Things to expect when traveling to Curacao.
Before you start planning on your actual stay in Curacao, be sure to check your list and see if you have everything in order. Have you secured your travel documents? Have you booked your accommodations? Are you really ready for that dream Curacao travel?
Like most trips, it is very crucial to prepare your travel documents especially those concerning entry requirements. While online hotel bookings are very convenient, make sure you call the hotel you wish to stay at, days before your arrival to confirm your room reservation. Also, even if most car rental companies have branches at the airport, advance bookings should be done to ensure that you have your choice of car waiting for you when you arrive. Taxis are also another option for Curacao travel. Fares are basically based on the number of passengers from 6am till 11pm. A fifth person would cost 25% more and a 25% add-on is also charged for trips not within those times. It is advisable to ask the driver for the charges first before you go on the trip.
Curacao’s currency, Netherlands Antillean guilder, abbreviated NAFI or ANG is at a steady rate of NAFI 1.77 against one US dollar. Travelers’ checks and the US dollar are accepted all over Curacao while most major cards are honored at big establishments. The banks are open on weekdays at 8:00 am till 3:30 pm. But you’ll be glad to know that banks at the airport are open from 8:00 am till 8:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays.
It would be wise to learn a couple of Dutch for your Curacao travel, as it is their primary form of communication. Some Spanish and Portuguese would be helpful as well since these two also comprise Curacao’s official language, the Papiamento.
Although predominantly Catholic, Curacao welcome other religions as well. Their places of worship and the expressions of their beliefs are accepted too.
What you should bring.
Being a tropical place, it is encouraged to bring casual attire. While beach attire, shorts and the like are tempting to wear all the time, these are strictly prohibited in some restaurants and some other establishments like the casinos. When planning to do some outdoor activities, like hiking, make sure you’re wearing something that will protect you against cacti and other thorny shrubs.
Sunscreen is a must-have, as well as some insect repellent. Make sure you bring all your photo stuff too. Spare batteries should be brought as these are quite expensive in Curacao.
So before you rush to the airport for your Curacao travel, make sure you have prepared the basics. While Curacao travel promises to be a memorable journey, you don’t want to spoil it with some unwanted, but totally avoidable hitches.
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Curacao Map
Curacao. The Curacao map is downloadable. Just right-click on the image and then choose "save picture as ". It is a very detailed map. It doesn't just feature the names of certain places, it also has details of what hotel or resort is on that area. It shows the location of places where you can shop and place where one can dine. A very important tool for those who love to go shopping and also useful for those who love to dine. It also shows historic sites, places of interest for you to go and most of all the, beaches (one of the most important Curacao Travel places to visit when your in Curacao.). It also has the location of all must see places in Curacao and all the Kodak outlets (after you have visited the interesting areas you can go and have your picture developed on the outlet nearest you. http://www.ehi.com/travel/carib/bonaire/hot_map2.html Another website where you can have a Curacao map. Although it isn't as detailed...
Curacao Liqueur
... made a massive investment to start the Curacao liqueur industry. Curacao liqueur has become a world success and with that many liquor manufacturers worldwide albeit produced Curacao liqueur but with artificial flavors. The genuine Curacao liqueur is called "Curacao of Curacao". Original Curacao liqueur is clear in color. It later evolved, and is now available in various colors for cocktail purposes (blue, red, orange and green). Colored Curacao liqueur has the same Curacao Travel taste as the original. At present, the liquor has many flavors. The name "Curacao liqueur" is now generic and can be based on any white spirits. Many wine manufacturers around the world now produce Curacao liqueur. So if ever you will visit Curacao. Don't forget to visit that famous "Chobolobo Mansion" or "Country Estate". It is where the famous original Curacao liqueur or "Curacao...
The Curacao Flag
... symbolizes the five continents of which the local population originated. Curacao celebrates its "Curacao Flag Day" on July 2. It is one of the many "Official Holiday" that Curacao celebrates annually. It is celebration starts with and flag raising ceremony at the Village of Barber and at the Plaza Brion. The day is celebrated with parades, ceremonies and cultural events. Some events are held at Otrobanda. There is also a historical Curacao flag that many experts believe is doubtful. It is said to be very much alike with the Dutch flag only it has a Coat of Arms in the center (which is not the official coat of arms of Curacao. The coat of arms that is used on this particular flag is a ship. More specifically it is a ship of the Netherlands West India Company. Experts say that this particular flag...
