aruba senior trip

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Tips for Senior Travelers in Aruba

Aruba's a great place for wise and seasoned travelers. In fact, a hefty portion of the island's guests, especially during the high season, are people over 50. If you're looking for a quiet environment with a more mature clientele, think about renting a unit in a timeshare. Most large hotels have plenty of seniors, too. If you're revolted by the idea of being segregated from the youngsters, fear not: No resort, hotel, or timeshare caters to one type of person only. Most feature a nice mix of families and couples of all ages.

Mention your age when you begin planning your trip; many hotels and most cruise lines offer senior discounts. And don't hesitate to ask for discounts after you're on the island. Just be sure to have some kind of ID, such as a driver's license, especially if no one believes you're a day over 45.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Aruba Downtown Historic and Cultural Walking Tour

Discover the streets & stories of Oranjestad with you own personal Local Expert Aruba Walking Tours offers the islands' local scoop during a 2.5-hour journey... Read More

Aruba Happy Hour Tour

Come and celebrate with us! Aruba's happiest hours are from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Your colorful Kukoo bus will pick you up at your hotel... Read More

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Aruba vs other Caribbean destinations for senior citizens - Aruba Forum

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Aruba vs other Caribbean destinations for senior citizens

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I am interested in planning a trip for my parents, who are in their 70s.

My dad loves lounging on the beach or by the pool in the sun and is content to do just that. My mom, however, will need something more in the way of activities (shopping, casinos, culture, etc.) - she also LOVES birds and birdwatching. They can do very light hiking.

I think that unless it is an extremely low-key environment, they would both strongly prefer not to have to drive during their vacation because driving in a different country is a source of stress.

I am interested in looking at both all-inclusive and regular hotel type situations. They are both healthy and spry and do not need special accommodations due to their age, but it needs to be low stress and appropriate for their needs.

Forgot to mention the Ritz. The Ritz and Marriott properties are a very long walk from the center of Palm Beach. Radisson and Hyatt are in a better location, IMO. I prefer Radisson because the beach is a bit better. The hotel has full balconies while the Hyatt has stand up balconies. You can reserve a palapa (thatched hut) the prior afternoon. To reserve a hut at the Hyatt involves a fee. Both have nice pool The Radisson is less expensive. Both have beautiful landscaping. The edge goes to Hyatt as does the Hyatt lobby.

Eagle Beach is the better beach, but Palm Beach is very nice as well. Bucuti Beach Hotel is adult only. Fantastic beach and a short taxi ride from Palm Beach. Buses also run from one area to another as well as to downtown.

So, quiet = Eagle Beach. Shopping/activities = Palm Beach .Aruba is very small (19 X 6) so nothing is very far away. US Dollar accepted everywhere, including taxi and buses. English is widely spoken.

I recommend that you start your search with Radisson and Bucut. You don't want to become overwhelmed with information. Expand your search as you become more comfortable.

They might do better staying closer to home.

Aruba has it all. I would just worry

When we took my parents, we stayed at the Tamarijn (all-inclusive). The Alhambra Casino is an easy walk and the beach is magnificent, although reports about the food have been kind of "meh" lately and the pool scene is nothing to write home about.

Good luck and happy planning.

I was thinking the Amsterdam Manor as well. For your Dad there is a beautiful beach and nice pool. The pool is nothing fancy but more than adequate. The resort does off an all inclusive package which we found to be excellent. Under "Top Questions About Aruba" see "All Inclusive vs. Non All Inclusive". There are diverse opinions here on the forum regarding all inclusive and Aruba. ;)

For your Mom there is a casino within walking distance next door to the Amsterdam Manor. The resort is also on the bus route. The public bus is perfectly safe for your Mom to travel solo to Palm Beach or Oranjestad for shopping. She can also take a 3/4 bus ride to the Mill Resort and then walk the 1/4 mile to the tower inside the Bubali bird sanctuary.

If you like quiet during the day and evening, then the Bucuti might be a prime choice. But, you had better contact them well ahead of time as they fill up fast. I had to contact the resort rep. because the web site indicated that they were full. But when I spoke to the rep. (she is in South Dakato, I think) she was able to get us a room of our choice.

The high rise beaches are nice, particularly at the Radisson and Hyatt. But, it is busier. Contrary to what someone earlier stated you do not have to rent a palapa at the Hyatt; but you have to get up early (6:00-6:30 a.m.) to get in line to get one free in a good location. Or you can rent one if you want to. At the Radisson you can get in line the day before and starting at 4 p.m. they issue palapa's for the next day. The line usually isn't too long - maybe 10-15 min. wait.

If you would like to have breakfast and/or lunch included you should contact MCM Tours ( http://aruba4u.com ) as they can offer these as part of a package that the resort does not offer. Or you can get a good price without the meals from them. Even though they offer packages with air included, you can reserve your own air and they can offer you a "land only" package at a good price.

And all the resorts that I have mentioned have very nice pools as well.

You mentioned that your parents are in their 70's. So am I and my wife is right behind me. We like to get out in the evenings to the different restaurants and malls, so we will probably be going back to the hi rise this Aug. - most likely the Hyatt again. We also like to use the gym in the morning and/or take walks on the beach before breakfast and after lunch. Since there is a boardwalk from the Holiday Inn to the Westin it is an easy walk up and down the beach if you don't want to walk in the sand. The distance is about 3/4 mile from one end to the other. And the Hyatt is about mid way, with the Radisson closer to the Westin.

MUCH more can be said, but I am hoping this will help you. If you need to get more info you can PM me and I'll be happy to offer my opinions - which I think are fairly unbiased.

Good luck with your choices. Aruba should be a great place for your parents to visit. And you are great in planning this for them.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Natalee Holloway's disappearance: A timeline

Natalee Holloway vanished on a high school graduation trip to Aruba in 2005.

Nearly 20 years after Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway vanished on the last day of her high school graduation trip to Aruba, the main suspect in her disappearance, Joran van der Sloot, provided details of her death.

Here is a timeline of the case:

On May 30, 2005, Holloway spent the night out at the Carlos’n Charlie’s club in Oranjestad, Aruba.

The last time the 18-year-old was ever seen, she was driving off in a gray Honda with a group of local young men, including van der Sloot, then 17.

Van der Sloot's story changed over the years. The first time he spoke out, he told Holloway's mother that he had returned the teen to her hotel, but surveillance footage showed she never came back to that Holiday Inn.

MORE: Joran van der Sloot, suspect in Natalee Holloway disappearance, will likely be extradited Tuesday: Sources

In June 2005, van der Sloot and two brothers, Deepak and Satish Kalpoe, were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and murder.

By September 2005, all three were released without charges.

February 2006:

By 2006, van der Sloot, a Dutch citizen, was in the Netherlands for school. In February 2006, he flew to New York for an interview with ABC News, during which he said he left Natalee Holloway on the beach that night and went home.

"The last time I saw her, she was sitting on the sand by the ocean," he said, denying that he had harmed or killed her.

November 2007:

Van der Sloot and the Kalpoe brothers were arrested again in November 2007.

By December 2007, all three were released without charges.

February 2008:

In 2008, Aruban officials reopened the case against van der Sloot after a tape was released showing him describing Holloway’s death, filmed via hidden camera by Dutch crime reporter Peter de Vries. Aruban officials, however, were unable to corroborate van der Sloot's statements.

MORE: Natalee Holloway suspect beaten in Peruvian prison: Lawyer

March 2010:

In March 2010, Van der Sloot allegedly demanded money -- $250,00 with $25,000 paid upfront -- from Holloway's mother, Beth Holloway, in exchange for him providing her with the location of her daughter's remains.

During a recorded sting operation, Beth Holloway's attorney, John Q. Kelly, met with van der Sloot at an Aruba hotel, giving him $10,000 in cash as Beth Holloway wired $15,000 to van der Sloot's bank account, according to prosecutors.

Then, van der Sloot allegedly changed his story about the night he had been with Natalee Holloway, prosecutors said. Van der Sloot claimed he had picked her up but that she had demanded to be put down, so he threw her to the ground. He said the teen's head hit a rock and she was killed instantly by the impact, according to prosecutors.

Van der Sloot then allegedly took Kelly to a house and claimed that his father, who had since died, buried Natalee Holloway's body in the building's foundation, prosecutors said.

Kelly later emailed van der Sloot, saying the information he had provided was "worthless," according to prosecutors.

Within days, van der Sloot left Aruba for Peru.

On May 30, 2010, five years to the day after Holloway disappeared, van der Sloot killed Stephany Flores, a 21-year-old college student, in Lima, Peru. Flores was found beaten to death in van der Sloot's hotel room.

He then fled across the border to Chile.

In June 2010, van der Sloot was arrested in Chile and sent to Peru to face charges for Flores’ murder.

That month, van der Sloot was also indicted in the U.S. on federal charges of wire fraud and extortion in connection with the alleged March 2010 meeting in Aruba with Beth Holloway's attorney.

January 2012:

On Jan. 12, 2012, an Alabama judge declared Holloway legally dead.

Meanwhile, van der Sloot pleaded guilty to Flores' murder, and on Jan. 13, 2012, he was sentenced to 28 years in prison in Peru.

"From the first moment, I wanted to confess sincerely," van der Sloot said in court about Flores' murder. "I truly am sorry for this act."

In May 2023, plans for van der Sloot's extradition from Peru to the U.S. were announced.

Beth Holloway said in a statement in May, "I was blessed to have had Natalee in my life for 18 years, and as of this month, I have been without her for exactly 18 years."

"She would be 36 years old now," Beth Holloway said. "It has been a very long and painful journey, but the persistence of many is going to pay off. Together, we are finally getting justice for Natalee."

On June 8, 2023, van der Sloot was extradited to the U.S., landing at an airport in Birmingham, Alabama.

