain a year.
• Warm, friendly people. Arubans are among the friendliest people in the world.  Also speaking a variety of languages making communication a breeze.
• White sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Aruba boasts more than seven miles of white sandy beaches, some rated among the best in the world by prestigious travel publications. Clear turquoise waters surround the island with gentle lapping waves along the hotel zone on the leeward side of the island.
• Wide variety of accommodations. In Aruba your clients can choose from some of the most well-known hotel brands and high rise resorts, to smaller more laid-back hotels and boutique properties. Some hotels are All-Inclusive properties, while many others are EP and/or offer a variety of meal plan options.
• An abundance of land and water activities. Aruba offers a wide range of both land- and water-based activities for visitors of all ages. Aruba is considered a shopper’s paradise and is home to numerous museums and historical sights and attractions – including Arikok National Park.
• A foodie paradise. The island is known for its gourmet dining with many restaurants serving a wide range of local and international cuisine.

Do you understand why the Dominican Republic has a tourist card?

The Tourist Card is a tax the Dominican Republic charges its visitors. Its legal base rests on the Law 199-67, which establishes the acquisition of such card as a requirement to enter national territory, for tourism  purposes, without the need of a consular Visa.


Law 199-67 establishes that the right to the Tourist Card is automatically lost if the beneficiary engages in lucrative activities while in Dominican territory. Furthermore, the inappropriate use of the Card will be sanctioned by the National Migration Authorities with immediate expulsion of the visitor from the country dispensing with  any formalities. Foreigners wishing to enter the Dominican Republic for business purposes shall apply for a Business Visa, with one or multiple entries, at one of the many diplomatic and consulate offices overseas.



The Tourist Card allows a stay of 30 days in the country, after which, if wishing to stay longer, the Tourist can extend his or her stay paying a fee which will be proportional to the amount of time he or she wishes to remain in the country. If information on the matter is needed, contact the Ministry of Migration.


To obtain a Tourist Card the only requirements are a Valid Passport and the payment of aUS$10.00 or €10.00fee.


The Tourist Card is valid for a year from the date of purchase and is only valid for one person, who will only be able to use it once. The Tourist Card can be acquired at point of sale locations in land, air, or sea ports in the country; it is also available in Dominican embassies and consulate offices overseas and in Tour operating companies. It may also be purchased through the online portal at www.dgii.gov.do.

Who is exempt?

All tourists entering the Dominican Republic should purchase a Tourist Card except countries with which the Dominican Republic has previous agreements.
Tourist exempted from the Tourist Card purchase are:

• Residents, Visa holders and Dominican nationals.
• Foreigners arriving from Argentina, Chile, South Korea, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru and Uruguay.
• Diplomatic and Consular staff with assigned missions in the country, while they remain on duty.
• Passengers using private, noncommercial aviation as long as the aircraft fulfills the following requirements: the trip must be for sport, leisure, executive, tourism and business purposes, and the aircraft must not weigh more than thirty thousand pounds (30,000) and  have  a maximum  capacity of 12 passengers. 
• Haitian nationals having a card that validates their entry and exit of the country the same day. The use of this Card is fully explained under Art. 78 of the Migration Law .It also specifies that this card will only be valid in the Dominican province which borders the residence in Haiti of the holder .If not, a Tourist Card must be bought.

Romantic things to do while visiting Aruba

Looking for a romantic moment or place to take your loved one in Aruba? Or do you want to surprise your loved one with a truly romantic moment in Aruba?  A sunset sail, a private dinner on the beach, a horseback tour on the beach at sunset; the list of possibilities is endless. Call today to book this destination at (603)228-1625 or email: linda@travlbudi.com.  Also ask me about Boardwalk Hotel a small but amazing resort to stay on the island to add to the romance.

1. Sunset drinks at Miralamar

There are plenty of beaches, beach bars, view points and breathtaking coastlines in Aruba to take in the gorgeous sunset, a highly romantic moment during the day and a great start of your evening. Try a hidden gem off the beaten track and take a drive to Aruba’s National Park Arikok. Just past the Park’s main entrance in San Fuego (direction Santa Cruz) drive some 100 meters uphill and you’ll find stairs to Miralamar on your right hand side. Bring a chilled bottle of wine or any other beverage of your choice and have a seat at the bench atop the Miralamar hill, overlooking the ocean and breathtaking hilly countryside. For the ultimate romance, go here around sundown, between 6-7 PM.

2. Massage for two on the water

Aruba offers some of the most romantic settings for an indulgent couples massage on the beach. The ultimate romance can be found during a relaxing morning or afternoon at the Spa Cove, part of Okeanos Spa, located on the private island of the Renaissance Resort. On a pier surrounded by the clear blue Caribbean ocean you’ll enjoy a massage for two in the privacy of a secluded cabana. After your treatment you can explore and enjoy the private beach of Renaissance island, in a just-like-the-movies setting of snow white beaches and parading flamingos. Starting at $290 for a 50-minutes massage for two, including free ferry service for access to the private island.

