a travel blog by renata green
Whether you’re coming on a cruise ship, from one of the neighboring islands, or just want to experience the island in an authentic way at your own pace, a self-organized day trip by public bus will grant you a wonderful break from your daily beach life routine.
Nestled in the big wet heart of the Caribbean, Sint Maarten, the Dutch half of this unique dual-nation island, offers the best of European charm and tropical allure combined. Known for its white-sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere, this southern part of the island pulses with life and color.
Apart from lazing on the beach and taking refreshing dips in the beautiful waters, you can also sail into picturesque lagoons, snorkel among coral reefs, or simply unwind at a beachside bar with a rum punch in hand. As you stroll down the streets lined with pastel façades of the lively neighborhood of Philipsburg or hike through lush tropical greenery, make sure you don’t miss out on a fun scare as planes roar dramatically over your head alongside the waters of the world-famous Maho Beach!
This Way to the Whole Story ->Turquoise waters and tropical fish, swaying palm trees, and pink flamingos – this is what you would expect on a Caribbean island. But where do the Flemish gable houses come from? And why are locals speaking Dutch on tropical islands just north of Venezuela?
Well, the history and fusion of different cultures are surely one of a kind on the so-called ABC islands. Hence, put on some sunscreen, grab your snorkel gear, and join me in my island hopping between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.
Let me guide you through Curacao, the Caribbean island that simply has it all: Idyllic coves and secluded beaches, a fascinating history, great contemporary art, amazing food, and a capital city that UNESCO put on the list of World Heritage.
But Curaçao has also some well-hidden gems that I’m introducing in this guide – and I promise that you will love all of them!
This Way to the Whole Story ->Bonaire is the easternmost of the three so-called A B C islands, which are part of the Dutch Antilles off the coast of Venezuela.
The popular holiday destination Aruba is Bonaire’s little sister, while Curaçao is the bigger and apparently more important one.
This makes Bonaire seemingly the oftentimes overlooked middle child.
Very unjustly so, since although it might be lesser known, B is still at least as beautiful and varied as its siblings A and C.
Need proof?
No problem: In this post, I’ve put together the best activities you can enjoy on beautiful Bonaire in one week – even if you are not diving.
Aruba was actually one of the first islands in the Caribbean that opened its hearts’n’harbors to international visitors by installing well-working tourist infrastructures. Today, Aruba is an absolute A-Lister when it comes to a dream vacation in the West Indies.
However, while most visitors are coming for the dreamy sand beaches, it would be a big mistake to miss out on the natural wonders Aruba is hiding in its hinterland.
In this post, I have you covered by telling you about all the wonderful spots you should not miss when visiting this self-proclaimed happy island.
Basically, all visitors are coming to Bonaire for the waters, for swimming and diving, and for snorkeling. And you cannot blame them, the smallest of the ABC islands is surrounded by some of the world’s best reefs. Getting into the water, you’re basically entering a borderless aquarium.
But come on, you water maniacs lovers, you don’t want to miss out on the best Bonaire has to offer ashore, do you? So quick, dry yourself off, put on some shorts and flip-flops, and let’s explore what Bonaire has in store when it comes to street food and urban art.
I promise you won’t regret it!
Don’t let that winter blues bring you down: Better enjoy floats’n’festivities during carnival season 2025 in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao! In this post, I’m telling you a bit about the history, I give you tips on where to see the best events and what to bring so you can enjoy the parades to the fullest.
While Aruba is famous for its beaches, far too few people venture to the hidden gem San Nicolas in the south of the island where you get to see some of the most powerful murals.
In this post, I’m introducing some of San Nicolas’ most impressive pieces that you can explore self-guided or on an organized tour.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Curaçao is the largest and definitely most varied one of the ABC islands. Not only does it have a vibrant capital city that made it onto UNESCO’s list of world heritage. The island boasts powerful street art, fascinating history, amazing food, and world-famous liqueur. Yet, one of the main reasons tourists flock to the island, especially during the wintertime, are Curaçao’s idyllic coves and secluded beaches.
Contrary to all assumptions, many of the most beautiful beaches lining the island of Curacao can be conveniently and very inexpensively reached by public bus.
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