Tag: travel content

(WordTonic x First Choice Competition)

About the Brief

Client: TUI’s First Choice

Challenge: Write a first-person travel article for First Choice’s Inspire Blog about one of their destinations that blends storytelling with practical travel advice. The goal was to inspire families to picture what their own trip could look like.

Copy Choices:

• Drew from my own childhood experiences to create an authentic, first-hand perspective that parents could relate to
• Structured the piece as a seven-day itinerary to help readers visualize a complete, ready-to-follow family holiday
• Balanced nostalgia with modern recommendations, showing the the destination appeals to families today
• Focused on family-friendly experiences like snorkeling, animal encounters, and cultural sights
• Used conversational, sensory language to make scenes vivid and real
• Wrote in a tone that feels like friendly advice from someone who’s been there, instead of another travel brochure

Aruba is a small Caribbean island just off the coast of Venezuela. Half rugged desert, half Dutch-influenced tropical paradise, it lies outside the hurricane zone and enjoys nearly year-round sunshine (even during the rainy season!)

My parents took me there in 2003, and it’s one of my most vivid childhood memories. That trip was so good, my mom made a whole scrapbook out of it (not a normal occurrence for her). 

I don’t have kids of my own, but I did visit Aruba as a kid, so I’ve got a pretty good idea of what makes a holiday here stand out. If I were going back now on a family trip, here’s exactly how I’d spend seven days with little ones in tow.

Day 1: Land in Oranjestad

If you’re arriving from the UK, it’s a long travel day, so I’d keep things super simple once you land.

For accommodation, you’ve got options. My family went twice—once we stayed at a big resort, and once we rented a house with a pool. Both were great, but if I were visiting with kids today, I’d go with a resort. You get easy beach access, pools, activity options, on-site dining, and other families around, which makes meeting playmates a breeze.

I still remember spending hours in the pool with a girl I met at our resort. Sadly, this was pre-smartphones, so I never saw her again. But the memories stuck.

Keep dinner easy on day one and eat at the resort. Most offer casual al fresco dining, and some even do dinner right on the beach. Look out for Aruban barbecue or coconut shrimp if it’s on the menu. Plus, resort menus always have kid options. 

You might even catch some live Caribbean music while you eat. I danced way too hard to a steel drum band at dinner once and promptly crashed before dessert. Sorry, Mom.

Oh, and keep an eye out for iguanas around the gardens. They’re everywhere. Just don’t feed them cantaloupe like my dad and I did. (Apparently not great for them.) Some resorts provide proper iguana food pellets if your kids get curious.

Day 2: Snorkel & Play at Baby Beach

Today’s all about easing into island life, and there’s no better place to do that than Baby Beach.

First things first: I’d rent a car. You could do this right at the airport when you land on Day 1, or just pick one up from a local rental spot in Oranjestad. Either way, it’s well worth it. Aruba’s easy to drive around, and having a car gives you the freedom to explore without relying on taxis or tours.

I’ll admit I have a bit of an advantage being American. I’m used to driving on the right, which is the same in Aruba. But if you drive on the left at home, don’t stress. Aruban drivers are famously chill, and loads of travelers say they find it surprisingly easy to get around.

When my family and I visited in 2003, we had a rental car and got to explore the entire island. If I were going back today, I’d absolutely do the same.

Start your morning with a drive down to Baby Beach, tucked away on the southern tip of the island. It’s a calm, shallow lagoon that is perfect for anxious parents. The water stays warm and gentle all day, making it ideal for paddling, floating, and beginner snorkelling.

Bring goggles and snorkels, even if it’s your child’s first time. The water is so clear, you’ll spot tropical fish just a few feet from shore. No strong waves, no drop-offs. Just warm, safe water and soft sand.

One of my clearest memories from this beach is my dad paddling over on a boogie board with what looked like the world’s biggest starfish. I was five, so maybe I’m exaggerating, but it looked huge. (This is your reminder to admire wildlife from afar.)

Baby Beach gets busy, especially on weekends, so I’d aim to arrive early and claim a free palapa or shaded spot under a tree. Later arrivals can always rent a beach umbrella (or come prepared with a rental from your hotel!)

On the way back, stop in San Nicolas for lunch. It’s close by and gives you a taste of a quieter, more local side of the island. I’d grab some fresh empanadas or grilled chicken, eat outside, and let the kids wind down before the drive back.

Day 3: Explore Arikok National Park

Time to swap the beach for something a little wilder. Arikok National Park deserves at least a full day. It’s one of the best ways to see just how varied the island really is.

You’ll definitely want a rental car for this one (ideally with strong air conditioning—it gets hot out there). The park covers nearly 20% of the island, with wide-open desert, rocky trails, and towering cacti that look straight out of a movie.

First stop: Guadirikiri Caves. These limestone caves are home to hundreds of harmless bats and are lit by natural beams of sunlight that filter through holes in the ceiling. It’s eerie in the best way. If your kids are into animals (or slightly spooky stuff), they’ll be obsessed.

After that, I’d drive over to the coast to visit the Natural Bridge site. The original bridge collapsed in 2005, but it’s still worth stopping to see where it stood. There’s also a smaller “baby bridge” nearby that’s still intact and makes for a fun photo op.

