Shopping and Casinos  : Aruba

A very dry island (there are lots of cacti and aloe plants) outside the hurricane belt, Aruba's Dutch heritage is reflected in some of the downtown architecture. Watch for the permanently bent-over divi divi trees that reflect the almost-incessant trade winds. Aruba is very built up with lots of high rise hotels, shopping, golf, horseback riding, spas and casinos. There's an interesting history of gold prospectors that lingers in gold mill ruins, plus several caves, an Ostrich Farm and a Butterfly Farm to visit. Duty-free shopping includes gems and watches.