My visit of Curacao in February – First AirBnb experience

Two years ago I planned to spend February – coolest month in Slovakia – in Caribbean.

First I really wanted to go to Miami and stay 6 weeks. Few months before the trip i browsed all information through – transportation, flights, car rentals, accommodations, hotels, markets, attractions – everything I could find. In October we were cruising around the islands and I went to visit cousin of my husband for one day trip in Curacao. Honestly before I had no idea about this place. Yuli was very nice and wanted me to visit the most beautiful beach. Only thing – the beach was 2 hrs. away. We were driving through all island to get there. I had amazing time. While talking, she asked me why I would spend 6 weeks in Miami and not to come and visit her island. Well, I started to think about it.

As time was passing by, I started to plan the trip. Found tickets from Vienna to Miami at very good price. Then was looking flights from Miami to Curacao. Tickets were so tempting, that I booked it. There is also various flights options from Europe. From Amsterdam is one flight only – 9 hours. 10 days in nice hot Curacao. Lets see what we can do there.

Yuli was making her new house, but was not finished yet. Suggested to try world travelers site.

To browse a portal AirBnb took me some time. There is many offers. From rooms, to apartments, finishing with houses and villas. All depend how many people you are planing to take with you. Personally I prefer a bigger space – found a house. It was just beautiful with pool on the side. Owner wrote us immediately to prepare everything for our arrival. Asked if need something special or would like any further information. This way I felt very comfortable and special. Personalize service.

Curacao – this was our 10 days of exploring. We came there 1^st of February. At home we had minus 15 Celsius. Lets see. I planned everything. Flights, car rental and Airbnb accommodation. On the airport we had ready our car which I rented until the last day. Got a car from rent company representative right in the airport. Then wrote our new house direction on GPS and we drove. Island is not so big, airport is located on the north middle part. Drive was about 20 minutes. When we came in, saw big parking lot on the front of lots of small bungalows. Went to reception, lady in middle age was very welcoming and gave us a key from the house and also private entrance gate.

Owner of the house went to Europe, he wrote me that before, and lady in reception was his sister. Family is having small resort with bungalows and private houses. In the middle of this beautiful garden area was a pool. We were using this pool every day. Honestly, only 2 times I met one couple there. We had all pool for us only most of the time.

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Accommodation:

Through AirBnb we booked a beautiful 3 bedroom house for 6 people. We ended up only 3 but it was great. Located was in Santa Catherina. House was as beautiful as pictures. We had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, big living room with sitting area, patio with grill and wash machine. Just like at home! We found the map on the table with all tips where to go. Internet was available even in the pool area,I had a chance to work on my online hospitality bussines eBooks.Big supermarket was 10 minutes drive, small supermarket in the front of us and closest beach 10 minutes drive. We found that this location is very quiet, new part. Safe,clean, 15 minutes to downtown. Two times in our 10 days our house got cleaned. Wash machine was a big plus, drying clothes outside was experience – all got dry in few hours. BBQ outside on terrace had even half bag of coal – could use it straight.

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Transportation:

To get around with a car is the best option. Fuel has prices like in Europe, distances are not so big. For less than 3 hours you will get from one side of the island to another. All public and private beaches has parking. You can have a great time and not to think about your car. Parking is most of the times safe, on the beach side I always gave a little something to man looking after the parking lot, even was free. In the town parking is easy, hotels has open garages to public, you can keep your car protected. They have EU driving rules. International driving license is accepted, EU citizens can use their national license. Highway is not available, you drive mostly on local roads, which might be crowded in some peak hours, but safe to drive. Drivers are mostly calm and polite. No jungle traffic here. You can also experience off road driving, by booking one of the tours. You get your 4×4 buggy car and with the group you can drive around the wild area. Cost is approx. 40 USD for person, 4 of you in the car. This way you can discover all island.

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Eating out or cooking ?

There is plenty options in Curacao. Is up to you if prefer to prepare meals home or like to eat out. Big supermarket had to visit already in our first day. Was not planning to go there often, but as days were passing and we made some friends, started to prepare BBQ for dinner, sometimes even for lunch. Products were so fresh and tasted good – meat, veggies, basically all what we got. On vacations I prefer to eat out, but this place was so nice that I felt like at home. Yes we went out also, had lunch downtown, dinner in local restaurant. Breakfast we prepared every day before we left. There was no need to bring food with us around, all Curacao had a food everywhere.

We tried local dish – chicken stew, goat stew and tamales made with meat wrapped in banana leafe. Typical bars in downtown offers also dutch meat balls, potato croquettes and typical dishes from old Europe. It was good lunch time to pass by and get little snack. Prices are same like in Europe, even in the supermarket where most of the items are imported.