I’m not sure if there’s still a popsicle stand nearby, but if there is, your kids will definitely want one! And they will get sticky, so bring baby wipes…or dunk them in the ocean to clean off. 

By this point, everyone will be hot, tired, and probably hungry, so stop for lunch at Boca Prins Bar & Restaurant, which is located right in the middle of the park. I’d split some freshly caught fish and keshi yena (a cheesy local dish) with my husband, while the kids dig into burgers and fries. Easy.

After lunch, I’d head up to Arashi Beach for a cooldown swim. It’s usually quieter than the more popular spots, with calm, clear water and soft sand. Ideal for one last dip before dinner.

Day 4: Flamingos, Butterflies & Optional Animal Encounters

Day Four is a choose-your-own animal-themed adventure day. Personally, I’d start early and do an excursion to Renaissance Island to see the famous flamingos.

The island is privately owned by the Renaissance Hotel, and Flamingo Beach is adults-only except in the morning—so that’s your window if you want your kids to experience it. You’ll need a day pass (unless you’re staying at the hotel), but I think it’s worth the splurge. The flamingos are used to people and often wander right up to you!

In the afternoon, head over to the Butterfly Farm. Early in the day, you might see butterflies emerging from their chrysalises. I went here as a kid and accidentally bumped into one of the butterfly baths mid-tour. The butterflies flew away as the guide was explaining how delicate they were, much to my parents’ embarrassment.

Tickets are valid for your whole trip, so you can come back again later in the week if your kids love it.

If everyone’s still in the mood for animal adventures, I’d add one (or both) of these other stops:

• The Donkey Sanctuary – Sweet, gentle donkeys you can feed and pet. It’s free to visit (donations welcome), and it’s a good place for kids to slow down and interact with animals in a relaxed, open space.
• The Ostrich Farm – Not gonna lie, ostriches can be kind of terrifying in person. But, if your kid happens to be into dinosaurs, this is probably something they’ll enjoy. 

Day 5: Splash & Snack on De Palm Island

Today’s plan: sun, slides, snacks, repeat.

I’d set aside a full day for De Palm Island. It’s just a five-minute ferry ride from the mainland, and it feels like its own little world built entirely for family fun.

I’d book a day pass in advance (especially during school holidays), which gives you access to everything: water slides, shallow splash zones for younger kids, shaded cabanas, snorkeling gear, and a buffet lunch.

There’s even a coral reef right off the beach that’s perfect for beginner snorkelers. If your kids are older (and up for a little adventure), you could try the SeaTREK helmet dive, where you walk along the ocean floor with a space-like helmet. No swimming or snorkeling skills required, and the photo you get is totally scrapbook-worthy. 

And it’s not just for the kids. While they run wild on the slides, adults can relax with unlimited cocktails from the bar, book an optional massage on the beach, or just enjoy a quiet float in the calm, clear water. There’s even a flamingo enclosure where you can snap photos and enjoy a few peaceful minutes away from the splash zones.

And for food, you’re completely covered. The day pass includes unlimited snacks, drinks, and lunch. Expect burgers, fries, soft-serve ice cream, and plenty of juice for the kids.

Fair warning: if your kids love water slides, you may have trouble getting them to leave before the last ferry. 

Day 6: Trams, Treats & Culture in Oranjestad

After five straight days of sand and swimming, now’s the time to take in some culture in Oranjestad, Aruba’s colorful capital.

Getting around is easy. Just hop on the free open-air streetcar that loops through town. It’s super kid-friendly, runs regularly, and turns getting from A to B into part of the fun. You can ride it just to take in the views or hop off at any stop that catches your eye.

Oranjestad is full of bright, Dutch-colonial buildings in tropical pastels. Think tall gables, intricate trim, and bold colors. No agenda needed, just have fun getting lost!

Along the way, you’ll pass local markets and craft stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to painted coconuts. One thing I’d definitely look out for is the hand-painted bobblehead turtles. I brought several home as a kid, but they’ve been lost between several house moves, so I am in the market for more. 

If your family’s up for a bit of indoor exploring, I’d stop at the National Archaeological Museum. It’s housed in a beautifully restored colonial home and has cool exhibits on Aruba’s Indigenous history, artifacts, and colonial past. It’s air-conditioned, educational, and just the right size to hold a kid’s attention without dragging on too long.

When it’s snack time, I’d grab a fresh smoothie or pick up a pastechi—a flaky Aruban pastry usually filled with cheese, beef, or chicken. Perfect fuel for a bit more strolling (or bribery, if your kid is losing steam).

Day 7: Relaxed Snorkeling & Goodbye Sunset

For your final day, I’d keep things simple and slow. Head to Mangel Halto or Malmok Beach. These are two quieter, lesser-known spots that are perfect for a peaceful morning snorkel.

Both beaches have calm, clear water and coral reefs just off the shore. You won’t need to go far to spot parrotfish, angelfish, or little schools of something bright and stripey. It’s an easy, low-effort adventure to squeeze in before heading home.

If there’s time (and energy), I’d do one last souvenir stop in town or head back to your family’s favorite beach for a final swim and a sandcastle or two.

For your last dinner, I’d pick a spot with a sunset view. Order something local (maybe grilled fish or keshi yena one more time?) and let everyone go around the table sharing their favorite part of the trip. Get excited about seeing your pets again, but try not to think about the horrid weather that awaits you at home.