ARUBA

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On its western shores, Aruba's soft white beaches are fringed with palm trees and slope gently toward the calm, clear turquoise of the Caribbean.  Northward, the waves of the Atlantic thunder against the island's cliffs, where over eons they've carved high, arched coral bridges and deep limestone grottoes.

Between these two extremes lies a desert landscape with six-foot cacti and building-sized stands of boulders. Winding roads lead to rocky passes and hidden coves, while parakeets and troupials flash billiant greens and oranges against the deep blue Caribbean sky.

Thanks to the trade winds, temperatures are consistently in the low 80s.  There's no major rainy season and the island lies completely outside the hurricane belt.  The first three months of the year see the most visitors.  Just before Lent, Arubans host an elaborate Carnival, featuring parades, festivities and parties.  If you prefer smaller crowds and a quieter atmosphere, plan your trip for mid-April through September.  Or, if you can't stand another minute of cold weather, come in in the winter.  There's literally no such thing as a bad time to visit the island.

A member country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba is 20 miles long by 6 miles wide, about the size of Washington, D.C. Its compact size makes it convenient for exploration:  the semi-arid topography and geological formations offer a wealth of activities distinct from other Caribbean destinations.  Along with its extensive marine life, Aruba supplies ample entertainment for both water babies and landlubbers.  And as a result of recent legislation, Aruba has even become a popular destination for weddings.