I just got back from a much needed, all-around incredible vacation to the Caribbean islands! Not just any islands, but two of the islands that make up the ABC string of the Dutch Antilles (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao). Don't worry, I had no idea what this was until I discovered it while browsing my beloved Kayak explore map.

The islands are above Venezuela and are owned by the Netherlands. Let me show you what I got up to...

It was a looong journey from Boston, but the boyf and I were so excited. Morale was still high even when we landed in Aruba late at night after traveling for 7+ hours. We decided to stay in Aruba for a night before taking on Curacao first thing in the morning. 

We stayed at a rental apartment called Pega Pega Apartments for our first night in Aruba. It was our 'layover' so we were pretty frugal with our choice. We just wanted somewhere livable and somewhere close to the airport. It turned out okay! No AC in the living room which was killer, but the bedroom did so we hid in there for the night along with all the junk food we bought at a convenience store nearby. 

***Tip: Check out VRBO for AirBnb-like short term rentals!

We walked around the area before heading to the airport. A quick 45 minute plane ride later we were in Curacao! 

We had lunch at the hotel earlier that day and was not impressed for the price we paid. Thankfully, we made a reservation at Fishalicious for dinner, which was a short walk from the hotel. 

Amazing service! Get their seafood stew...I licked the plate clean. 
We relaxed next to the beach at Avila before snoozing for the night. 

We stayed in in the Pietermaai District, which a 20 minute walk to Willemstad, which (I believe) is the main city area of Curacao. 

The second night we chose to eat at another restaurant close by called Rozendaels. It's outdoors, and I loved the intimate setting. 

On our last day we decided to take a private tour around the island before or afternoon flight. A little risky? Yup. But, we managed! We booked through the booth in the hotel lobby. I think it was around $50 USD per person?
**Tip: Avila provides a private room to shower and freshen up even after you check out! Just ask the front desk. 

Our guide took us everywhere. And that's not an exaggeration. We hit all the tourist spots as well as drove by most of her favorite local beaches. We went to the Hato Caves, and the salt pans of Jan Thiel.

Our last spot was a mystery beach...okay it isn't that mysterious, I just forgot the name of it.

We made it back just in time to shower, have a drink, and catch our flight to our next destination. Aruba!