i'd like to again tell everyone again what a great time we had on the happy island. as soon as you step off the plane you can tell that it will be like no other vacation you have had! the weather was great, fishing trip was sucess. went snorkeling down to baby beach and it was stunning, i couldnt believe how many fish there was swimming around eating bread out of my hands.we were staying at the low rises and went up to the high rise for supper the night before we left and ate at gilligans at the raddison and when we were sitting there we looked over to the next table and see some people we thought were down there last year on the kooku bus with us and come to find out it was them (small world ha?) as we started talking to them we found out they had just bought a camp in maine about 10 miles from our house and they wrote there address on a card and this is where my story gets bad. i left my wallet on the table and now i don't have there names. not to mention i lost some cash and credit card and most of all my driver license. we checked the next dat and nobody had turned it in. if anyone happens to be down there and finds this i would like to get that card back. my name is bill leonard and my address is 669 stream road winterport maine 04496 U.S.A. thanks

Why not also post this on bulletin board at www.visitaruba.com

isn't this a lot of personal information to give out on a BB???

and at aruba-travelguide.com

and aruba-bb.com as well

(cover all your bases)

I was at the pier outside the Radisson as week last Sunday (20th) when I put my bag down, my mistake and someone snatched it. Lost drivers license, credit cards, lots of cash, and some jewelry. Small pink "GUESS" bag, no one used the credit cards so I am hoping it is still out there!!!! If you see it please get it for me.

More reasons to go All inclusive and not carry anything to the beach other than your towel.

Sorry to hear no one turned in your wallet. Can't figure people out at all. Where did honesty go to?
Anyways, was wondering how safe the rooms are in leave cash etc. etc.?? I know they have safes in rooms -- but are they safe???

I agree with you on the all inclusive package. i love it as do my daughter. it is nice knowing i don't have to ask her 20 times a day where her pocketbook or bag is. she just does her own thing, orders food or drink and goes about the day. i, in turn, find it well worth the price.

F & G,

"Are the safes safe?" Yes I think so, I mean where else are you going to put your valuables? The maids are certainly honest - how long would they keep their job if they weren't? That kind of thing would get back to management quickly.

I like the adage, "locks only keep honest people out" Could "they" rip the safe from the wall? I have heard that it has happened but...

No worries, mine was loaded with happy 50's & 100's. Stop in the room, punch a few buttons make a withdrawl and you're good to go.

You know thinking about it, my cash was probably safer there than at home. How many people have safes in their homes? I don't keep a lot of cash at home, but you know I'm gone all day at work. At the resort someone in the group is always going to the room for something-

Use the the safe, keep valuables out of the car, don't forget you camera, wallet or purse at the bar(people get hammered and "stuff" happens) or bathroom, all the typical warnings you hear all the time.

I think Aruba is about as safe as possible, I mean that there is always a certain element in all populations that are up to no good. Compared to other islands and the States for that matter, crime is very, very low. Ever notice how many security people are there? 24 hrs a day checking cars in the parking lot, rolling up windows and locking doors, around the pool areas, on the beaches just keeping an eye on things. I was impressed with the number of people employed to keep us guests and our property secure. They certainly try, imagine the payroll for all those security personnel, they could just say screw it we are cutting costs and if some tourist gets ripped off its not our problem, - that by the way IS the attitude on some islands. Aruba goes the other way and thinks long term about the travel industry and reputation.

I know this is a rant but two last thoughts; 1. I wonder how many "lost/left behind/stolen items ARE picked up by OTHER tourists who keep them, ie cash, cameras etc. I am inclined to trust Arubans at least as much, maybe more than other travelers.

2. Besides the perfect weather, the natural beauty of the island and friendly nature of the Arubans, the most common refrain heard is the safety and security of Aruba allows vacationers to wander about anytime, anywhere carefree without concerns of physical security. This complete freedom of movement and fear makes Aruba a unique and fun place vacation. Security is a number 1 priority for me and one of the things I like most about Aruba without it you can't relax. Living in the surburbs of Philadelphia I can tell you about a lot of places not to go anytime for any reason, Aruba is really a refreshing break from the daily killings I hope Aruba stays safe it is a big part of the experience. Do someone else a favor on vacation and watch their back.

Suds