October 2023:

On Oct. 18, 2023, van der Sloot pleaded guilty to the federal extortion charges and was sentenced to 20 years in prison to run concurrently with the Peruvian sentence. As a part of the plea deal, he agreed to provide information about Natalee Holloway's death.

Van der Sloot said Natalee Holloway had wanted to go back to her hotel that night, but he arranged for the two to get dropped off "a little bit further away from her hotel so we could walk back ... and I might still get a chance to be with her," van der Sloot said in the meeting with prosecutors.

As the two walked alone on the beach, van der Sloot said he "laid her down" and they began kissing, and then Holloway told him to stop.

But he said he kept pursuing her, and Natalee Holloway "knees me in the crotch," van der Sloot said, according to the transcript.

"When she knees me in the crotch I get up on the beach and I kick her extremely hard in the face," he continued. He said she was "laying down unconscious, possibly even dead," according to the transcript.

Van der Sloot told prosecutors he found a cinderblock on the beach and "smashed" her head with it.

He said he walked into the ocean up to his knees and pushed Natalee Holloway's body into the water.

The judge accepted the plea agreement and said van der Sloot brutally murdered two young women who refused his sexual advances, but that his confession in the Natalee Holloway case cannot be used against him.

Van der Sloot apologized in court to the Holloway family and his own family, and said he hopes "the statement that I provided will provide some kind of closure."

"I am not the same kind of person today as I was then, I have given my heart to Jesus Christ," he said.

After court ended, Beth Holloway told reporters, "I got the answer I’ve been searching for for the last 18 years. ... For me, reaching the end of the nightmare is better than closure."

ABC News' Jeca Taudte contributed to this report.

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The 12 Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts for Seniors

Couples Swept Away

All-inclusive resorts originated in the Caribbean in the 1970s, and there are now a variety of options across the region for travelers today. For traveling seniors, all-inclusive resorts can be a wonderful combination of luxury, serenity, and accessibility. As an added plus, vacationing at an all-inclusive resort can make it easier to stick to an established budget. Luxury all-inclusive resorts can take the stress out of travel, and hotel amenities and services can make it easier to explore your surrounding environs. Read on for the top 12 resorts for an all-inclusive Caribbean senior vacation.

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

Carlisle Bay

The luxurious Carlisle Bay resort offers a luxurious, all-inclusive experience along the gorgeous Caribbean Sea in Antigua. The 87-room resort offers both family and adult-only offerings for seniors looking to vacation with friends, solo, or with members of their extended family. This is a solid offering for seniors, as the amenities are unparalleled, with wonderful tennis courts, spas, fitness centers, and yoga pavilions. Additionally, the dining is extensive, with four restaurants and three bars. Located in Antigua's Saint Mary Parish, Carlisle Bay's all-inclusive packages cost roughly $700 per night.

Sailrock, South Caicos

Sailrock Resort

If you're looking for a dream destination in the tropics, look no further than Sailrock in South Caicos. Unlike the more popular island of Providenciales, South Caicos is more remote and secluded—perfect for the senior traveler looking to get away from it all. The resort offers all-inclusive meal options, and visitors can travel via golf cart across the extensive property. Seaside villas often include luxurious swimming pools, and guests shouldn't be surprised to find a wild donkey or two strolling across the property at night. The All-Inclusive, All-Luxury package runs for about $439 per night.

Sugar Beach Viceroy, St. Lucia

Sugar Beach Viceroy

Sugar Beach Viceroy was voted one of the 9 best luxury all-inclusive resorts by TripSavvy in 2020, awarded for having the Best View . Sugar Beach boasts one of the absolute best locations on the island, set between the Pitons and boasting two white-sand beaches. The resort is perfect for seniors, as well, as each cottage and villa comes equipped with 24-hour room service and butlers to attend to your every need. Check out the elegant dining options, tennis courts, and tree-house spa while visiting. There is currently a 30% offer on the all-inclusive offer at Sugar Beach Viceroy, and villas are roughly $1,300 per night, though pricing varies based on accommodations. Another option in Soufriere, Saint Lucia, is Ladera resort, which also features all-inclusive options.

Mount Cinnamon, Grenada

Mount Cinnamon

We're headed to Grenada for our next option, the luxury all-inclusive Mount Cinnamon Resort . The resort features gorgeous views of the island, and elegant dining options overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, the property features a beach bar, water sports, and lawn games. The tranquil environment is the perfect getaway, while the all-inclusive options provide convenience for senior travelers. Located on Grand Anse Beach in St. George parish, and rooms begin roughly in the $400 range (though the cost is higher during the holidays, and drops to about $300 in the off-season).

Cobbler's Cove, Barbados

Check into The Pink Lady, also known as Cobbler's Cove , located in Barbados. Barbados is famous for its charm and hospitality, and Cobbler's Cove does not disappoint. Voted the Best Caribbean All-Inclusive by TripSavvy, Cobbler's Cove is famous for its private beach and lush gardens. Plus, the chic interior makes visitors feel they're arriving at a particularly accommodating mansion rather than an impersonal resort. Located in Speightstown, in the parish of St. Peter, room rates are about $900, though they increase to $1,100 during the winter holidays and drop to roughly $500 during the off-season.

Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas

Some all-inclusive resorts cater to families with children and focus on activities appropriate for an age mix of participants; others attract boisterous singles and younger couples looking for a party vacation with plenty of alcohol. To avoid those types of distractions, look for an adults-only property with the types of amenities and activities that most appeal to you. The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas offers the best of both worlds, with adults-only areas plus kid-friendly zones as well. Overlooking Great Bay, room rates begin at $980 during peak season, though price fluctuates based on the date of travel and type of accommodation.

Divi & Tamarijn, Aruba

Get two for the price of one when you check into Divi and its sister resort, Tamarijn, on the "One Happy Island" of Aruba. The resorts are perfect for the senior luxury traveler interested in cultural excursions, as the colorful downtown charm of Oranjestad is located minutes away. Rental cars aren't necessary as complimentary shuttles link both resorts, including transport to The Links, a 9-hole golf course overlooking the ocean. Plus, the Tamarijn has recently reopened after a five-million-dollar renovation, and there are currently savings of 50 perfect on all-inclusive rates. Through March 31st, travelers to Divi can receive up to 45% off resort packages, and rooms begin at roughly $470 per night for both resorts (Divi and Tamarijn).

Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island, Bahamas

Head to Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan, an all-inclusive  on Grand Bahama Island which boasts spacious rooms with gorgeous balconies, as well as unlimited golfing on the Reef Course. There are regular events for visitors, including beach barbecues. Another option is the Hotel Riu Palace , an  all-inclusive resort  that is located on the Bahamian island of New Providence, near downtown Nassau. Though there are enough activities, you may never feel the need to leave the resort.

Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Excellence Punta Cana

While some islands, such as Martinique, do not feature all-inclusive resorts, others, such as the Dominican Republic, have a variety of such resort offerings. The Excellence Punta Cana was ranked one of the 9 best all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic in 2020 by TripSavvy and was particularly noted for having the best beachfront . The adults-only resort along the northeast coast offers expansive beaches and sheltered dunes for privacy, with tropical forests extending from the coastline with a half-mile density in either direction. Additionally, the variety of cuisine and spa treatments will satisfy the indulgences of luxury-seeking senior travelers. Plus, the resort abides by the Punta Cana Promise , established to ensure maximal safety for vacationers in Punta Cana. Guests have the option of booking vacation packages that feature both flight and hotel costs, and the price for a room begins at about $1,1400 during the peak winter months. Another option in the Dominican Republic includes the Casa de Campo. The course at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic earns accolades as the Caribbean's best.

Fort Young Hotel, Dominica

Fort Young Hotel

Our next selection is perfect for senior travelers looking to explore a new part of the Caribbean without sacrificing luxury. Dominica's Fort Young Hotel offers an all-inclusive package and boasts waterside views that will remind travelers of the Amalfi coast (particularly the umbrella-lined pool overlooking the sea). The resort features various adventure and activity packages for travelers interested in exploring the Caribbean's "Nature Island." Life at the resort also includes weekly cocktail hours and gorgeous seaside dining. Plus, the hotel will also schedule activities and coordinate travel to said activities for its visitors who may be reluctant to brave the island's winding, vertiginous roads. Located in the capital of Roseau, Oceanfront room prices average at about $315 per night during the high season of the winter months.

Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica

Couples Tower Isle

The Couples Tower Isle in Jamaica has a wonderful, laid-back vibe for senior travelers looking for a peaceful vacation. The flagship property of all the Couples Resorts in Jamaica, the Couples Tower Isle has various health and wellness options, including tennis and aquatic fitness classes. The spa and Veggie Bar also establishes this destination as a wellness oasis. Located in Ocho Rios, the room price can vary at about $1,900 based on travel dates during the high season. Other options in Jamaica include the  Couples Swept Away  Resort, which attracts tennis lovers, and the Breezes Grand in Negril, Jamaica, which provides an array of fine-dining options.

Lions Dive Beach Resort, Curacao

Lions Dive Beach Resort

Our next selection, in Curacao, is perfect for the senior traveler looking for an active vacation. Lions Dive Beach Resort is perfect for visitors looking to get their scuba certificate and is perfect for senior travelers up for an adventure. The resort coordinates your lessons and certification, and you will be studying Dive SSI training. Additionally, the resort's array of beach bars and restaurants are divine. Located in Willemstad, rooms begin at about $230 per night, though the price varies by the size of your accommodation.

For more information about all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, read our article . For more information, read our story on the 9 best all-inclusive resorts in 2020.

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Natalee holloway vanished in aruba on this day 17 years ago.

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Today marks 17 years since Mountain Brook High School graduate Natalee Holloway disappeared during a senior trip to Aruba in 2005. Learn more in the video above.

