Aruba is great - Dan S.. Date of travel: Nov 2006
My wife and I just visited Aruba for the first time in 6 years. We have seen many changes in the 21 years that we have been traveling there. It is still a wonderful island full of wonderful people. It has gotten very built up since our first visit, but is still very safe and enjoyable. We have no fears walking a mile or more at night to and from the restaurants near the high rises, even along relatively dark roadways. We don't visit the "Big City" when we stay there, although we have ventured there in the past. Lots of great shopping, sites and places to eat and/or drink. They are building a new water park and now have more than one real golf course. There is also a new Shopping Mall being built in the high rise area across from Holliday Inn and Playa Linda. It should open around July of 2007. Their beer, Balashi, is very good, but most restaurants don't have a great selection of beers. I've been brewing beer for 10 years and would like to see a bigger selection, but what they do have is good. I would highly recommend a visit to anyone who loves hot sunny weather. Everyone speaks English and takes American money. Taxi's are the best way to get around, unless you study their signs and road rules.

Aruba - Carla Ortiz. Date of travel: Oct 2005
We went to Aruba few years ago and we loved the island, we were planning on going again this coming year, but NO!!! never again. With the Holloway's family sad situation I will never plan a trip to an island with no criminal justice plan or laboratory to research etc. It is a shame. Until they explain to the world.....until they have an answer for the Holloway Family.

M. Farhadi. Date of travel: Sep 2005
I have been going to Aruba since 1975 and have always enjoyed my stay. I have always had wonderful things to say about the island, friendly people, beautiful weather, safe etc. I cannot help feeling different now though.This case regarding Natalee has definitely made my family realize that Aruba is not the safe island it claims to be. How many parents will feel comfortable letting their daughters go to Carlos and Charles or any place safely on the island again! The people I have spoken to and my family included feel that there has been a cover up since day 1 to protect Joran and his father who knows exactly what happened that night. Its very unfortunate that Aruba has allowed Joran and his father to bring down the island. American tourism has made Aruba popular and the rich island it is today ! Why are they protecting all these guilty parties? Our prayers go out to Natalee's family. I would do the same if it were my daughter. God keep you strong Beth !

Pat Smith. Date of travel: Aug 2005
I have visited all the islands and Mexico. Cannot beat Aruba for friendly, polite, generous people. The weather is perfect all year round. Finally bought a time share in 1999-1st 2 wks in Jan. A perfect time. I do wish this Holloway case would be resolved-my opinon-arrest the father Paul-he knows ALL!! Can't wait to get back. My prayers go out to the Holloway and Twitty family. Tour Operator: Time share

Sandy. Date of travel: Jul 2005
I hope you print this. In the wake of a fellow American's abduction and possibly her death (Natalee Holloway) I have cancelled my family's trip there and encourage others to do so. The family is seeking awnsers and it appears that the island's goverment is trying to cover up whatever they can. From the very begining the investigation has been bungled. The family and all Americans are demanding justice. That it has taken 36 days and no clues as to the whereabouts of Natalee is testament to the poor job being done. The family needs closure and needs to bring their daughter home to America. It seems ludicrous that this has gone on for so long. Anyone last seen in company with Natalee is suspect in her disappearance. How dare they go free. Where was Natalee's freedom? I and many fellow Americans are outraged..........

Susanne. Date of travel: Jun 2005
I've lost count of how many times I've been to Aruba. Everytime I leave, the beauty of the Island haunts my thoughts...that's why I keep going back. You will never get bored of things to do.. so many beautiful landscapes to see. The beaches are some of the best in the world and people are kind and ready to help you if you are in need. Never have I felt out of place...everyone makes you feel like it's your home. I've been staying at The Mill Resort for the past 4 times I've been because of the great service and quaintness of the resort. It's small.. yes.. It's not beach front, but the people, food, entertainment and atmosphere is the best. The Mill is personable. In regards the the Natale Holloway case.. I know first hand that the government is doing their best to find her and who did it. During my stay.. Aruba had 3 F16 jets circle around the island 3 days in a row looking for the girl.. I don't think Aruba could afford to send off those jets just to cover up some story. Not only are the Dutch Marines in Aruba searching but so was the FBI, Eccu Search and just people from the Island. So please.. the person who want's to blame Aruba.. don't say anything unless you know all the facts. In fact.. when the girl was annouced missing.. Aruba stopped everyone from working and went searching for the girl.. the whole island. It's sad that the news dosn't focus on things like this.. but they will focus on negative things and exaggerate. As well.. during my stay the Aruba people all circled around the Holiday Inn Hotel and said prayers for the girl and her family. Lastly.. Aruba is paying for the mother's stay at the Holiday Inn Hotel.. as well her food and other things she needs. Aruba is trying to go out of their way to help. Aruba is a safe island. Aruba shouldn't be punished for one persons doing. Aruba is a beautiful place filled with warm people...I will continue going for years to come.

Norma Boudria. Date of travel: Apr 2005
I've been going to Aruba several times a year for the past 15 years. There isn't a friendlier, safer place to vacation in the world. I travel freqently and have been all over the Carribean, Europe and Asia. The Holloway incident is most unfortunate and sad. I do believe the government is doing the best they can. I think if there were a cover-up going on they would not have that particular suspect in detention. He would have been the first to go, especially since there is at this time no evidence. Anyone canceling a trip to this island paradise I feel is making a big mistake. Good luck wherever you go. I know you won"t be anywhere near as safe.