Information On Curacao Island
... Information on Curacao Island such as the language and currency they use are also important to first-time visitors. While English are widely understood in Curacao, it is helpful to learn a few Dutch, Spanish or Portuguese also, as these are what comprise their official language, the Papiamento. Netherlands Antilles Florin is Curacao's currency which is FL1.79 to a $1. U.S. dollars are accepted all over Curacao though. Other necessary information on Curacao Island is the travel within the city. Expect the drive from the Hato International Airport to the resort and vice versa to be just around 25 minutes. Drive time from resort to Willemstad would be just about 35 minutes. Make sure you have a detailed map of the city. If you opt to take a cab to get around, always ask the driver how much your trip would cost before making the actual trip. Remember though...
Curacao Island Map
... yourself, be comforted with the presence of a Curacao Island map. And as a helpful tip, NEVER pay for a map while in Curacao. They are given free-of-charge. Some establishments though, like hotels, will charge you for one. Curacao Travel The centuries-old Werbata Maps are available in the bookstores and are suited to those seeking adventure. This type of map is Curacao Island's first topographical map, and will likely lead to some unspoiled parts of Curacao. A lot of websites should be helpful. Curacao Island map as well as detailed maps of major places in Curacao like Willemstad, Otrabanda & Punda, and a separate Punda map can be found at www.caribbean-on-line.com . The maps on this particular site are so comprehensive and will no doubt let you get around the island pretty well. A laptop would have been the best tool to access sites like this especially while you're driving. Visiting Google Earth is highly recommended because it will provide you driving directions. Driving tips, signs and directions can also be found at www.curacao-travelguide.com . So...
Map Of Curacao
... is of high quality. It is very important for a traveler or a tourist to have a map, especially if you are in Curacao. With all the beautiful places to go to you might get confused. When choosing a map of Curacao, make sure that it is easy to read and understand. Some maps are too general on the labels. They just put a dot and a name of the place. Its better that you choose a map that has information of what hotel or resort or facilities that is in that area and also that it has information like the fees, and what time that particular establishment opens. Remember all the interesting places that you've been to so that the next time you will be in Curacao, you won't have to use the...
Curacao Airlines
... * Air Jamaica Ltd. International Hato Airport rm 0-105 Telephone: (599-9) 888 1919 Telefax: (599-9) 888 2313 * Aires Aeropuerto Hato W G 04105 Telephone: (599-9) 888 3431 Telefax: (599-9) 868 0209 * Avianca Airlines Aeropuerto Hato Room wg 4/5 Telephone: (599-9) 86800122 /01 Telefax: (599-9) 868 0209 * KLM Curacao Travel Royal Dutch Airlines Office Park Zeelandia Telephone: (599-9) 465 2747 Telefax: (599-9) 465 3733 Website: www.klm.com Curacao airlines are not the only flights being handled by Curacao's Hato International Airport. It also welcomes private planes. One of the companies that handles these flights is the Cats Handling with contact number (599-9) 869 4482 and email address catsnv@hotmail.com. Guests using private planes may also solicit the services of Curacao Ground Handler. A visit to www.cybercur.com would give you a longer Curacao airlines list. As with other...
Curacao Maps
... even have schedules of activities and events. Others have lists of hotels Curacao Travel and resorts and their respective amenities and accommodations (a rather than going to a travel agency you can choose on which you will stay). While some have the beaches and other really interesting places for you to go to. There are some websites that sell Curacao maps. You have to order them online. Others have the same Curacao map features and you can have them for free. All you have to do is to download and print them. And poof! You can have it. Though you have got to have patience because looking for free Curacao maps on the internet can be painstakingly time consuming. There are also some Curacao maps that are for auction on the internet. Like the ones that are on www.ebay.com. All you have to do is just be a member and enter the "Curacao maps" on the search bar then click "search". You don't have to worry if your not yet a member because...
Curacao Vacations
... a Mexican salsa beat, people always have a good time dining in these places. Carnivals are also the primary reasons for Curacao vacations. Street-dancing with the locals to the Tumba beat is a tourist's favorite party experience. Running from early January to the end of February or March, these carnivals are popular tourists' attraction. The hotels and resorts of Curacao promise to make one's visit not just pleasant but memorable as well. With their enticing Curacao Travel beaches, rooms with splendid views, charming restaurants, and outstanding service, accommodations will give you more than just a place to spend the night at. Reasons for Curacao vacations vary. Some may want to see the breathtaking beaches and indulge in water sports. Others may just want to bond with nature. Some may want to see and document the historic structures. A few may just be interested in the duty-free shopping. But to get the best out of your vacation, it is advisable to visit all the famous sights....