The 18-year-old Holloway was last seen at a club the night before her group was scheduled to return home to Alabama. She never showed up for her flight home on May 30, 2005, prompting a massive, intensive search that quickly became international news.

Hundreds of volunteers, special agents with the FBI and Dutch military members assisted Aruban investigators in the search operation. Holloway was never found and she was declared legally dead in 2012. This year she would have celebrated her 36th birthday.

A former suspect in the case, Joran van der Sloot , is currently serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of Stephany Flores in Peru. At the end of his prison sentence in 2038, Van der Sloot will be extradited to the United States to face extortion and wire fraud charges in connection with the Holloway case.

Holloway's mother, Beth, went on to become an advocate for personal safety and founded a non-profit organization designed "to inform and educate the public to help them travel more safely as they travel internationally."

In 2018, Holloway's mother filed a lawsuit over a TV series about her daughter's disappearance.

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Aruba Seniors Excursions

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10 Aruba Seniors Excursions

• First-class Aruba all-inclusive resort day pass - all you can eat and all you want to drink!
• Access to all resort facilities including beach chairs, shaded palapas (Subject to availability), a natural swimming pool, and many other options!
• Sports and leisure activities are available at the resort!
• Kids Club for children from 4 to 12 years old!
• Towels included!
• 100% Deposit Back Guarantee for cancellations at any time and for any reason (weather, mood, etc.)!
• Free-form pool with 2 whirlpools.

• Pick up and drop off by parasailing boat!
• English-speaking and certified parasailing guide and crew!
• All necessary safety equipment is included!
• Enjoy a solo or tandem parasailing flight! 
• Great add-on activity to your Aruba Barcelo All Inclusive Day Pass Excursion!

• Private round-trip transportation from your Aruba cruise ship terminal!.
• Private air-conditioned fully licensed and insured transportation!
• Private English-speaking certified guide!
• Unique stops, best of Aruba Island highlights - California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, Natural Bridge, Casibari Rock!
• Private, 4 hours Aruba sightseeing cruise excursion. Flexible itinerary and personalized service!

• Round-trip private transportation from your Aruba cruise ship terminal!
• Open-Air fully licensed and insured transportation!
• English-speaking certified private shore excursion guide!
• All entrance fees are included!
• Unique stops, best Aruba Island highlights - Aloe Field and Factory, Casibari Rock, Sta. Philomena Church, Natural Bridge, and more!
• Stop by the Aloe field and factory!
• Beach break at Eagle Beach!

• Private round-trip transportation from your Aruba cruise terminal!
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured private transportation!
• Bottled water!
• Off the Beaten Path stops, the best Aruba Island highlights - Lourdes Grotto, Santa Theresita Church, San Nicolas Community Museum, and the authentic Charlie's Bar!
• Choice of beach time at either Rodgers or Baby Beach!
• Private 6-hour Aruba shore excursion with an option to change itinerary and time spent at each venue!

• Round-trip transportation from your Aruba cruise terminal!
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
• English-speaking certified shore excursion guide!
• Cold bottled water!
• Several stops and shopping opportunities!
• Stops include Aloe Vera Factory, Casibari Rock Formation, Natural Bridge, Alto Vista Chapel, California Light House, and more!

• Enjoy a solo or double jet ski ride!
• English-speaking certified guides!
• All jet ski instructions and safety equipment are provided!
• Great add-on activity to your Aruba Barcelo All Inclusive Day Pass!

• English-speaking certified shore excursion guides!
• All entrance fees are included! 
• Snorkeling gear is included!
• Cold bottled water! 
• See the most famous highlights of Aruba on this shore excursion!

• Round trip sailing excursion on 41ft trimaran from the meeting point!
• English-speaking captain and crew!
• Brunch, mimosas, cocktails, and open bar!
• Snorkeling at The Antilla Ship Wreck and Catalina Bay!
• All snorkel equipment including mask, sterilized snorkel tube/mouthpiece, fins, and flotation vest!

• Enjoy sailing on a catamaran!
• English-speaking certified captain and crew!
• Guided snorkeling at two of the best sites on the island!
• The snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, a silicone mask, and a vest!
• Includes open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) and snacks!
• Great for all ages!

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18 years after she disappeared, Natalee Holloway's family finally has answers

Melanie Peeples

Beth Holloway speaks to media after the appearance of Joran van der Sloot outside a federal courthouse in Birmingham, Ala. on Oct. 18, 2023. Van der Sloot, the chief suspect in Natalee Holloway's 2005 disappearance in Aruba admitted he killed her and disposed of her remains, and pleaded guilty that he tried to extort money from the teen's mother. Butch Dill/AP hide caption

Beth Holloway speaks to media after the appearance of Joran van der Sloot outside a federal courthouse in Birmingham, Ala. on Oct. 18, 2023. Van der Sloot, the chief suspect in Natalee Holloway's 2005 disappearance in Aruba admitted he killed her and disposed of her remains, and pleaded guilty that he tried to extort money from the teen's mother.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — It's been a long time coming, but Beth Holloway finally knows what happened to her daughter Natalee in Aruba, back in 2005.

Joran van der Sloot, the now 36-year-old man long believed to be responsible for Natalee Holloway's death pleaded guilty Wednesday in a Birmingham federal courtroom to wire fraud and extortion charges. As part of the plea deal, van der Sloot agreed to tell Beth Holloway how her daughter died and where her body was stashed.

Natalee went missing on a high school graduation trip to the Dutch Caribbean island. Van der Sloot was the last person to be seen with the 18-year-old. Though he was a suspect from the beginning, Aruba authorities never managed to build a case.

In the United States, however, federal prosecutors in Alabama had charged van der Sloot with extortion and wire fraud in 2010 , while he was already in prison in Peru for a killing a college student, Stephany Flores, in his hotel room in Lima.

The Two-Way

Suspect in natalee holloway case pleads guilty to murder in peru.

Van Der Sloot Was Paid $25K In FBI Sting

In the indictment , the U.S. government said van der Sloot had attempted to get $250,000 from Beth Holloway in exchange for information and details in Natalee's death.

"Today, the United States held Joran van der Sloot accountable for his scheme to exploit a mother looking for information about her missing daughter," U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona said in a statement.

For Beth Holloway, it wasn't the guilty plea she would have liked to see. "I can tell you with certainty that after 18 years, Natalie's case is solved as far as I'm concerned," she told reporters outside the courthouse. "It's over, it's over. Joran van der Sloot is no longer the suspect in my daughter's murder. He is the killer."

Holloway said specific details about what van der Sloot did the night he killed her daughter would come later. But she spoke in court that he bludgeoned her after she rebuffed his sexual advances and dumped her body in the ocean. Addressing van der Sloot directly she said, "You are a killer and I want you to remember that every time you hear that cell door close."

A judge sentenced van der Sloot to 20 years in a U.S. federal prison. First he will be returned to Peru to complete serving time for the murder of Flores. If he serves more than 20 years there, he will not need to return to the U.S. to finish his sentence for extortion and wire fraud.

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Girl about the Globe

Making solo travel easier.

Solo Travel in Aruba

Types of Girl about the Globe – Beach GatG, Cuisine GatG, Golf GatG, Nature GatG

If you are planning to solo travel Aruba, below is our guide on how to plan a solo trip to Aruba including where to stay, things to see and do in Aruba and how to get around. Find out how to get from the airports and what to do in each place.

All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers from our solo community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article.

* Before you plan your solo travel to Aruba, check what paperwork or visas are required for Aruba .  

N.b. By booking through this page for your Aruba solo travel, you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping.

About Aruba

Aruba tours, accommodation in aruba, getting around aruba, from the airport, how long do you need, plan a trip to aruba, map of aruba.

is Aruba safe for solo female travellers?

When you  solo travel in the Caribbean you're probably wondering is Aruba safe to travel alone? Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean islands and travelling solo in Aruba is so easy for women. That's why I've given it 4 out of 5 stars. Not only is the country open-minded and extremely tolerant but they are also very supportive of women.

They have dedicated events for ladies including golf lessons and wine seminars and even going out alone at night is perfectly safe here with dinner shows, bars, live music, party cruises and party buses. I travelled here solo and never felt unsafe. Other solo travellers have reported that that bartenders ask if they are alone and received some catcalls so each person's experience may be different. In my opinion, you will never be alone here unless you really want to be of course.

Divi Tree, Aruba

Aruba is by far one of our favourite Caribbean islands because it truly has everything that you need. There are so many reasons that it’s one of the most popular countries and attracts many visitors from Europe and the U.S. Although Aruba still has ties with the Netherlands, it remains its own country and is culturally diverse with 96 different nationalities.

Its vegetation isn’t what you would expect from the Caribbean although it still has miles of pristine white sand, it also has rolling landscapes and a rugged coastline. Being so close to the Equator means that Aruba is always hot with constant trade winds which create a year-round breeze.

Most of the population is multilingual and you’ll find a Latin American flair and warm hospitality in Aruba. Backpacking here isn't that common but you can still meet others. What is there to do in Aruba for solo females? Lots! We've included our favourite areas and the best things to do in Aruba below.

* Click here to discover all activities and top things to do in Aruba

Oranjestad is the capital and this is the best place for shopping in Aruba. You'll find restaurants, casinos, trendy clubs, and glittering shows. The downtown is cute with colourful buildings and a free tram that takes you around.

Things to do in Oranjestad are mooching around art galleries with Aruban crafts and local musicians playing at night. It’s a sociable area to meet others with evening entertainment which draws crowds to the area at night.

Take a tour of the Balashi Brewery – Aruba’s national beer or the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum . For museum buffs visit the Historical Museum or the Archaeological Museum showing the cultural and religious practices of the Amerindians.