Jennifer. Date of travel: Mar 2005
I agree with Sandy's comments on July 2005. My family was in Aruba for Spring Break and thought it was great, but after the abduction of Natalee Halloway and the police cover up to help the suspects get away, I will never go back. Also, to make Natalee's mother apologize for her comments about the release of the 2 brothers was deplorable. Stop covering up the actions of your rich citizens and put them in jail where they belong! Help Natalee's parents find her body so they can bring her home to the USA and they can get some closure.

Mike. Date of travel: Feb 2005
Aruba is a great island. Landscape is similar to Joshua Tree national monument- desert & rocky. The wind is constant, which can make your hair do into a hair don't. If you're looking for 'MTV Spring Break' type partying go somewhere else. If you want warm sun, incredible beaches, and the friendliest locals anywhere go to Aruba.

Joanne. Date of travel: Feb 2005
Aruba is the ONLY destination in the Caribbean that has it all. Wonderful people, good weather, fabulous restaurants, the best beaches....We are very sad for Natalie and her family but unfortunately these kind of things happen everyday somewhere around the world. Parents - teach your kids to always stay in groups even if they are 18 and want to hook up with a cute local - make them streetsmart! Based on the response I have seen on the news, the Aruba government and people are doing everything they can to find out what happened to Natale. Had this happened in the US the suspects would have been released in hours not months! I know that this is a heartbreak for the Aruban people. Their culture believes only in good and happiness. An Aruban raised citizen would be incapable of causing harm to another - it is outside of their realm of existence. The boys in question were not raised in Aruba. We will continue to vacation and spend as much time as possible in Aruba - I am sorry this sad incident will prevent others from enjoying the wonderful Aruban people and weather. Did I mention the wonderful Aruban people and great weather!!? Tour Operator: My Travel

Robin. Date of travel: Jan 2005
My husband and I have travelled to quite a few islands in the Caribbean as well as Mexico. Aruba is by far the Best place to vacation. What a wonderful and Happy island. The people are so warm and friendly. I plan on returning as often as able. There is no perfect place in the world right now, but a little descretion goes along way no matter where you are, as well as at home. This island is the Best of the Best. SO much to do or nothing to do, you choose. Here to the people of Aruba!! They make people feel welcome everyday. I will be back!

Davis, Gwen. Date of travel: Aug 2004
Spent 11 wonderful days in Aruba. It is my sixth trip there and the third time tihis year. Travelers should get away from the resort area go to Seroe Colorado to Baby Beach and Cocoa Beach. Easy to park. Quiet and serene. Other tourist attractions is the ostrich farm especially if you are traveling with children. Recommend you rent a car and make your own tour. I love Aruba so much that I bought a vacation home (not a time share). DePalm Island is not worth the money. Needs renovating. Renaissance Island is a bit pricey but beautiful. If you stay at the resort, trips to their private island are free. Sole Mare is a wonderful Italian Restaurant, everything is cooked fresh daily. Aruba is one of the safest of the carribean island but no matter where you travel, you should never leave items in your vehicle that are not secured in the trunk. For some good grilled food, check out King Rib on L Smith Boulevard about a mile from downtown going toward the resort area. Prices are excellent as well. Check Tango Travel for getaways to Caracas and other nearby islands.

Chantelle Meyer. Date of travel: Jul 2004
The only reason I visited Aruba was due to the fact that I worked onboard cruise ships for a number of years. I am now back home and working as a travel agent. I have now come to realise just how lucky I was to have visited Aruba and the other beautiful islands in the area. Unfortunately not many South Africans can afford to go there but I would recommend it to anybody! It is clean, the people are great and it has some of the most beautiful areas I've seen anywhere. I wish I had the money to send my family there so that they could experience it for themselves and see what I'm always talking about! Tour Operator: Princess Cruises

Susan. Date of travel: Feb 2004
Boring, Boring, Boring. When I think of Aruba I think of a vast wasteland. With all of the beautiful islands in the carribean, there is no reason to choose Aruba as your travel destination. I have traveled extensively throughout the carribean and when I traveled there in the mid 90's I left thinking it was a place I would most likely never return to. Even if the travel deals are good, it's not worth your time.

RICK BLACK. Date of travel: May 2002
I feel anyone that claims Aruba is covering something up is jumping to conclusions. How long did Scott Peterson walk around free before he was arrested? How many cases in the usa have been butchered by the police? Aruba has a different justice system than we do. That does’t means their system is wrong. Joran is in jail. In the USA I believe that nobody would have spent anytime in jail for a similar crime based on the amount on evidence to date. And Beth Twitty should have apologized for her slanderous comments. Innocent until proven guilty does apply in this situation like all situations. In the usa she would be looking at a huge lawsuit! Also i can- Not recall a missing person in the USA being searched for by the navy and marines. I feel aruba has gone above their duty so far. It is sad for anyone to be missing. My prayers go out to the Holloway and Twitty families. But to suggest that we, in the great USA, boycott Aruba is irresponsible and hypocritical. I have vacationed in aruba and will continue to do so.