While tourist visitation peaks seasonally on most Caribbean islands, ARUBA RENTALS are in demand throughout the year. That's because this little gem of a happy island with white sand beaches is located just outside the hurricane belt. The climate is always moderate and dry, as compared to the typical steaming tropical island deluged with rainfall.

It is located 15 miles from Venezuela, less than a couple of hours from Miami and 4 hours to New York. Being in the same time zone as the US east coast doesn't make it a part of the Americas. In fact, Aruba is technically part of the Netherlands, which is in Europe. It's a long story, but the short version is that it is one of the four countries that make up the Kingdom of Netherlands.

The culture and lifestyle here is much more European, unlike the melting-pot Spanish, French, American and East-Indian influences found on other Caribbean Islands. No doubt visitors come here to enjoy the sun and the beaches. But the difference is that they don't have to face third-world conditions or sweltering heat here.

The beaches are the main attraction, but scuba diving to explore the coral reefs, marine life and shipwrecks is also a popular activity. There are more than 20 world-renowned dive sites and 8 shipwrecks to explore. This includes the famous Antilla, a German freighter that is the largest shipwreck in the entire Caribbean Sea.

The island also has a whole bunch of natural and man-made attractions for tourists, such as the seven natural bridges, and the Casibari and Ayo rock formations. There is an Ostrich farm and a donkey sanctuary, and a historic gold mill and the Alto Vista Chapel. The Arikok National Park has ancient lava and limestone formations.

As for the accommodations, there is no shortage of beach-front resorts or hotels. But for the authentic island holiday experience, rental properties are the best option. This means a choice selection of private homes and villas, and apartments and condos. The best properties are located in popular areas like downtown Oranjestad, Palm Beach or Eagle Beach.

With so many options and possible locations, finding the right accommodations is quite easy. Just make sure it comes with ocean views, all the required facilities and an affordable price tag. According to official statistics from the Aruba Tourism Authority, around 800,000 international travelers come here each year. Over 60 percent of these visitors are return visitors, lured by the prospect of experiencing the pleasure of ARUBA RENTALS one more time.