Aruba has some of the best shopping in the Caribbean with high-end international labels and locally handcrafted gifts. Most of the malls have restaurants and bars too so you can spend hours in one. But shops aren’t open past 6 pm here so keep your splurging to the daylight hours.

If you’re an adventurous solo there are plenty of Aruba attractions to keep you busy, whether you want to jump behind the wheel of an ATV and drive along the rugged coastline or get flung around in a giant yellow jeep (one of the fun things to do in Aruba and definitely recommended).

Aruba is the perfect Caribbean island to keep your inner child entertained, and any activity you can think of here you can do. From horse riding to just watching a sunset on top of a hill, Aruba has many rugged trails to hike. Hooiberg is one of Aruba’s highest peaks with 500 steps to climb.

Arikok National Park covers nearly one-fifth of the island and is an Ar uba must see for the wildlife Girl about the Globe. The area is just so spectacular with different landscapes such as limestone cliffs and sand dunes. This is where you'll find donkeys, goats, lizards and local rattlesnakes amongst the many cactus plants. Explore the cave systems to see protected bats as well as drawings by the Amerindians, that are thought to be more than 1000 years old. 

For wildlife lovers traveling in Aruba, head to the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba which has more than 138 endangered donkeys. You can feed them and even adopt one! Then cruise onto the Ostrich Farm to feed one of these huge birds. If you prefer to see birds in the wild, Bubali Bird Sanctuary is a freshwater lagoon and nesting site or visit the Butterfly Farm instead.

Aruba has a lot of history such as the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins , an abandoned gold mill from the 19th-century gold rush. Then there’s Frenchman’s Pass with the legend of a ghostly Indian tribe, from the invasion by French pirates in the seventeenth century.

Alto Vista Chapel is a bright yellow chapel built in 1750 and the island’s first Roman Catholic Church or visit Santa Ana Church  constructed in 1776 with a Neo-Gothic altar.

There is so much nature here too. One of Aruba’s biggest highlights is the Baby Natural Bridge , or explore the Triplet Natural Bridge as you drive past the biggest rock formations on the island. Watch the sunrise on the north of the island sits the California Lighthouse named after an American steamship which was shipwrecked off the shore in the 1800s.

You simply can’t come to Aruba and not experience an Aruba beach. The beaches here are free and the seven-mile strip along the west coast is busy with resorts and more Aruba activities than you’ll have time to do. For more secluded beaches head to the Windward Coast to see the limestone coves and craggy terrain, but with strong undercurrents, it’s not advised to swim here.

Boca Prins is on the northeast coast and is a great spot to sunbathe, or there's Eagle Beach Aruba in Oranjestad with its wide public beach. Enjoy some rays at Manchebo Beach;  a private beach or windsurf and kitesurf on Hadicurari Beach .

Some of them are only accessible on a 4×4 such as Andy Curry Beach (yes it really is called that) so you’ll have to take a tour to reach them. Baby Beach is one of the snorkel spots and is a shallow cove protected by a natural barrier. Or just watch local fishermen anchor their colourful boats at Rodgers Beach .

The visibility in the sea here is so clear that you don’t even need to snorkel but if you do you could power snorkel or try Snuba; a cross between diving and snorkelling (a must do in Aruba if you've never tried it before), or even Sea Trek in a diving helmet on a 375-foot walkway.

In fact, there are so many ways to explore the sea here that you won’t know which one to pick. Head to the west or east side of the island to find the best beach in Aruba for snorkeling.

Then there’s the decision between the water sports activities above the water too: sailing, JetLev, parasailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, birding, skydiving and SUP yoga on a stand-up paddle board.

Or if getting wet isn’t really your style, how about getting an underwater view in a semi-submarine instead. At night a sunset sail on a catamaran with an open bar is a great way to see the coastline and meet others. For the big kids in us, catch the bus to De Palm Island – one of the top attractions in Aruba but be prepared to be sharing the island with families.

Being solo in Aruba in the evenings is no problem either. With the island being so safe, there’s no need to worry about going out alone and Aruba nightlife is geared up for solos. Choose to mingle with the other tourists in bars such as Senor Frogs or Gusto or just wander along the casual beach bars at Oranjestad .

You’ll soon get to know the people and bartenders. You’re guaranteed to find a happy hour somewhere, a cocktail party or a sunset cruise. There are plenty of casinos if you fancy a flutter and at Alhambra Casino, they even teach you how to play.

Or just choose to watch the colourful fountain lights at Paseo Herencia or one of the themed performances held at the amphitheatre. On a Thursday, head to the Carubians Festivals for a steel band performance.

I hope that this guide has helped you discover the best thing to do in Aruba for any type of Aruba sightseeing. Travel to Aruba for great service, outstanding cuisine and some of the happiest people in the Caribbean. Plus you may pick up a few phrases of Papiamento whilst you’re here. It’s not called One Happy Island for nothing. Bom Bini to Aruba…

Aruba is on the itinerary of most cruise lines in the Caribbean so expect more tourists if you visit between October to April.

Be careful of crashing waves on the Windward Side of the island if you are planning any water activities in Aruba.

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including Aruba. Choose from a natural pool ATV tour quad biking around the island, an afternoon sailing trip with snorkelling and an open bar, an Aruba sunset cruise, or an Arikok National Park and beach horse riding private tour.

There are many Aruba excursions to choose from including Aruba jeep tours and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check rates and availability for Get Your Guide Aruba tours

Viator Aruba – Viator is another platform that offers things to see in Aruba and the best places to go in Aruba on a group day tour. Choose from an island ultimate jeep safari, an Aruba champagne breakfast and lunch cruise with snorkelling, an Aruba half day island tour and many others whether you prefer land or sea.

There is also a dinner and nightlife tour where you visit 3 local bars and enjoy a starlight dinner; great for solos to meet others! * Check rates and availability for Viator Aruba tours

There are plenty of places to stay in Aruba solo. If you’re travelling on a budget and backpacking Aruba, choose a self-catering apartment where you can cook your own meals or stay in Monserat, a more local area which won’t cost you as much as the beach hotels. 

For a stay in Aruba you’ll probably want to be on the beach but if you prefer to be in Oranjestad to wander around the capital city (it’s not that big), Wonders Boutique Hotel is a good 3-star option for solos. Palm Beach is one of the best beaches in Aruba and one of the best places to stay if you want to be near the ocean. The beachfront is lined with luxury and all-inclusive Aruba hotels.

Plus there’s Airbnb which offers rooms in Aruba with local and rental accommodation on a short-term basis. You can stay in a private room in a local's house or rent their whole apartment. 

All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement.  For all other accommodations in Aruba whatever your budget, click on the link below. * C heck prices and  availability for all accommodation in Aruba

The Palm Leaf Apartments

Located in Noord, these stylish apartments come with a comfortable bed, an equipped kitchen, a living room and a patio and have everything you need for a stay in Aruba. The hosts are really helpful and can help with anything you may need. If you’re looking for a clean, quiet, private place to stay, these modern apartments are a great choice.

Palm-Eagle Beach is approx 2.5 miles from the apartments so you may want to hire a car if you stay here (or take taxis to the beach which can be a more expensive option). * Check prices or availability for The Palm Leaf Apartments  

Divi Phoenix Beach Resort

The Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach is perfect for solo females and gives you the space for as much or as little privacy as you need from a resort. Situated in Palm Beach, one of the island's sandy beaches, there are plenty of sun beds and thatched-roof cabanas to soak up some rays before taking a dip in the clearest of seas. 

The rooms range from studio suites to a three-bedroom penthouse suite all with a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and coffeemaker and a flat-screen TV and DVD player. There’s a spa for some pampering and a choice of Divi Phoenix restaurants to dine in, and the staff are really friendly and introduce themselves to you with their name. Read my full Divi Aruba review here or * Check rates and availability for Divi Phoenix Beach Resort

Renaissance Island Aruba Resort

If you prefer to stay on a private island, choose Renaissance Island Aruba Resort and Casino. This 40-acre island has Aruba's only private beaches and is reachable from Oranjestad. Hike the nature trail and see flamingos at the famous Flamingo Beach, swim in one of the three pools, or scuba or kayak.

There are many places to eat on the island and an adult side so you can avoid the family side as a solo. It isn’t cheap but if you are a flamingo lover, this is a must see in Aruba.   The resort has a minimum of 2 nights stay. * Check rates and availability for Renaissance Island Aruba Resort

To take a taxi in Aruba, you need to call ahead instead of trying one flag down on the road. Taxis here don’t have metres and you pay a fixed rate based on distance. On Sundays, holidays and also between 23:00 and 7:00 am each day Aruba taxi rates have a U.S. $3 surcharge.

Getting around Aruba without a car does limit being able to see all of the island. Aruba public transportation includes the Aruba bus service that runs daily between some of the hotel areas and larger districts. You’ll find the main bus station in downtown Oranjestad.

You can also buy day passes: for U.S. $10 for unlimited transportation on the Arubus routes across the island. De Palm Tours can also arrange chartered transport for you. Check the Aruba bus map and schedule here.

When you're traveling to Aruba alone, car rentals are easy to organise and you don’t even have to fill up the tank. Just pull into a petrol station and an attendant will fill it up for you. You do need to be 25 years old for car rental Aruba and if you are looking to explore the north coast then you'll need an off-road vehicle.

Getting around in Aruba is easier with a car as you have the freedom to stop where you like. The island is easy to drive around too. You can pick up vacation rentals from the airport when you arrive and drop it off before you fly home. * Check prices for all rentals Aruba here  

There is a bus which calls at the airport (except on Sundays) and costs $3 for the 15-minute ride to Oranjestad but a taxi is a much easier way to get from the airport. An Aruba taxi will cost approx US $30 to the Eagle Beach hotels which is a 15-minute drive and less if you are staying in the Oranjestad area ($20).