Curacao Weather
... web site is has many features. It gives a very current weather forecast, not just the Curacao weather but to any place that you want to know. Regularly updated, show what time it was last updated. It also has a five day forecast weather forecast. * http://weather.yahoo.com/ - The weather report of this site is much nicer easier to read and understand. Gives a five day weather forecast and also has videos of top weather stations reporters. * http://www.caribbeanmag.com/ - A web based travel guide directory of vacation destinations in the Caribbean. It gives morning, afternoon and evening forecasts. It also provides information of hotel activities, reviews, lodgings and scuba diving in the Caribbean. * http://www.meteo.an/ - The official meteorological service of Curacao Travel Netherlands Antilles and Aruba in the internet. Has a very simple three day weather forecast of the Netherlands Antilles. * http://www.newszoom.com/ - A current events website...
Maps Of Curacao
... roads and highways of Curacao, but the map is quite informative. * http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/ - A website that lets you make bookings of hotels in the Caribbean. The website has a large array of maps of Curacao which you can order. This site offers a detail map of Curacao which shows hotels and resorts of which you can download and has details of major roads and highways of Curacao. Curacao Travel * http://www.frommers.com/ - A very useful website that doesn't only book you for your trip but also offers tips and news of the place you want to go. It has maps of Curacao that is downloadable and free. Also has articles of famous places and excerpts from its guidebooks and a message board for you to post...
Sports In Curacao
... are some skilled professional that offer their services for those who want to learn windsurfing. Curacao is also considered home of a number of sailing regattas all year round. There are shops that offer sailing equipments for rent. On the beach, there are lots of sporting activities. Beach volley is the most popular of them. We all know that if wherever there is a beach there is also beach volley. Kayaking or canoeing is also a popular sports in Curacao. Almost every resort in Curacao have kayaking or canoeing equipments. If don't know yet, hiking is also one popular sports in Curacao. Curacao has a National Park that you can climb or hike. You can hike through the 4,500 acre Christoffel Park. There is also the Rif Recreation Area that has a 2-mile jogging track. Horseback riding is also offered on Curacao. One can go horseback riding for an hour or for...
Curacao Airport
... would have to catch a ferry from Aruba and Bonaire in order to get to Curacao). The Curacao Airport (Hato International Airport), which is in Plaza Margareth Abraham, is located near the island capital, Willemstad. At present, Curacao airport has regular flights to and from all over the world. There are regular nonstop Curacao Travel flights from different locations and airlines. There are two top airline companies from North America that serve Curacao; these are the Dutch Caribbean Airlines and the Air Jamaica. Like any airports, the Curacao Airport is tightening its security after the recent terror attack all over the world (especially after the 9-11 tragedy). Airline security has tightened checkpoints and conducted additional regulations with regards to cargo and luggage. In the Hato International Airport, travelers are often stopped for random inspections and must present themselves and their luggage. This is one of the security measures that the airport has increased which...
Curacao Real Estate
... the internet. Here's a list of the current Curacao real estate developers that you can find on the internet: * http://www.turq.com - This website's offers services from hotel reservations to tourist boards to real estates and to almost everything in Central America and the Caribbean. * www.marionr.com - One of the Curacao real estate developers has a wide variety of Curacao real estates, this includes residential, industrial and commercial. Also have the current Curacao real estates that are for rent. * www.newwindsrealty.com - Claimed to be one of the largest Curacao real estate company. Has a large array of real estates (office spaces, condominiums, villas, apartments and houses) listings, not only in Curacao but also in Aruba. * www.vanolst.net - has detailed information of buildings and terrains in Curacao. Its main listings are highly expensive. * www.olstra.com - a partner of www.vanolst.net, this Curacao real estates developer only have a list of Curacao real estates that...
Curacao Tourism
... on is the modernization of the Curacao Airport (Hato International Airport). With the awareness of a new tourism industry, hotels recreational facilities in Curacao are developing increasingly. Making themselves competitive with the rest of the world. The Curacao Travel main factor of Curacao's tourism is its uniqueness from most of the other the Caribbean destination. It gives a different experience, very rich in its historical and cultural heritage, is known to be the best diving in the world; though underdeveloped, and offers a great quality of life. For those who want to indulge great culture in their destination, Curacao is the place to be. Most Curacao tourists will be pleased of what its resorts and recreational facilities got to offer. You can go to the beach, do some diving, hike on the mountains, go shopping and the most fun of all, the festivities. Festivities in Curacao is very much famous. Where else in the world...