Aruba Travel Agent Professional

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Christine Holland, Travel Agent in Reisterstown, MD

Christine Holland

Reisterstown, MD Travel Agent
Super Agent

Christine Holland

Reisterstown, MD · 25+ Years of Experience

Holland Travel For Less, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Davis, CA
5.0
(18)
100% Recommended
She’s the best! We’ve booked numerous vacations with Christine over the years; cruises to Alaska & Canada, all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and have never... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Aruba, Eagle Beach, Oranjestad, Palm Beach, Caribbean

Interests:

Celebration Travel, All Inclusive, Couples & Romance, Beach Vacations, Honeymoons

Suppliers:

Bahia Prinicipe , Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Riu Hotels, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

About Me

Aruba, a stunning island in the southern Caribbean Sea, is renowned for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and year-round sunny weather. As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba offers a unique blend of Dutch heritage and Caribbean charm, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.Geography and ClimateGeography Aruba is a small island, roughly 180 square kilometers (69 square miles) in size, located about 29 kilometers (18 miles) north of Venezuela. Its landscape is characterized by:Beaches: Known for their white sand and turquoise waters.Desert Interior: Featuring cacti, divi-divi trees, and rugged terrain.Natural Attractions: Including limestone caves, rock formations, and Arikok National Park.Climate Aruba has a tropical climate with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F) year-round. The island is outside the hurricane belt, making it a safe destination during the hurricane season. The dry season runs from January to September, while the wet season is from October to December.Attractions and ActivitiesBeaches Aruba’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the Caribbean:Eagle Beach: Known for its wide stretch of soft sand and iconic divi-divi trees, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.Palm Beach: A lively area lined with high-rise hotels, restaurants, and water sports facilities.Baby Beach: A shallow, calm lagoon ideal for families and snorkeling beginners.Arashi Beach: Popular for snorkeling and its tranquil environment.Water Activities The island’s clear, warm waters are ideal for various water activities:Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Explore coral reefs and shipwrecks like the SS Antilla.Windsurfing and Kiteboarding: Constant trade winds make Aruba a top destination for these sports.Sailing and Catamaran Cruises: Enjoy sunset cruises, private charters, and sailing tours.Arikok National Park This park covers nearly 20% of the island and features:Hiking Trails: Explore rugged terrain, unique flora and fauna, and historical sites.Caves: Visit the Fontein and Quadirikiri Caves, known for their ancient Arawak petroglyphs.Natural Pool (Conchi): A secluded natural pool accessible via a challenging hike or off-road vehicle.Cultural and Historical Sites Aruba offers several cultural and historical attractions:Alto Vista Chapel: The island’s first Catholic chapel with stunning coastal views.California Lighthouse: Provides panoramic views of the island.Bushiribana and Balashi: Ruins of 19th-century gold smelters.Oranjestad: The capital city, known for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture, shopping, and museums like the National Archaeological Museum.Culture and Cuisine Culture Aruba’s culture is a mix of Dutch, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. The island’s official languages are Papiamento and Dutch, but English and Spanish are widely spoken.Festivals Carnival: A vibrant, month-long celebration with parades, music, and elaborate costumes.Bon Bini Festival: A weekly event in Oranjestad showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts.Cuisine Aruban cuisine blends Caribbean, Latin American, and Dutch flavors:Keshi Yena: A traditional dish of stuffed cheese with spiced meat.Funchi: A cornmeal-based side dish similar to polenta.Seafood: Fresh catches like grouper, snapper, and shrimp.Dutch Treats: Enjoy snacks such as bitterballen (fried meatballs) and stroopwafels (syrup waffles).Accommodation and Nightlife Accommodation Aruba offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts in Palm Beach and Eagle Beach to budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals.Nightlife Aruba’s nightlife includes casual beach bars, sophisticated clubs, and casinos:Gusto Night Club: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and DJ sets.Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill: A lively pier bar perfect for sunset cocktails.Casinos: Many resorts have casinos with gaming, live entertainment, and dining.Practical Information Getting There Aruba is served by Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), which offers direct flights from various international destinations. Transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and public buses.Getting Around Renting a car is recommended for exploring the island, though taxis and buses are also available.Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Aruba is during the dry season, from January to September, when the weather is most favorable.Conclusion Aruba is a Caribbean paradise offering a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. With its stunning beaches, clear waters, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Aruba is an ideal destination for travelers seeking tranquility and excitement. Whether lounging on the beach, exploring natural wonders, or immersing yourself in local culture, Aruba promises an unforgettable vacation experience.    

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
18 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 18 reviews

Best trips ever!
Reviewed By Myra - Ellicott City, MD | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
She’s the best! We’ve booked numerous vacations with Christine over the years; cruises to Alaska & Canada, all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and have never been disappointed! She’s very thorough and asks all the right questions to ensure you get the best trip ever!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Awesomeness
Reviewed By Robyn - Pikesville Maryland | Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean
I have never been disappointed by the plans Christine has made for me. She strives to meet and exceed expectations of her clients
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Wonderful Cancun Getaway
Reviewed By Shirl - Baltimore, Md | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Christine Holland in planning my trip to Cancun. From start to finish, every detail was meticulously arranged, making for an unforgettable experience.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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My Perfect Wedding
Reviewed By Mrs. Moore - Baltimore, MD | Traveled to Tulum ~ Mexico ~ Mexico
Christine is helpful, personable, and friendly. My wedding would not have been planned so seamlessly without her! She also helped to teach me a lot about travel agents along the way?? Thank you so much Christine!
Christine Holland responded
"Thank you so much Sybil. It was a pleasure helping to make your destination wedding memorable and successful. I look forward in helping you with your future travels."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The best trip of our lives!
Reviewed By Beth - Louisville, Kentucky | Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean
Christine was great at planning our honeymoon. She made our honeymoon cruise to the Bahamas memorable...we even had a special gift in our cabin. We really enjoyed ourselves. We would definitely recommend Christine Holland to our family and friends.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

Aruba
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    My Travel Stories

    Aruba Natural Bridge

    My vacation in Aruba was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The island's stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters set the stage for an idyllic getaway. I spent my days lounging on Eagle Beach, frequently ranked among the world's best beaches. Exploring beyond the beaches, I visited the Arikok National Park, which ...
    Read more

    Client Testimonials

    Margaritaville in Belize City was fabulous!
    Margaritaville Beach & Villa Resort, Ambergris Caye, Belize - We had a great time and the resort is more like villas. Really nice relaxing and serene. They were very personable and accommodating. I would recommend them.
    Tonya D, Baltimore, MD
    BESbswy