If you pay for a taxi you are only allowed one piece of luggage and will be charged U.S. $2 for any additional luggage. Hoppa is a service that offers Aruba airport transportation so you have someone waiting for you when you arrive. They arrange Aruba transportation from airport to hotels or into the city. You can pre-book here. 

When you're traveling to Aruba, you'll need at least a week whether you want to just lounge around and de-stress or experience all the activities that the country has to offer.

Where can I go from here? You can travel from Aruba to these destinations. The timings are based on how long it takes to fly there.

• Curacao – 40 mins
• Bonaire – 45 mins
• Colombia – 1 hr 50 mins
• Can I drink the water? Aruba has the world’s second-largest seawater desalination plant so yes you can definitely drink the tap water here.
• Is tipping expected? A tip is not expected but 15% is well received. A tip is shared between servers and the kitchen staff.
• Fixed price or barter? Fixed Price.
• Any ATMs? Yes, lots and some in the hotels too.
• Which side of the road do they drive? The right-hand side.
• Good for vegetarians? Yes, and there are a few vegetarian restaurants.
• Any seven wonders of the world? No.
• Is Aruba safe for solo travel? Yes, it is one of the safest Caribbean islands for women that's why I recommend solo travel in Aruba. 

To help you plan your Aruba trip, here are some useful links for visa requirements, vaccinations needed and airlines which fly there.

Budget – £120 a day

Capital – Oranjestad

Population – 102,911

Language spoken – Dutch, Papiamento, English, Spanish.

Local Currency –  The Florin but the US dollar is widely used.

Do I need a visa? 

Vaccinations Required

Flying time to Aruba – 9.5 hrs 

Useful Info

Airlines to Aruba

When to travel to Aruba – The best time to go is year round

Which Plug Do I Need? 

Events and Festivals in Aruba

Local Cost Guide 

Driving Distances

Local Customs & Etiquette

Lingo –  Useful Papiamento Phrases

Did you know? Nearly everyone here speaks Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish and English.

De Palm Tours

Rancho La Ponderosa horseback riding

Aruba Nature Sensitive Hiking & Jeep Tours

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort  (no kids allowed)

Boardwalk Hotel Aruba

Volunteering

Help out at the Aruba Reef Care Project

Cultural Experiences

Watch the Bonbini Aruba Festival every Tuesday

Local Projects

The Donkey Sanctuary

Where to Stay

Book your Hostels

Book your Hotels

Treat Yourself at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort

Mind Body & Soul

Yoga retreats at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa

Yoga classes at Happy Buddha

Meditation workshops with Sahaja Yoga Meditation

Spa Treatments at Pure Indulgence

Issues in the Country

Boa constrictors are everywhere in Arikok National Park and are breeding so fast that park rangers have to hold National Snake Hunt days. Plus they can hitchhike in your car engine.

The hitchhiking snakes of the Caribbean

Weather in Aruba – Below is an annual weather chart for Aruba

6 thoughts on “ Solo Travel in Aruba ”

Hi. I am going alone the first week of November Have you got contacts that are going those dates? Or if you know the most sociable place bar hotel to meet ppl in aruba please. Appreciated

Hi Rubby, you could meet others at Senor Frogs? That’s always a fun bar or join the Jeep Tour where I made friends with others on the tour too. If you’re not a member of out Girls about the Globe Facebook community I recommend joining it to see if others will be in Aruba too x

I find this totally not true. Im alone been over 100 countries there mostly couples groups men ate catcslling all waiteres bartenders etc r asking y im alone and flirting its expensive and i see stigna alone unsafe no but confortable no every restaurant, u r alne y

Hi Dee, sorry that you had that experience in Aruba. Mine was completely different. I have updated the page with your experience too and thank you for sharing.

I’m in Aruba right now. The beaches are beautiful, but it is expensive. I thought I could keep costs lower by using public transit, but it has been a little difficult to navigate. Despite that, I do feel safe and haven’t experienced any staring or catcalling.

Hi Nicole, the beaches are beautiful aren’t they. Great that you feel safe. It’s a bit difficult by public transport isn’t it. Enjoy the rest of your time there and thanks for commenting. Lisa x

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Special Needs in Aruba

Our goal is to make traveling with special needs in Aruba as convenient, stress-free, and as comfortable as possible.

Aruba gladly offers a variety of accommodations and equipment for visitors with special needs. Details on hotel facilities for the physically challenged are available through the reservations staff. Room reservations are on a special-request basis and are subject to availability. Wheelchairs are not available at hotels. Guide dogs are generally allowed with proper documentation.  

Below is a list of resorts on Aruba that offer special facilities and amenities for those with a disability:  

Holiday inn resort aruba.

Two wheelchair-accessible rooms (standard category).

Two ADA rooms (complies with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act) on ground floor with good pool access.

HYATT REGENCY ARUBA RESORT & CASINO

One disabled room: garden view, king bed.

Resort is wheelchair accessible.

DIVI VILLAGE

One building with elevator and ramps.

One unit with wheelchair-accessible doorway.

DIVI DUTCH VILLAGE

Request a ground-floor room for wheelchair accessibility.

DIVI AND TAMARIJN ARUBA ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS

Each resort has one ground-floor room with two queen beds, roll-in shower, grab rails, special-height toilet, and wheelchair-accessible light switches in bathroom.

HILTON ARUBA CARIBBEAN RESORT & CASINO

Six rooms on ground floor with bath rails and wheelchair-accessible doorways.

Two of these rooms also have roll-in showers.

BARCELO RESORT

Three wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in shower.

THE MILL RESORT

One wheelchair-accessible room on ground floor. Special bath chair and railings in shower.

Special Products Services and Equipment

Labco medical and home healthcare services.

Operating in Aruba for over ten years, LABCO sells, leases, and rents medical and home healthcare products, including mobility products such as wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers; products for bathroom and bedroom safety; aids for daily living; pillows and cushions; and personal care products. LABCO is also specialized in oxygen-delivery systems. Catalog is available on website. Free delivery to hotels.

LiteLife Medicab Aruba

LiteLife Medicab Aruba provides professional door-to-door medical transportation with trained driver-attendants. They have four vans with hydraulic lifts and one with a ramp. Maximum of five persons per van. Tel: (297) 585-9764 / Fax: (297) 585-9765

Adapted Happy Wheels

Adapted Happy Wheels rents beach wheelchairs that easily maneuver through sand and float in a pool or the ocean. They will deliver to the customer’s place of stay or their beach of choice. The mobi-chair allows ease of transfer to or from a wheelchair, entry into the water, and exit from the chair while in the water. Tel: (297) 568-4787 or (297) 600-4787

Essential Health Supplies 

Essential Health Supplies caters to travelers and islanders alike who require home medical equipment and health supplies. Conveniently located adjacent to Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital and close to all resorts, Essential carries a diversity of products for sale and for rent—such as ECVs (Electric Convenience Vehicles), mobility scooters, wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs, nebulizers, walkers, trapeze bars, bath chairs and bath benches, crutches, ramps, and a wide variety of health supplies—to make travel or day-to-day life more accessible and enjoyable. All rentals delivered free of charge to hotels. For more information: Tel: (297) 563-0415

We Welcome Wheelchairs Transportation

We Welcome Wheelchairs Transportation llc provides accessible transfers and tours to everyone, including travelers with special needs relying on a mobility scooters, powerchairs, wheelchairs and more. Their aim is to help travelers with physical limitations enjoy their vacation on the island. https://www.wewelcomewheelchairs.com/

For more information.

Whatsapp:  (297)742-0492 / (297)742-4699. Email:  [email protected]. 

Hadicurari’s Culinary Secrets are going vegan in great style

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Confession Brings Natalee Holloway Case to an End After 18 Years

Joran van der Sloot admitted that he brutally attacked the American teenager on a beach in Aruba, bringing a close to a case that had fascinated the American public since she vanished in 2005.

By Claire Moses and Christine Hauser

In 2005, an American teenager, Natalee Holloway, disappeared on a senior high school class trip to Aruba. Her case inspired countless hours of cable TV programming, more than half a dozen nonfiction books, multiple episodes in the “Law & Order” franchise and at least one stage production. The obsessive attention stoked a backlash of media criticism.

On Wednesday, the man long suspected of killing her, Joran van der Sloot, finally admitted his brutal crime in a statement presented to a federal judge in Birmingham, Ala. It had taken 18 years, as long as her short life.

Suspicion had fallen early on Mr. van der Sloot, a Dutch student who was among three people seen leaving a nightclub with her in the early hours of May 30, 2005.

He was arrested twice, but never charged in connection with Ms. Holloway’s disappearance or death, and despite an extensive search, her remains have never been found. She was declared legally dead in 2012. No one has ever been charged in her killing.

Mr. van der Sloot, 36, is serving a 28-year prison sentence in Peru for the 2010 murder of a 21-year-old student. His admission in the Holloway case came as he was pleading guilty to charges that he had tried to extort money from her mother, Beth Holloway.

At a news conference after the hearing, Beth Holloway said his confession had brought her family’s long ordeal to an end. “As far as I am concerned it’s over. It’s over,” she said, adding, “I’m satisfied knowing that he did it, he did it alone and he disposed of her alone.”

“He is the killer,” she said, adding, “He described when and how he killed her.”

The charges stemmed from 2010 when Mr. Van der Sloot tried to demand a $250,000 payment from Beth Holloway, claiming to have knowledge of the location of her daughter’s remains, prosecutors said . He received only $25,100 from her after providing false information, according to prosecutors.

In exchange for a 20-year sentence for charges of extortion and wire fraud, Mr. van der Sloot had agreed to provide “full, complete, accurate, and truthful information” about the disappearance of Natalee Holloway.

