I have read articles about the problems in venezuella. I am concerned about our planned trip to aruba in September. We haven't booked anything yet, so we can still change our minds on where to go this year. Does anyone have any info on what, if any, threat Aruba could be in?

Aruba.....Venezuela? Two different countries and unless you are flying in through Caracas I won't worry.

Though Venezuela is only 18 miles from Aruba, it is a world away politically.<BR>The simple answer to your question is, no, there is nothing to worry about in terms of safety in planning a trip to Aruba, which is one of the Caribbean's safest destinations.

Michelle, I was in Aruba last September for 8days/7nights....had a wonderful time, the island was clean and very safe. We walked around downtown well after midnight and once back to our resort (stayed at the Marriott Ocean Club), walked around the beach area and felt completely safe. Enjoy your trip...<BR>Paula<BR>

Here's a crime/safety story.<BR>My wife and I were riding one of the public buses back from Oranjestad to the Hyatt one evening and she dropped her checkbook on the bus.<BR>A group of 5 local teenage boys on the bus had the driver stop so they could flag us down to return it.<BR>I would never expect that to happen in most American tourist cities.

The only "threat" in Aruba is the mid-afternoon sun - can get very intense.

Hi Michelle. I've been to Aruba and didn't feel unsafe there at all. I travelled with two other girls and we didn't have a problem. Aruba is a beautiful little island with plenty to see and do.

Being in Aruba was the safest I've ever felt away from home. Our tour guide informed us on the jeep tour that there hasn't been a murder on the island in 4 years

go to http://travel.state.gov/aruba.html states there has been a sharp increase in armed robbery but most incidents are drug related. Read the section on crime and be aware that no place is Paradise anymore and that one needs to take normal precautions where ever one travels.