(18 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Christine Holland

Reisterstown, MD
Jamaica Travel Agent Specialist

As a dedicated Jamaica Travel Specialist, I provide personalized travel planning that ensures every detail aligns with your preferences.With in-depth knowledge of Jamaica’s top destinations, hidden gems, resorts, local experiences, and the best ti...
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Aruba Travel Agent Professional

Aruba, a stunning island in the southern Caribbean Sea, is renowned for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and year-round sunny weather. As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba offers a unique blend of Dutch heritage and Caribbean charm, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.Geography and ClimateGeography Aruba is a small island, roughly 180 square kilometers (69 square miles) in size, located about 29 kilometers (18 miles) north of Venezuela. Its landscape is characterized by:Beaches: Known for their white sand and turquoise waters.Desert Interior: Featuring cacti, divi-divi trees, and rugged terrain.Natural Attractions: Including limestone caves, rock formations, and Arikok National Park.Climate Aruba has a tropical climate with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F) year-round. The island is outside the hurricane belt, making it a safe destination during the hurricane season. The dry season runs from January to September, while the wet season is from October to December.Attractions and ActivitiesBeaches Aruba’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the Caribbean:Eagle Beach: Known for its wide stretch of soft sand and iconic divi-divi trees, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.Palm Beach: A lively area lined with high-rise hotels, restaurants, and water sports facilities.Baby Beach: A shallow, calm lagoon ideal for families and snorkeling beginners.Arashi Beach: Popular for snorkeling and its tranquil environment.Water Activities The island’s clear, warm waters are ideal for various water activities:Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Explore coral reefs and shipwrecks like the SS Antilla.Windsurfing and Kiteboarding: Constant trade winds make Aruba a top destination for these sports.Sailing and Catamaran Cruises: Enjoy sunset cruises, private charters, and sailing tours.Arikok National Park This park covers nearly 20% of the island and features:Hiking Trails: Explore rugged terrain, unique flora and fauna, and historical sites.Caves: Visit the Fontein and Quadirikiri Caves, known for their ancient Arawak petroglyphs.Natural Pool (Conchi): A secluded natural pool accessible via a challenging hike or off-road vehicle.Cultural and Historical Sites Aruba offers several cultural and historical attractions:Alto Vista Chapel: The island’s first Catholic chapel with stunning coastal views.California Lighthouse: Provides panoramic views of the island.Bushiribana and Balashi: Ruins of 19th-century gold smelters.Oranjestad: The capital city, known for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture, shopping, and museums like the National Archaeological Museum.Culture and Cuisine Culture Aruba’s culture is a mix of Dutch, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. The island’s official languages are Papiamento and Dutch, but English and Spanish are widely spoken.Festivals Carnival: A vibrant, month-long celebration with parades, music, and elaborate costumes.Bon Bini Festival: A weekly event in Oranjestad showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts.Cuisine Aruban cuisine blends Caribbean, Latin American, and Dutch flavors:Keshi Yena: A traditional dish of stuffed cheese with spiced meat.Funchi: A cornmeal-based side dish similar to polenta.Seafood: Fresh catches like grouper, snapper, and shrimp.Dutch Treats: Enjoy snacks such as bitterballen (fried meatballs) and stroopwafels (syrup waffles).Accommodation and Nightlife Accommodation Aruba offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts in Palm Beach and Eagle Beach to budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals.Nightlife Aruba’s nightlife includes casual beach bars, sophisticated clubs, and casinos:Gusto Night Club: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and DJ sets.Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill: A lively pier bar perfect for sunset cocktails.Casinos: Many resorts have casinos with gaming, live entertainment, and dining.Practical Information Getting There Aruba is served by Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), which offers direct flights from various international destinations. Transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and public buses.Getting Around Renting a car is recommended for exploring the island, though taxis and buses are also available.Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Aruba is during the dry season, from January to September, when the weather is most favorable.Conclusion Aruba is a Caribbean paradise offering a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. With its stunning beaches, clear waters, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Aruba is an ideal destination for travelers seeking tranquility and excitement. Whether lounging on the beach, exploring natural wonders, or immersing yourself in local culture, Aruba promises an unforgettable vacation experience.    

My Travel Albums

Aruba

My Travel Stories

Aruba Natural Bridge

My vacation in Aruba was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The island's stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters set the stage for an idyllic getaway. I spent my days lounging on Eagle Beach, frequently ranked among the world's best beaches. Exploring beyond the beaches,...Read more.

My Reviews

2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Best trips ever!
She’s the best! We’ve booked numerous vacations with Christine over the years; cruises to Alaska & Canada, all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and have never been disappointed! She’s very thorough and asks all the right questions to ensure you get the best trip ever!
By  Myra  from  Ellicott City, MD
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Awesomeness
I have never been disappointed by the plans Christine has made for me. She strives to meet and exceed expectations of her clients
By  Robyn   from  Pikesville Maryland
Traveled to  Bahamas ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wonderful Cancun Getaway
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Christine Holland in planning my trip to Cancun. From start to finish, every detail was meticulously arranged, making for an unforgettable experience.
By  Shirl  from  Baltimore, Md
Traveled to  Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My Perfect Wedding
Christine is helpful, personable, and friendly. My wedding would not have been planned so seamlessly without her! She also helped to teach me a lot about travel agents along the way?? Thank you so much Christine!
By  Mrs. Moore  from  Baltimore, MD
Traveled to  Tulum ~ Mexico ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Christine Holland responded:
Thank you so much Sybil. It was a pleasure helping to make your destination wedding memorable and successful. I look forward in helping you with your future travels.

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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The best trip of our lives!
Christine was great at planning our honeymoon. She made our honeymoon cruise to the Bahamas memorable...we even had a special gift in our cabin. We really enjoyed ourselves. We would definitely recommend Christine Holland to our family and friends.
By  Beth  from  Louisville, Kentucky
Traveled to  Bahamas ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Aruba
  • Eagle Beach
  • Oranjestad
  • Palm Beach
  • Caribbean

Travel Specialist:

  • Casinos & Gambling
  • All Inclusive
  • Couples & Romance
  • Beach Vacations
  • Honeymoons

Top Travel Partners:

  • Bahia Prinicipe
  • Sandals and Beaches Resorts
  • Hilton Hotels
  • Riu Hotels
  • Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTC
  • Outrigger Expert Advisor
  • Exploring Disney World Resorts
  • TI Las Vegas Specialist
  • Seaworld Park Specialist
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