Documents released Wednesday by the U.S. District for the Northern District of Alabama as part of the plea agreement included his account, for the first time, of what happened that night in Aruba, the Caribbean island nation and former Dutch colony where Mr. van der Sloot was living at the time.

In excerpts from a statement that Mr. van der Sloot gave on Oct. 3 to his lawyer, Kevin Butler, he described brutally attacking Ms. Holloway on the beach after she rejected his sexual advances.

He described wanting to be dropped off with Ms. Holloway a distance from the hotel where she was staying with more than 100 recent graduates of Mountain Brook High School in Alabama so he “might still get a chance to, to be with her.” He said they began kissing while lying on the beach, but she refused further sexual advances.

When he persisted, he said, she kneed him in the crotch, and he kicked her “extremely hard” in the face. At that point, he said, she was “possibly even, uh, even dead but definitely unconscious.”

Then, he said, he picked up a large cinder block and used it to “smash her head in with it completely.”

He brought her to the ocean’s edge in a “half pull and half walk,” wading in up to his knees. He pushed her into the water, he said, and then walked home.

At the sentencing, Judge Anna M. Manasco told Mr. van der Sloot, “You have brutally murdered, in separate instances years apart, two young women who refused your sexual advances,” according to The Associated Press .

Mr. van der Sloot was extradited from Peru in June . He will have to return there to finish serving his sentence for the 2010 murder of the student, Stephany Flores, as well as another for a drug trafficking charge. He will serve his sentence on the federal extortion and wire fraud charges concurrently with the sentence he is serving in Peru.

When the news of Ms. Holloway’s disappearance first broke in 2005, cable news networks were criticized for devoting hours of airtime to the case of an attractive young white woman from an affluent suburb of Birmingham, while other cases involving women from other ethnic groups and backgrounds went uncovered.

One critic, Matthew Felling of the Center for Media and Public Affairs, said at the time that the Holloway coverage amounted to “emotional pornography.”

But the public fascination continued . A Lifetime movie, titled simply “Natalee Holloway,” set a ratings record for the network in 2009. Other television movies and true-crime productions followed, including one, “Vanished with Beth Holloway,” hosted by Ms. Holloway’s mother.

In 2008, a Dutch crime reporter, Peter R. de Vries , organized a sting operation for his television show in which he tried to solve the case using an informer and hidden cameras . Stopping just short of an outright confession on the program, Mr. van der Sloot told the informer that Ms. Holloway was “never to be found.”

Speaking to reporters after the hearing on Wednesday, Beth Holloway said that her daughter, who vanished days after her high school graduation, would now be 36 years old.

“It’s been a very long and painful journey,” she said, “but we finally got the answers we’ve been searching for, for all these years. We got justice for Natalee.”

Claire Moses is a reporter for the Express desk in London. More about Claire Moses

Christine Hauser is a reporter, covering national and foreign news. Her previous jobs in the newsroom include stints in Business covering financial markets and on the Metro desk in the police bureau. More about Christine Hauser

The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Aruba

01/31/2024 by Kristin Addis 1 Comment

I’m standing on Manchebo beach on Aruba, my third time back, amazed yet again at the perfection of the sunset unfolding in front of me. Every 20-degree rotation of my line of sight presents a delightful new color palette of periwinkle blues, purples, and cotton candy pinks. 

It’s a little wonder why Aruba has more repeat visitors than other top Caribbean islands. It’s full of natural wonders, it’s easy to get to, it’s incredibly welcoming, with at least four languages spoken by natives on the island, and it has more sunshine than any other Caribbean island to boot.

As a solo female traveler, I love how easy Aruba is to explore. It’s small, safe, and easy to drive around. From my Jeep adventures to the underwater world, Aruba has been a playground I keep returning to throughout the years. Thinking of visiting yourself? These are the best adventure, culinary, and beach adventures for solo female travelers:

Table of Contents

Solo Female Travel Considerations

One of the first things I wonder about beachy destinations is, will there be enough to do so that I feel entertained and not just surrounded by couples? Are the locals friendly and welcoming, easy to communicate with, and will there be other solo travelers too? Is it easy to get around and to navigate solo?

Thankfully Aruba ticks all the boxes, since its proximity to a lot of states in the US makes it easy to get to and attractive to solo travelers, it’s pretty safe with low crime rates, and it’s not too big, meaning that you can get around and see quite a lot of it during a short stay.

That said, I always feel like there’s something new to do and despite having been back three times, I still make discoveries each time I return. The following activities are my favorite things to do there, particularly for those who are traveling alone.

Best Place to Stay in Aruba: Manchebo Beach

There are many pristine, white sand beaches in Aruba, but Manchebo beach has been my favorite one to stay on. Palm Beach is the famous area with high-rise hotels, but if you prefer something less crowded and more boutique, I loved Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa . 

It’s centrally located, it’s perfectly situated for sunset, and I found at least two other solo female travelers while I was there! That little bit of extra calm and seclusion was what attracted them as well.

Best Things to Do in Aruba

1. arikok national park.

This is where you can get to know Aruba’s more wild, rugged side. The national Park is only accessible for four-wheel-drive vehicles, so you can rent a Jeep and take yourself through, or you can take a day tour . 

If you’re not as comfortable with driving on the rocky terrain, I have found that the day trips to the park are loads of fun and give you an opportunity to hang with some other people. Be sure to book one that takes you to the caves with beams of light, with cave drawings dating back thousands of years.

You will also check out the natural pool, a gorgeous rocky tide pool that presents the perfect photo opportunity.

2. Jeep Adventure down Aruba’s East Coast

I remember being struck by how different the east side of the island is, full of volcanic rock and tons of cacti! If you really want to get away from it all, the east side of the island is almost a different world.

It’s less about beaches and swimming as it is rock arches, forests of cacti, and hidden tide pools. Definitely wear some proper shoes and don’t plan on getting in the ocean here as it can be rough, but rather enjoy the solitude and this very different look at Aruba.

3. Check out Aruba’s Wrecks

There are several ship and even plane wrecks around Aruba of varying degrees of accessibility and depth.

The Antilla shipwreck is close to Eagle Beach and tres trapi, and shallow enough and close enough to shore to SUP out to.

Pictured above, I’m sitting on a shipwreck just off of Mangel Halto. While plenty of these are shallow enough to free dive to, and accessible from the boat snorkeling trips, you can also scuba dive to them with  Red Sail Sports Aruba.

Baboo wreck is located 164 feet from Malmok beach and is one of the safest shipwrecks in Aruba. The area is not deeper than ten feet and the tides and wind are calmer here. If you’re feeling brave you can swim out, otherwise take a boat or windsurfer (like I did) to get there. Keep an eye out for reef fish and moray eels who call the coral around Baboo wreck home! 

4. Explore Aruba’s Natural Cave Pool

This hidden gem is located on Aruba’s west coast, walking distance from the Bushiribana Gold Smelter ruins. This natural cave pool is tucked behind volcanic boulders ensuring you won’t be swept out to sea. To reach the pool, you’ll need to climb down a steep ladder, maneuver the rocky boulders, and then cliff jump about fifteen feet into the water. The tide is strong, but the experience of swimming in a cave is unmatched. This is a less touristy area and more of a local spot and a nice place to meet new people. Watch out for the crabs and bring your water shoes. Those rocks hurt on bare feet!

5. Take A Windsurfing Lesson at Hadicurari Beach

ela Windsurf and Kitesurf, located at Hadicurari Beach, on Aruba’s northeast coast, offers lessons for windsurfers and kitesurfers of all levels. If you’re a beginner, this is a prime spot as the wind and tide are calmer than other areas on the island. Once you get comfortable, you can also rent out equipment for the day to take out on your own. Hadicurari beach is right near Malmok beach–and straight out from Malmok beach is Baboo wreck, a popular windsurfing destination. 

6. Get Under the Sea

You’ve got a couple of options when it comes to snorkeling in Aruba. Much of the fish and coral are easily accessible from the shore, so you can drive yourself to Tres Trapi and Mangel Halto to check out some crystal clear, gorgeous waters. 

Alternatively, join a snorkeling cruise along the northwest coast of Aruba They will also bring you to similar snorkeling spots. Another great way to get to meet people if you’re up for it, and especially around sunset to see the gorgeous colors. 

The Best Culinary Experience for Solo Travelers in Aruba

First Name:

I don’t know about you, but I find meal times can be the hardest when I’m traveling alone. I’m a big fan of room service for this reason, but I also wanted to get out and have a true culinary experience in Aruba.

Senses Fine Dining was the perfect solution. Similar to my Kaiseki dining experience in Tokyo , the entire table is set up like a counter with a view of the chef. 

At Senses, Chef Kelt created an eight-course dining experience with homegrown herbs and vegetables, and all of the other ingredients painstakingly sourced from the best possible place, including sea scallops a friend of his hand harvested in Norway! That was my favorite dish, and this is coming from someone who didn’t think she liked scallops.

The best part is he walks you through each dish, talking about the inspiration, and the hours or sometimes days involved in slow cooking the meats and developing deep, aromatic flavors.

Instead of a lonely dinner, this feels much more like an experience where you really get to know the process behind the food, and watch as it’s created right in front of you.This was the best food I had on Aruba, you can book it here.  

Spas and Wellness in Aruba

What better time to treat yourself than when traveling solo? This was my logic when booking the full experience at the Manchebo Resort and Spa’s Spa del Sol . 

It includes a volcano scrub and wrap, a full body massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure. It was 4 1/2 hours of bliss at the hands of great masseuses and facialists! 

The wrap left my skin feeling silky smooth, followed by a lavender aromatherapy massage. The facial was thorough, including extractions! And the pedicure made me realize how long it had been since I really treated myself to such a thing! My feet were so soft afterwards I couldn’t stop looking at how pretty they were. 