What to see:

A lots of everything. The most beautiful beaches, resorts, aquarium, swimming with dolphins, fishing trip, swimming with turtles,aloe Vera farm, ostrich farm, Hato cave,Curacao liquor factory, old town and promenade, restaurants and clubs. Scuba diving is a special part. There is diving school or diving boats all day long. Just choose and go. Catamaran or boat day tour are also good to spend time with your friends or family. Curacao tourist office also provide red city tour bus. Most of the bookings you can do online, which I highly recommend. Some days when is a cruise ships in the port some attractions might be sold out. Check before you get to island also cruise ship calendar online to avoid disappointment.

–Aloe Vera farm is offering variety of their products for discounted prices. You can see the whole process and also get a fresh aloe leaf. Need 2 hours for this tour, if you take a road car trip, will stop here but very quick

–Ostrich farm has a beautiful animals, not only ostrich. Area has a authentic African souvenir store, restaurant, bar and refreshment sale. This farm is close by to Aloe farm, can take one tour together or road tour, where this attraction is also included

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–Liquor factory has a variety of guided tours and has a own souvenir shop. You can have a tour with tasting or without. In offer is also a small bartender class for upgraded fee.

– Hato cave – I was a bit disappointed that is tourist trap, but only because in Slovakia we are famous with cave of any origin and I visited most of them. This is only my personal feeling, but if you never been to cave or want to enjoy different day than beach, go for it.

– Aquarium – visited very early in the morning for dolphin swim. Was escorting the group of friends, still had to pay entrance fee. There is a chance to go and watch people swimming with dolphins, if from any reason you don’t want to do it yourself. After you can browse aquarium, which is really interesting. If you decide to swim with dolphins, photos are offered for extra charge and souvenir shop is there also. Make booking online, this atraction is very popular.

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– Shete boka national park is just stunning. You can walk next to the sea on wood walkway and look down to pretty waves. Dangerous waters can see from above. Recommending!

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– Queen Emma pontoon bridge not to be missed. This old bridge is perfectly functioning and when big ship passing by and have to open, alternative boat transportation is offered for free. What an experience! Along on both sides is variety of shops, restaurants and attractions.

BEACHES:

There is a 38 beaches to choose from in Curacao. I will mention only the ones which I visited on my trip. Every day visited one.

– Caracasbaai – is public, free, has umbrellas and small restaurants on the side. Parking is free straight on the beach. Water is clear, fresh. You can see oil rig on repair close by and this makes it special. Snorkel there is very nice, with a lots of fish under. There is a small restaurant, but is not open all the time. Only few public umbrellas with tables and seats is available. Need to bring your own equipment. Mostly in weekends families coming here all together and making BBQ on the beach.

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– Jan Thiel beach – this is private beach for a fee and everything is paid extra. Protected paid parking is in the front. There is a lots of activities there. You can rent cabanas, umbrellas, play tennis, volleyball and food is served straight anywhere. This is a paradise with all service. But to spend here a day, two or three is a treat and relax. There is shallow water or snorkel part, also swim is available. Small children are enjoying also, more quiet.

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– Mambo beach – aquarium is close by, diving school located right there. Restaurant with BBQ and drinks all day, umbrellas, sun beds and chairs. There is an entrance fee, if you stay in hotel close by is included. All day entertainment and shops close by. Little local shops offer also typical street food – empanadas, crepes, seafood, fish, burgers. Water is clean, but shallow. Is a little bay, when cruise ship in the port it might get very crowded. Very good to visit with children of any age.

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– Grote Knip – this is a beach on very west of the island. Beautiful, with clear water, amazing for snorkel. There is parking right in the front. Umbrellas and chairs are available for little fee. Restaurant is open depends on season, I was lucky to eat there. Offering variety of grilled fish, burgers, grilled chicken breast, fries. Can have a really nice meal here. There is also shower and toilet right on the beach, for small fee. When you come with children, better have everything ready with you. If facilities are open, will be only plus. I experienced both – one day was all open, other not.

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There is more beaches to explore. I mentioned only the ones I visited on my trip. I checked other beaches too. Some had a pig! running in parking lot, or chickens I saw on other one. I am sure you will find the best one for you.

On the end…

I highly recommend to visit Curacao not only in February. Weather is great all year long, you can have nice active or relaxing time. To travel alone, or with partner or children is really easy. For sure will come back again. This place is already having a piece of my heart.

This was amazing experience in Curacao with AirBnb. You can make your booking with discount when using this link, I will also get credit for this. This is areally amazing way how to see the world. To work online from any place and enjoying the traveling.

Tags: #worldoflinda #mundodelinda #traveling #curacao #airbnb #airbnbdiscount #airbnbexperience #cruise # cruiseshipcuracao #airbnbreview #crewlife #curacaoday

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