Welcome To Laryssia's Birthday Soiree Website
By Plane Is the Best Way to Arrive
(preferably an invisible jet if you can find it)
As of March 6, 2022, flights from Tampa International Airport to Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba started at $544 per person. The best flights were through American Airlines and United starting at $672.
Keep up to date on the requirements needed to enter Aruba here. We are working to keep the site as up to date as possible, however it appears the rules are changing frequently.
As of March 19, 2022, all visitors of Aruba are no longer required to provide a Covid-19 booster vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 test. You do need to complete an ED card prior to boarding your flight to Aruba. Aruba Visitors Insurance is mandatory and is required to complete your ED card process. You can find more information and how to purchase the insurance here.
A negative COVID-19 test one day prior to departure is required for passengers traveling by air to the US. Testing facilities are all over the island and easy to get.
With influences from Amerindians, Spaniards, African slaves, Latin America, Holland and Asian immigrants, Aruban cuisine is both flavorful and diverse. Popular dishes are Pastechi (fried pies), Stobas (stew), Frituras, Sopi de mondongo (mondongo soup), Keshi Yena (the national dish of Aruba), Funchi, Pan Bati, Pisca Hasa, and Bolo Borracho. You can read more about these wonderful dishes here.
Be sure to eat at the Flying Fishbone, where you can dip your toes in the water while you eat, Zeerover for fresh fish and the Dutch Pancake House. You can find other top restaurants in Aruba here.
The Aruba Ariba is the island most popular drink and is often served as a welcome drink. This drink inlcudes one ingredient that can only be found in Aruba -- the Coecoei liquor. Make sure you enjoy one while in Aruba.
If you are a beer drinker, be sure drink an Aruba's Balashi beer. It is brewed right on the island at the Balashi Brewery.
Check out one of the many bars on the island. There are many great bars to visit while in Aruba. Beach Bar Aruba and purebeach both have DJs, pool access and daily happy hour specials. Find out more about the 10 must see beach bars here.
If you are in need of a grocery store, Aruba has many smaller grocery stores plus four large supermarkets to choose from -- Ling & Sons, Super Food, Kong Hing, and Certified Supercenter.
There so many activities to do on this small island. Here is a short list of some of the activities and sights on the island to enjoy.
Ayo and Casibari Formations
California Lighthouse
Eagle Beach
Palm Beach
Flamingo Beach
Swim in a natural pool
Snorkeling
Biking
Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, or Kiteboarding
Horseback riding
Catamaran
UTV/ATV
Donkey Sanctuary
Royal Plaza Mall
A good place to look for excursions is through Viator.
Attention Cigar Smokers: Aruhiba Cigars are the only cigars made on the island of Aruba. Go visit the factory to see how they hand roll Aruhiba cigars. You won't be disappointed. See their Facebook page for more info.
Music & Comedy Lover: The 20th anniversary of the Soul Beach Music Festival is May 25th through May 30th. The line up for this year's festival includes Mike Epps, Mary J. Blige and New Edition. Visit soulbeach.net or their Facebook page for more info.
Cellular Service is available on the island. I recommend checking with your carrier to find out what is included in your plan. Some carriers offer a per day charge for international coverage.
Most hotels and vacation rentals have free wifi meaning you can use WhatsApp and FaceTime to stay in touch. Plus free wifi is available all over the island.
I have T-Mobile with Simple Global. T-Moblie's Simple Global offers unlimited texting and 2G data in Aruba. Phone calls are $.25 per minute.
You can also look into renting a cellphone while in Aruba if you prefer.