Additionally, many of the hotels, including Manchebo Resort and Spa, offer multiple yoga and pilates classes per day. The island also has plenty of yoga studios and stand up paddleboard yoga. Check out Aruba’s wellbeing offers here .

How to Meet Others in Aruba

I have found that it’s pretty easy to meet people to hang with in Aruba. I really like using Instagram to find other photographers to collaborate with, or if you’re not a photographer yourself, they often charge pretty reasonable rates to take pics for you on vacation!

But beyond that, I just find people who work at the resorts and restaurants to be friendly and happy to chat with you. Plus many are multilingual! 

As I mentioned previously, I’ve met my fair share of fellow solo travelers there as well, and they often become my exploration buddies for the day. 

How to Get Around Aruba

I’ve done Aruba in several different ways – staying at an all-inclusive resort on Palm beach without my own transport, and staying in the more boutique areas with my own transport, including my second trip where I rented a Jeep from Amigo car rental for my entire stay. 

I do truly love having my own transport on Aruba. Once you get used to the roundabouts, driving there is pretty simple, without too many lanes or high speed. 

That said taking day tours for snorkeling and Arikok national Park also works, giving you a pretty good overview of the little island, particularly if it’s a shorter trip. There are also taxis available. 

My third trip back to Aruba reminded me of how much I love visiting this little island. The contrast, colors, and friendliness get me every time. Whether you were traveling solo or with friends, I hope you do get the chance to do a little bit of solo on Aruba. It’s so unique, friendly, and easy to love.

*This post was brought to you in collaboration with Aruba tourism authority. All thoughts and love towards Aruba are genuine and my own.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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nandini says

02/09/2024 at 11:43 pm

Thank you so much !

14 Best Trip Ideas for Seniors

Written by Shandley McMurray Sep 2, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

There's something extra special about traveling as a retiree. In addition to being able to wander the globe for weeks at a time, there's no work- or kid-related stress hanging around as you dust off your bucket-list. Also, depending on your age and abilities, there are a slew of fun trip ideas for senior citizens.

First, you need to decide what type of holiday you're looking for. Would you like to enjoy a laid-back European river cruise , an exciting white water rafting trip, or perhaps a multigenerational holiday with your whole family?

From hiking in Sedona to riding horses at a dude ranch in Wyoming to ogling the scenery on a train through Alaska , you're sure to find a senior vacation that's perfect for you. And we promise, once you start traveling, you won't want to stop.

Plan your next getaway with our list of the top trip ideas for seniors.

1. Gawk at the Scenery in Alaska

2. go on safari in south africa, 3. relax in the caribbean, 4. eat your way through tuscany, 5. ride a train in the canadian rockies, 6. explore america's national parks, 7. take a river cruise in europe, 8. drive the pacific coast highway in california, 9. enjoy an airboat ride in florida, 10. soak up the southern charm of savannah, georgia, 11. ride a horse at a dude ranch, 12. visit the museums in santa fe, new mexico, 13. get outside at sedona, arizona, 14. explore the ruins at machu picchu, peru, map of trip ideas for seniors.

Alaska's beauty is hard to beat, which is why it holds a top spot on many bucket lists. Crashing waterfalls, glacial lakes, craggy mountains, northern lights–the list of natural attributes is impressive, and seemingly endless.

At over 663,000 square miles, Alaska is America's largest state and arguably the most gorgeous. Before you panic, thinking, "how can I see it all in one trip," you'll want to temper your expectations. Unless you're planning to stay for months, you won't be seeing it all, and even then, you'll only scratch the surface of Alaska's vast wilderness.

Book a guided tour or cruise and start your journey in a big city like Anchorage or Juneau. You can do a little sightseeing and visit their best museums and galleries before setting off to see Alaska's natural attractions .

Worried you won't be able to keep up with an active itinerary? Don't! There are many ways to enjoy the spectacular Alaskan scenery without having to be overly adventurous. In fact, Alaska is a perfect vacation destination for senior citizens of all ages and abilities.

If you're hoping to climb mountains, kayak with whales, or backpack through the backcountry, you're in luck. And if you'd rather sit back, relax, and view the astounding scenery from the inside of a train, car, or boat, you'll find options a plenty. Senior vacation packages cover a range of interests.

Whatever you do, don't miss a trip to Denali National Park . The third-largest state park, you'll have six million acres of picturesque landscape to explore, including North America's highest mountain , Mount McKinley (a.k.a. Denali) and the Sled Dog Kennels .

You can reach the park via the Alaska Denali Star , one of the best train trips in the US , which leaves from Anchorage and boasts a glass-dome roof to better appreciate the view.

The best time to visit Alaska is between mid-June and mid-August , unless you're planning to see the Northern Lights, which are at their most magnificent between mid-August and mid-April . So keep that in mind when booking.

It's no secret that heading out on an African safari is a bucket list vacation . In addition to spectacular scenery, tourists can rest assured they'll return home with phenomenal photos of some, if not all, of the region's "big five" (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos).

Worried a trip of this kind will be too much for you at this stage of life? Don't! Joining a safari is one of the best things to do for senior citizens in South Africa. These memorable tours are mainly conducted in a 4X4 vehicle, which means there's little to no walking involved; a plus for those with mobility concerns.

Kruger National Park is one of the best game reserves in Africa . The largest and oldest national park in South Africa, this famed reserve is the main stop on many senior vacation packages. Many accessible luxury safari lodges lie outside the borders of the park, offering guests a relaxing and comfortable spot to rest between excursions.

While here, be sure to visit South Africa's other top attractions , like Lion's Head in Cape Town , Table Mountain , and the vast and impressive Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park .

There's little that's as relaxing as lounging on a beautiful beach in the Caribbean . A few hours spent gazing at crystalline turquoise water while digging your toes in soft golden sand is enough to cure what ails you. Add the healing qualities of a warm swim on your joints and you'll never want to leave this tropical paradise.

Boasting thousands of islands, all as stunning as the next, the Caribbean is filled with glamorous places to visit , perfect for a senior vacation. If you're hoping for a spectacular senior trip, we'd suggest visiting the Caribbean's most popular islands.

Aruba , Antigua , Barbados , Bermuda , Curaçao , Grand Cayman , St . Lucia , St . Maarten , and St . Thomas are primed for welcoming senior vacationers, and they boast plenty of activities and amenities ideal for those who are enjoying life in their prime years.

Whether you choose to snorkel the coral reefs, hike through the tropical forest, take in the tourist sites and attractions in Bermuda , or enjoy water served in a fresh coconut on the beach, you'll find something fun to do on your Caribbean holiday.

Before you book, consider choosing a luxury all-inclusive Caribbean resort. In addition to plush accommodations, your stay will include meals, beverages, and activities, which means there's no stress to worry about when the final bill arrives.

You'll also want to consider the time of year you want to travel. The best time to visit the Caribbean for weather is between December and April . If you're looking for a deal, the cheapest time to go to the Caribbean is during its low season , from May through August .

It's hard to find a more romantic destination than Tuscany. Ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, winding laneways, and some of the world's best restaurants lie within the borders of this elysian region. Be sure to come hungry, because your taste buds are in for a treat at every meal.

Tourists can spend their days exploring Tuscany's top attractions , like the Leaning Tower in Pisa , Siena's Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta , or Lucca's stone walls , and there are enough museums to keep visitors busy for days.

When you're not sightseeing, eat! It's one of the best things to do in Florence .

Florence is Tuscany's renowned capital, most famous for its seemingly endless attractions, like the Uffizi Gallery , Palazzo Vecchio , and Neptune Fountain , which lie in the splendid Piazza della Signoria . The Ponte Vecchio Bridge and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its impressive Duomo are points of interest you won't want to miss.

No need to worry about getting lost. There are plenty of senior tours and senior vacation packages designed for retirees who don't want to futz around with maps and taxis. Their cheerful guides will lead you around the city, pointing out the most interesting tourist sites.

Tuscany is also well known for its beautiful accommodations. In addition to some very impressive hotels in Florence (we see you, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze ), this resplendent region is home to a slew of luxe resorts, charming villas, and plush hotels.

No matter which way you see them–by car, bus, plane, train, or foot–the Canadian Rockies are breathtaking. Stretching through two of Canada's provinces, British Columbia and Alberta, these magnificent peaks surround deep, sparkling lakes, thick forests, jagged bluffs, and vast plains. Don't worry if your heart rate increases and your breathing stops when you set eyes on them, that's a normal reaction.

For retirees, the best way to see the Rockies is by train. And the plushest way to travel is by the Rocky Mountaineer . Yes, the price is about as steep as the mountains themselves, but you'll be riding in luxury, pampered by not only the unsurpassable view that rushes past your window, but also by the top-notch service and comfy seats offered on board. Nights are spent in hotels, and you'll exit the train to take advantage of fun tours and guided visits to local tourist attractions.

Depending on which journey you choose, you could be chugga-chugga-choo-chooing your way through one of Canada's best national parks . Jasper National Park zips past the lakes in the Shuswap region just past Kamloops , or you can whiz your way to Banff National Park . Most tours start in Vancouver and end in Banff or vice versa.

Not up for parting with that much cash? Try creating your own journey with a combination of trips on Via Rail and a rental car. Or, book a senior vacation package so you can let someone else do the planning.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to travel in winter, book a room at one of Canada's best ski resorts . The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise resort is set in the center of the Rockies, making it an ideal destination for senior travelers looking to relax in luxury after a day spent on the slopes.

Sometimes, it's nice not to have to worry about a passport while you're on vacation. If you live in the U.S., why not roam near home and visit one of America's best national parks ? It will help keep your budget in check and allow you to explore parts of your country that you've yet to visit.

