My husband and I and another couple are headed to Aruba in June (all of us are late 30s to late 40s. <BR> <BR>What are some of the "must sees" and "must dos" while in Aruba? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Maureen

Maureen, Aruba is a great island. Remember, it is arid and not lush with vegetation, is it still quite beautiful with dazzling white sand and sparkling water. <BR> <BR>If you are staying in one of the places on Palm Beach, you can walk from hotel to hotel and stop for a swim or a drink whenever you want. Moored along the beach are many catamarans that offer snokel trips and sunset cruises, try each at least once. <BR> <BR>You can rent motor scooters at your hotel (one day advance notice) and take off and explore. The island is 19 miles long and six miles wide, so it isn't big. There is the Casabari rock formations, the lighthouse, the natural bridge on the windward (east) side and the "Hoolburg" or haystack mountain, among other things. <BR> <BR>You can catch a bus right outside your hotel and venture into Oranjestad where you can shop and dine. There is the Alhambra casino, also. The island has many great dining choices and it is quite safe to travel around. On Tuesday evenings, there used to be a local folk festival downtown, so take a look at that, too. <BR> <BR>Have fun.

Maureen: I'm jealous...I was there a year ago, and think it's a terrific place to visit. We did two tours: (1) a catamaran 'snuba diving' (combination of scuba and snorkel) adventure; (2) a jeep tour. After we were acclimated, we rented our own jeep and found more fun spots for snorkeling (Baby Beach, etc.). We went deep sea fishing with one of the private boats found in Oranjestad. Bus service to town from the Palm Beach area is easy; walking at night from hotel to hotel along that beach is safe--there were guards posted along the way. You'll love the climate--there's a steady breeze to keep it perfect. Enjoy!

If I had just one day in Aruba, I'd go back to Baby Beach for snorkelling and swimming. <BR>

Take the jeep tour. It's offered by DePalm Tours, and it's a half day of driving around the island, followed by lunch and snorkelling on their private island. Fabulous way to get a good look at Aruba! The four of you will have a blast! I, too, am jealous!

Dear Shandra <BR> <BR>I am glad that you suggested the tour by DePalm Tours since I just recently booked it. Thanks for helping me to know that I made the right choice.

Definitely take the Kukoo Kunuku Party <BR>Bus Tour! It is a real blast and we <BR>would do it again in a heartbeat! It <BR>is a bar-hopping tour with dinner; free <BR>first drink at each bar you visit (about <BR>3 or 4)then drinks $2. Lots of dancing, <BR>music, and just having a great time! <BR>You travel in a colorfully painted <BR>open-window bus, shake your maracas, <BR>have a sunset champagne toast at the <BR>California Lighthouse, dinner at an <BR>Aruban home, then off visiting different <BR>local bars. For more information and <BR>to book online, go to www.arubaadventures.com <BR>The party bus picks you up at your <BR>hotel around 6PM and ends about midnite <BR>back at your hotel. <BR>JanGail

Here goes a "must not see"..don't bother trying the Atlantis Submarine in Oranjestad. It costs about $100 and is not really worth is since the places they take the sub to have almost no underwater vegetation and corals..just a couple of fish and nothing more. <BR>You can also go to the "Natural Pool" which is a beach on the other side of the Island (the rougher side) which is pretty nice for snorkeling .