Aruba is a lively island with high-rise resorts and posh casinos lining its white-sand beaches. You'll find plenty of things to do, too: sunbathing, world-class windsurfing and waterskiing by day, and discos, cabarets, dinner shows and high-stakes gambling at night. Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in the 17th century. However, it's no longer officially a member of the Netherlands Antilles group. Since 1986, it has been a "separate entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands ." But because of its proximity to Bonaire and Curacao , the other members of the so-called "ABC Islands," many people continue to lump them together. Actually, all three islands have been influenced as much by Venezuela . Aruba is just 24 km (approx. 15 miles) off the coast of Venezuela. It is mostly flat and arid, scattered with fields of cacti and aloe plants.

.+ Oranjestad

.+ Palm Beach