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The Caribbean just entered its peak season, and it’s now becoming abundantly clear just how popular some of its beachy destinations are.
One, in particular, just broke its all-time tourism record.
Aruba, a country famous for its postcard-worthy beaches and happy-go-lucky atmosphere, is currently seeing an unprecedented number of foreign visitors enter its borders.
Over 1.3 million travelers (mainly from the U.S.) flew to Aruba last year, which marks a 13% increase from 2022, and an 8% increase from the previous record set in 2019.
Considering that we’re currently at a time when many of the world’s most coveted destinations are struggling to even reach their pre-2019 figures, let alone surpass them, Aruba’s newest achievement becomes even more noteworthy.
So, why are so many people rushing to the idyllic shores of this tiny Caribbean nation?
One Of The Caribbean’s Safest Havens
You could write novels describing just how gorgeous some Aruban beaches are; however, since we’re not only comparing the country’s tourism achievements to remote global destinations but also similarly breathtaking Caribbean islands, we’re going to consider that a given.
However, what other destinations of its kind rarely have in common with Aruba is the nation’s incredibly safe atmosphere.
Thanks to its low crime rate, Level 1 Travel Advisory from the U.S. government, and the fact that the island is located outside of the Atlantic hurricane belt, Aruba has earned a well-deserved spot among the region’s safest islands.
This facet of Aruban culture makes the country an especially great destination for solo travelers, who can indulge in the trendy nightlife scene and epic off-the-beaten path views without having to constantly look over their shoulders.
The Ultimate Warm Winter Getaway
While safety is a huge component in what makes a place visit-worthy, at a time when winter is at its most bitter, travelers are also prioritizing warm climates and sunny skies – and what better place to experience just that than Aruba?
Right now, the island is having what beachgoers would describe as the perfect weather, with temperatures that range between 75 to 88°C (24 to 31°C) and steady trade winds that create the ideal setting for every water sport you can think of, be it windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, or something else entirely.
Between that and the many adventures just waiting to be enjoyed this time of year (more on that below), winter is actually the best time for a dreamy trip to Aruba, so book those plane tickets while you’re still in time!
There’s A Lot To Explore
Don’t let the island’s small size fool you – there’s so much to do and see within its 180 km² (69.5 mi²), that you’ll struggle to decide just what to experience first.
Since visiting the local world-renowned beaches like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach is probably why you’re flying to Aruba in the first place, I won’t spend too much time raving about their natural allure (which is sure to surpass even your wildest expectations).
After a good sunbathing session, you can always marvel at the rugged beauty of the Arikok National Park, explore the ancient Arawak petroglyphs, or admire the pastel-hued Dutch architecture of Oranjestad.
This February, you can even experience the colorful Aruba carnival, complete with parades, music, costumes, and everything you’d expect from an event like this, making it the perfect opportunity to mingle with locals, take in the Aruban culture in its truest form, and who knows – you might even make some lifelong connections.
Exploring The Allure Of The Caribbean Passport-Free
Come March 2024, you’ll be able to experience everything I’ve just mentioned and more completely passport-free.
Aruban officials have long been trying to introduce a digital passport program in an effort to make travelers’ lives easier, and it seems like their efforts are finally paying off.
The new Aruba Happy One Pass will provide you with the convenience of storing all of the necessary travel data on your phone, and upon arriving on the island, a routine biometric check will be the only thing you’ll need to do before you set off to your adventures.
Travelers are advised to still bring along their passports for the return journey, but no more fumbling around for your passport as you sprint to be the first in line at customs!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com