Landing at Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba puts you at the center of a region, where the whole island, from desert hills to calm turquoise shores, sits within a short drive. Aruba is a dry, sunny Dutch Caribbean island, cooled by steady trade winds that bend the famous divi-divi trees. It lies outside the main hurricane belt, and its mix of Dutch, Latin American, and Caribbean influences shows up in its language, Papiamento, and in its food.

Standout experiences on Aruba: - Claim a spot under the fofoti trees on Eagle Beach - Spend a lively day and evening along Palm Beach and its hotel strip - Explore Arikok National Park, with cave drawings, rugged trails, and the Conchi natural pool - Watch the sunset from the California Lighthouse at the northern tip - Wander the pastel Dutch-style streets of Oranjestad - See the street murals of San Nicolas and swim at shallow Baby Beach nearby - Snorkel the Antilla, a large World War II shipwreck off the west coast - Try keshi yena, cheese stuffed with spiced meat, and a pastechi pastry - Drink a Balashi, the island's own beer, at a beach bar

Aruba is only about 30 kilometers long, so every corner is under an hour by car, and the wild north coast feels a world away from the calm west side. Mangel Halto offers quiet snorkeling among mangroves, and Savaneta, the island's first capital, has a sleepy fishing village feel. Neighboring Curacao and Bonaire are short flights rather than drives. Come in January or February for Carnival, or any time for reliable sunshine on Aruba.