When you’re considering a sunny, beachy, paradise destination, you typically won’t look any further than one of the many islands in the Caribbean – at least, most Americans look to the islands south of their shores first. I’ve only visited Puerto Rico up until this point in my travels, and if you’ve read my blog before, chances are that you know what had happened to me when I visited. So, while I’m sure the Caribbean is full of wonderful places, beautiful beaches, and crystal clear waters, I have to remain a bit more caution than I normally would – I would hate to go through a repeat of that situation, as it was one of the worst to ever happen to me. The worst thing, to me, about the Caribbean is that it’s one of the regions of the world with the largest gap in range of wealth – that can justifiably make some people more desperate to make ‘ends meat.’
With that said, I had to put some precautionary research in before choosing my own ‘sunny, be achy, paradise destination’ this winter. Since it’s snowing in Ohio, where the temperature is wavering between the negatives to around 10°F, I’ve been feeling like I’d love a reprieve from all the frozen-hoopla. So, over the last month I’ve research several of the different islands with the aim of finding an island with a safer track record, but with an especially strong and unique culture. I checked out some of the popular holiday companies, offering tours and/or all-inclusive deals, and I rather enjoyed the idea of a Jamaican cruise, or a Punta Cana holiday with Thomas Cook. I settled on several different options, based on safety and culture, but also beauty, and photographic-ability, before deciding that the closer to South America – which I’ve never had the chance to experience so far – would be a really interesting experience.
Without further ado – I chose to make my way out to Aruba! I loved the Netherlands when I visited in 2012. There was something about the culture that was both exquisite, unique, and rather European to me – it simply spoke to me. So, why not give one of their commonwealth states a try? I realize Aruba may have less influence from South American than it does from the Netherlands, but who cares – Aruba is known for being one of the most beautiful paradise islands in the world, so I doubt I will regret it.
To be honest, I haven’t planned much out for it, so if you know of anything specific that I should experience while on the island of Aruba, do let me know below in the comments section. Cheers!
(Photo by Susan Renee via Flickr, edited)
Without further ado – I chose to make my way out to Aruba! I loved the Netherlands when I visited in 2012. There was something about the culture that was both exquisite, unique, and rather European to me – it simply spoke to me. So, why not give one of their commonwealth states a try? I realize Aruba may have less influence from South American than it does from the Netherlands, but who cares – Aruba is known for being one of the most beautiful paradise islands in the world, so I doubt I will regret it.
To be honest, I haven’t planned much out for it, so if you know of anything specific that I should experience while on the island of Aruba, do let me know below in the comments section. Cheers!
(Photo by Susan Renee via Flickr, edited)
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