3. Beach picnic at night

As busy as Aruba’s beaches can get during the day, the more quiet and almost mystical they become in the late evening. To get into the romantic mood, have a stroll on the paved boardwalk alongside the gardens of Palm Beach high-rise hotels and take in the dramatic effect of tall palm trees making a mark on the beach with their dark silhouettes. Continue your journey (preferably by car) towards Eagle Beach, or any of the smaller bays up north, such as Boca Catalina. Bring your beach towels to create a plaid, some chilled drinks and plenty of snacks and have the romantic beach pick nick of a lifetime.

4. After dinner drink at the Lighthouse

When in Aruba, do as the Arubans do and drive up to the California Lighthouse. Especially at night this site attracts romantic couples that park their car at this elevated area to enjoy the magnificent skyline of well-lit Palm Beach high-rise area. Bring some chilled drinks and your favorite music and transform your car into a romantic lounge with excellent views of the most northern tip of the island.

5. Barefoot dining at Sunset

The soft sands of Aruba’s famous beaches make for the most romantic setting to enjoy a sunset dinner under a starlit sky. There are various options to choose from as Aruba offers quite a few beachfront restaurants, both in Eagle Beach and Palm Beach as well as the more remote Savaneta, a small fisherman village on a 30-minute drive from the hotel area. Between downtown Oranjestad and Aruba’s airport you’ll find the ocean front Barefoot Restaurant, offering an excellent menu and wine selection. Make reservations in advance and try to get a table on the water’s edge.

Where to stay?

The romantic Boardwalk Small Hotel Aruba is located just steps from pristine Palm Beach on a historic coco plantation offering lush gardens, private casitas with spacious patios, complete with hammock and BBQ set.


The owners of Boardwalk Small Hotel, fun twin sisters Kimberly and Stephanie are always around to provide additional tips and insights, or can assist in taking your loved one by surprise. A sunset sail, a private dinner on the beach, a horseback tour on the beach at sunset; the list of possibilities is endless.


Complimentary beach towels and blankets, snorkel gear, coolers and folding beach chairs are provided by Boardwalk Hotel. Their Romance Package offers champagne breakfast for two, a sunset sail or beachfront dinner and a double hammock on the private patio, ideal for couples on a romantic holiday.

Ireland - a place of amazing architect, great pubs, local music and amazing scenery

Looking for some place different to travel too?  What about Ireland?  It has amazing architect, history, music, pubs, fields of green, castles and much more!  Call today to book your next trip to Ireland at (603)228-1625 or email: linda@travlbudi.com

Things to do in Aruba

National Park Arikok

The National Park takes up approximately 18 percent of the island, including three primary geological formations, the Aruba lava formation, a quartz diorite formation, and limestone formation that extends inward from the coast. These formations have directly influenced Aruba's human settlement, as well as its natural wonders.


Aruba is home to several species which only live on the island, including two unique species of snake and two bird species. Rock outcroppings also create micro-climatic conditions to support these unique plant and animal species, as well as settlements. These are located within the Arikok National Park almost exclusively. Inside the park are some of the island's oldest Arawak paintings, and has since drawn attention from the government.


The two snake species are the cascabel (Crotalus durissus uni-color), and the santanero (Leptodeira bakeri), called the (Aruban) Baker's cat-eyed snake. The shoco (Athene cunicu-laria arubensis), known as the Aruban burrowing owl, and the prikichi (Aratinga pertinax arubensis), the Aruban parakeet. Another indigenous species, the kododo blauw (Cnemido- phorus arubensus) is the Aruban whiptail lizard.


First designated as an important national area in the 1980s, Arikok National Park is home to popular hiking trails, covering all kinds of terrain from hills to gold mines, and even plantation ruins.
We recommend Eddy Croes as your guide when visiting the park!

Jeep Tours & Jeep Rentals

Discover Aruba on your own terms by renting a Jeep (open or closed-air)! Take along your complimentary cooler, snorkel set and a map with the Islands hidden spots and must see highlights - which we of course gladly provide for you - and head out for your Aruban adventure along Aruba’s North Shore and Arikok National Park! Please note that Aruba’s renowned natural pool can only be reached by 4x4 vehicle. The price for a one-day Jeep rental is approximately $95. Organized Jeep tours are also offered by Red Sail Sports Aruba. They depart at 7:50 am until 1:20pm and cover most popular island highlights. The price for the tour is for Adults USD $85.00 per person, for children (6-12) USD $50 per child.

Horsebackriding

Rancho Notorious is specialized in small, personalized tours with friendly, attentive, multi- lingual guides, with your safety and enjoyment in mind.
They have different tours. They all start through the beautiful 'cunucu' area and wend their way to either The Lighthouse (3,5 hours), the Alto Vista Chapel area (2,5 hours), or the Malmok beach stretch (2,5 hours).

Butterfly Farm

Step into the tropical gardens of the Butterfly Farm in Aruba, teeming with butterflies from around the globe and prepare to meet some of the world's most colorful and unusual creatures. Observe the life cycle of these fascinating animals from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
Tour guides at the Butterfly Farm Aruba will entertain you with commentary on the butterfly habits and the miracle of metamorphosis. The Butterfly Farm in Aruba is open all year from 9 am to 4.30 p.m. The Butterfly Farm is located in the Palm Beach area across the Aruba Phoenix and the Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino on a short 5-minute drive from Boardwalk Small Hotel.