There are so many fabulous National Parks to choose from that we can't list them all. So, below are a few of our favorite spots for a senior vacation. Depending on where you live or intend to travel, you won't be at a loss for beauty. Whether you want to go hiking, birding, biking, or rafting, you'll find a park to meet your needs.

Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park is unmissable and filled with enough hiking trails to keep senior citizens happily occupied for hours or even days. Park your car and ride the park's shuttle from lookout to lookout. One of the best-known national parks and a top natural wonder of the world , you'll want to set aside at least a full day to enjoy this popular destination.

Those who'd prefer to save their legs for hiking in other destinations can hop on the Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Tour , where they can hear folklore and other historic tales from animated staff. The train departs from Williams but you can find connections from Flagstaff or Sedona .

At Grand Canyon Depot , guests can choose to hop on a narrated coach tour of the park. Included is a Wild West shootout show and live western music to transport you back in time.

Yosemite National Park

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park in California is between Memorial Day and Labor Day . You'll encounter a ton of other tourists at this time, but the weather will be ideal for exploring the park's most iconic attractions , like El Capitan , Half Dome , and Yosemite Falls .

The many hiking trails at Yosemite vary in difficulty, with many easy-to-moderate routes that are perfect for senior travelers. Stay at one of Yosemite's best campgrounds if you're up for camping.

Acadia National Park

Head to Acadia National Park for a rugged and beautiful senior vacation. Packed with fun and accessible hikes and other exciting things to do , this is one of the best tourist attractions in Maine for good reason. Senior citizens will love the Island Explorer buses, which connect tourists with the park's many attractions. Park Loop Road is the most scenic of the park's passages.

While you're there, be sure to schedule time to explore nearby Bar Harbor . Found on Maine's Mount Desert Island , this adorable town is a perfect mix of historic homes and a bustling metropolis come summer.

It's easy to see why taking a European river cruise is a popular senior trip idea. These picturesque cruises are a slow, calm, and easy way to see what is often the city's best side. Coastal castles, waterfronts peppered with colorful buildings, and bustling harbors can all be appreciated from the comfort of the deck.

If you want to be more adventurous, that's easy, too. Hop off the boat and involve yourself in some of the local activities, walk around the various cities or villages, and go sightseeing with the ship's organized tours. If you'd rather stay put and enjoy the boat's amenities, that's fine, too.

Unlike giant cruise boats, the vessels used for river cruises are smaller and more manageable. They often hold about 200 people or less. The staterooms are often just as nice as those found on larger ships, and offer balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows. The ships feature restaurants, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and some come equipped with a pool.

Senior tourists can choose three- to four-day journeys to test the waters (get it?) or opt for a longer, grander tour that lasts as long as 15 days.

Depending which company and route you choose, you could travel along the Rhine from Amsterdam until you hit the Main River in Miltenberg , and mosey along the Danube through Vienna to Budapest.

A trip along the Duouro to explore Portugal is another must for European wanderers.

The adult-only Viking River Cruises is one of the best companies for senior vacations in Europe and beyond.

There's nothing like a road trip to make you appreciate being retired. You can drive as quickly or as slowly as you'd like (within the speed limits, of course), stop where and when you want, and spend the night in luxe California resorts or quaint B&Bs along the route. The world, or in this case the road, is your proverbial oyster!

When that road trip is on the streets of California , you're in for a vacation you won't forget. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway (also known as California State Road 1) is one of the best West Coast road trips due to its jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenery. Mountains meet the sea on this incredible road, and you'll be more than happy you took the time to drive it.

You'll want to plan on a minimum of six days if you're hoping to drive from San Francisco to San Diego , an almost 600-mile trek. While the total drive will take anywhere from 11 to 12 hours, it's the amazing stops and scenic overlooks that will add days to your journey.

Before you rev your engine, make time to do some sightseeing in San Francisco . You can't miss the Golden Gate Bridge , but other stellar attractions like Alcatraz Island and Fisherman's Wharf deserve attention, too.

Popular stops along the route include Big Sur's top attraction , Bixby Bridge , the beaches of Santa Barbara , Monterey's top points of interest , and the tourist hot spots of Los Angeles .

San Diego is a great place to enjoy some well-deserved down time at one of the city's pristine beaches before settling in at a comfy hotel.

If you're not comfortable driving, book a tour. The Monterey, Carmel and 17-mile drive is a full-day tour from San Francisco that shows travelers the sights of Monterey and Carmel by the Sea while leaving the driving to a professional.

It's no surprise that Florida is a haven for senior citizens. Known as the Sunshine State, its ideal temperature is the number-one reason retirees flock here when winter hits at home. Who wants to shovel snow when they could lounge on one of the soft, white-sand Florida beaches that make this state so irresistible?

Florida offers a large variety of fun places to visit, which means there really is something for everyone. From the bustling beach scene in Miami to the theme parks and attractions of Orlando to the funky vibe of Key West to the golf courses scattered throughout the state, you'll never be bored.

Another bonus of visiting this sunny state; Florida is an ideal place to visit for a skip-gen trip –the grandkids can join in the fun no matter where you choose to stay.

While you're there, be sure to book an airboat tour of the Everglades National Park . Skirting across the river grass at high speed on your way to spot gators, snakes, panthers, and wood storks is exhilarating. This is definitely one of the most thrilling things to do in Florida .

Savannah is dripping with appeal. Lined with giant oak trees whose moss-draped branches flow elegantly in the breeze, and highlighted by grand mansions that harken back to simpler times, this romantic small city oozes Southern charm.

Senior visitors to Savannah are presented with a slew of options when it comes to touring this pretty city. From dolphin cruises to private bus tours to trolley rides to personal golf cart cruisers , you can do as much or as little walking as you'd like to see Savannah's top attractions .

When you've finished visiting points of interest like the Savannah Historic District , Bonaventure Cemetery , and Forsyth Park , you can reward yourself with some of that down-home Southern cooking you've heard so much about. Then, soak up some history in a horse-drawn carriage, ogling the antebellum architecture that makes this wonderful city so unique.

There are so many fun things to do on a dude ranch that you won't need to leave the property. Popular destinations for multigenerational holidays, these senior-friendly destinations offer an ideal place to bring the whole family.

Dude ranches are chock full of activities for travelers of all ages and abilities. From petting zoos to cattle drives to white water rafting to horseback riding to bird ranching, you won't be at a loss for ways to stay entertained. Plus, you can finally unleash your inner cowboy or cowgirl.

Many dude ranches are found in the central U.S. States like Wyoming , Montana , and Colorado , but you'll also find a variety of top ranches in California .

The Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Colorado is both luxurious and idyllic. A working cattle ranch, guests stay in private log cabins and have access to activities like fly fishing, rock climbing and cooking lessons. No wonder it is deemed one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S .

Santa Fe is a hot spot for senior vacations due to its warm climate and picturesque scenery–the historic adobe buildings are unforgettable. Like Florida, Santa Fe is adept at catering to retirees. It boasts a bevy of attractions perfect for those who don't want to take things at too fast a pace.

The walkable Canyon Road plays host to more than 100 art galleries and studios, as well as crafts stores and multiple restaurants and cafés. It's eclectic, exciting, and easy to wander around.

The Museum of New Mexico Complex is home to four museums, so you can soak up the history in one easy locale. Told you the city was easy to get around.

Those who want to be more active can take advantage of Santa Fe's prime location as the highest state capital. Its position at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains make it an ideal spot for outdoor endeavors like hiking, biking, golfing, or skiing (if you visit during winter).

There's a lot to love in Sedona, Arizona, especially if you're traveling as a senior citizen. First, there's the scenery. Otherworldly red rock formations rise from the rugged terrain, changing color as the light dances upon them throughout the day. Second, there's the ideal climate–mild and wonderful.

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Sedona . Don't worry if you're not up for a hard-core hike, there are plenty of easy trails , including the 2.4-mile, partially shaded route that traverses Fay Canyon . More adventurous seniors can try out Sedona's mountain biking trails .

If you're itching to take photos of Cathedral Rock , rest assured that you can get great shots from Red Rock Crossing Park . You can climb to the saddle if you're willing and able, but there's no need if you're just hoping to gaze at its magnificence up close.

A drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway is another great way to view the area's most stunning sites, including Bell Rock , without having to spend hours (or possibly days) hiking.

Practice some retail therapy and grab a bite to eat in Uptown Sedona . This is where you'll find the city's best galleries, shops, and restaurants. Golf is another popular activity for retirees, so pack clubs if you're hoping to play a game or two.

We bet if you close your eyes, you can picture Machu Picchu. As one of the most famous tourist attractions in Peru , Machu Picchu is one of the top World Heritage sites and one of the most recognizable places to visit in the world .

This magical Inca City features a dramatic setting that is impossible to forget. Set high above the Urubamba River, the famed ruins are surrounded by lush, mist-shrouded mountains and boast steep, terraced steps that climb the side of the mountain that are flanked by the remains of ancient buildings. It is impossible to view this spectacular site without gasping in awe and taking a gazillion photographs.

While some tourists choose to reach Machu Picchu by a days-long adventure involving a hike from Cusco and multiple campsites, the best way for retirees to enjoy the journey is by train . A bus can take travelers the rest of the way from the train station, so there's little hiking to endure compared to other routes.

If you're feeling adventurous but don't think a multi-day hike is your thing, there's also a one-day Inca Trail Hike , which takes about six hours, and takes you to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. Be sure to book a reservation in advance (as many as four months before your trip) to ensure you can gain entry to the site. You can do so on the Peruvian Ministry of Culture's website.

A word of warning: since tourists to Machu Picchu must travel through Cusco , which sits over 11,000 feet above sea level, seniors should first check with their doctor to be sure it is safe for them to visit at such a high altitude.

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