My prayers go out to Natalie, her family and friends. I hope that she is found safely. It is obvious from the photos and reports on TV that everyone there is pitching in to find Natalie. I wish I was there to help.

I am a young woman, from the US, who has traveled to Aruba alone several times. It is AND REMAINS the only place I feel comfortable going to alone when I feel that I just need to get away and have some time alone. I always stay at the HI. I’ve walked the streets in Aruba, day and night, with no problems at all. I’ve even gotten into those little vans that drive around and offer you a ride if the bus takes forever, without any problems. Sure I’ve been approached a few times to buy drugs, “no” was understood. I see police patrolling on foot and in cars, in town and in the high rise hotel area. Security is always going up and down the beach, day and night. I feel some people are being a little harsh with their posts. Just compare the crime in Aruba to that in your home town. I know there’s been more crime in my home town in a day then there has been in Aruba for an entire year. There are bad apples everywhere.

The people in Aruba are genuinely caring. It truly is “one happy island”. I would come there again tomorrow if I could.

I agree with Greek Girl. Aruba is a very safe place.....but as in any place, you just have to be safe.
What I remember most about the people is their friendliness, and honesty. I was going to take a trip over to Caracas, Venezuela one day ( since the country is only 20 miles away ) and the TRAVEL AGENT at the hotel told me ( as did 2 others ) that I did NOT ( and should not ) go there alone only in a group... So, I do appreciate their honesty....they could have made a sale, but chose safety instead. Pretty cool, I think.

I was essentially alone last December for 2 weeks, as my mom was incapacitated and my husband wasn't with us. I never felt threatened and I enjoyed doing just what I wanted! (what I mean was, it was fun being alone!) I spent alot of time at Mangel Halto and Baby Beach, as well as driving in the outback.

I full heartedly agree with you...

My sister and I have been to Aruba numerous times over the past few years, and have walked the streets and beaches day and night with no problems....

I've been to all the clubs, and bars, and have NEVER had a problem at all!

I have no reservations letting my 21 yr old sister go to C&C alone! and never will

Also fell in love with Aruba did you Greekgirl. Me 2... Took me months stop dreaming about it!!! It's sush a lovely island, unforgetable!

i agree,crime is everywhere and we have been to aruba and go back everyyear the people are beautiful,our prayers go to the family and the people of aruba because the island is catching a bad rap for people who may have done something horrible hopefully she is found safe and not harmed i want to know why the classmates didnt have a pack,and the older persons who were to watch over these kids werent more responsible
not to put blame but she was young they should have said noone go anywhere alone
even if its safe she is a beautiful grl and can turn heads on sick men

I agree! I have also traveled to Aruba several times and always felt very safe. The Arubian people are absolutely Wonderful! I'm going back in August and for the first three days I will be alone. This incident will not make me change my plans. Teresa

I feel Aruba is extremely safe and I will return time after time. I do question Liz when she says that she has been to all the bars and clubs and never had a problem..thus she has no problem with letting her 21 year old sister go alone. I feel sorry for your sister that she does not have a sister that is more concerned for her safety. I'm sorry but you can never tell who will be in these places or how much they have to drink. Very nice people can change completely. No female should go alone.

We love Aruba so much so that we bought a home there! It is a safe and very friendly island. Teens and Parent need to use their heads and use common sense as to where their children go at night. I certainly would not let my 18 yr old go to Cand C's alone!

Angelique:

I did fall in love with Aruba my first visit. I've traveled all over the world and been to many Carribean islands but there’s something different about Aruba that I can’t put into words. When I’m there it seems like no where else exists. It’s so peaceful and every one is happy and smiling - not just tourists but the locals. You can tell they love their home.