Why Aruba is Still a Safe Place to Go
They do their homework before they leave home and with the tragic and highly-publicized disappearance Natalie Holloway, it’s understandable that some travelers to Aruba are checking statistics and local information to be certain that Aruba is still a safe place to visit.
They find that it certainly is!
The first place to look when traveling anywhere overseas is with the U.S. State Department and they say crime is actually quite low on Aruba, and—unlike some other areas today—there aren’t any extremists, terrorist groups or even organized crime on Aruba.
The State Department also has a Smart Traveler Enrollment Program travelers should check out no matter where their upcoming destination is.
Quintessential tropical islands like Aruba get more than their share of young travelers and single travelers, and with the Internet, there’s been a lot of discussion about travel to the island. Frequent visitors to Aruba relate that the island is still one of the safest and they advise to simply use common sense that would apply to any destination.
The major tourist areas around Orangested and Palm Beach are well frequented night and day and tourists always have an excellent sense of security. Use the same rules you would use at home or traveling in an unfamiliar U.S. city: avoid poorly lit areas and places where you don’t see any other visitors, just as you would at home.
Every place of interest to travelers is a fairly short cab or bus ride away, and both are plentiful on Aruba. So unless someone wants to do some walking, safe transportation is easy to find.
Many travelers don’t live near the ocean and there are a few tips they should know before heading to Aruba. The ocean creates some safety issues most of us seldom face, fortunately, like sharks.
Enjoying the warm water and sandy beaches of Aruba is a great way to unwind, and nearly all beaches are perfect for this. On the east side of the Island however, specifically in the natural bridge area, shark feeding is a popular activity. Go and watch, but stick to the sandy beaches on the other side of Aruba for swimming and playing in the surf.
Aruba Beach
Jelly fish are a mild nuisance visitors to all beaches experience. While at the beach, if you see a great number washed up, walk a bit and find another beach. Their sting isn’t fatal, but it can be painful and put a damper on your day.
Visitors who do need medical attention will find a well-equipped hospital on the island. As part of the Netherlands, many European-trained professionals live and work on Aruba.
As with any tourist area, occasionally a rental car may be stolen. Make sure you know what your insurance situation is if you decide to rent a car on Aruba or when visiting anywhere either in the U.S. or overseas.
Finally, anyone traveling to Aruba with teens should know that the legal drinking age is 18 and it may not be enforced with the same vigor as at home. This might require some appropriate extra supervision from the adults in the group.
With common sense that you apply at home also appropriatly applied to tourist destinations, you can be assured that your stay will be safe and your stay a thoroughly enjoyable one.
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