This week we're traveling over the rainbow down to the Southern Caribbean island Curaçao with its rich history, colorful buildings, and white sand beaches. Curaçao was first settled over 6,000 years ago by tribes migrating from the Amazon Basin in South America. The island was first discovered by the Spanish in 1499 and later was taken over by the Dutch West India Company.
Curaçao and the United States have a long history, with the country being the first to formally recognize the US's sovereignty in 1776. Since then, the US and Curaçao have been linked, initially due to the slave trade and later for other business interests and tourism.
The island of Curaçao is most famously known as the "C" in the "ABC" islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. The island has what many consider the ideal climate, with highs in the 80's throughout the year and the typical lows being mid-70's. This allows travelers to explore the forests, beaches, and surrounding waters year-round. As you might expect, the peak travel period to Curaçao is during the North American winter months, with the summer months being the slower season.
The island has several hotels, restaurants, and bars that openly cater to the LGBTQ community with special events each week. Two popular options are the G Lounge located in the center of Willemstad and the adult-only Floris Suite Hotel.
There is plenty to keep you busy with options that range from skydiving to SCUBA diving for the adventure seeker. If you're looking to keep your feet dry, the Off-Road Buggy Adventure is a great way to see the wild side of Curaçao. The Discover SCBUA Diving Xperience is a great way to check SCUBA diving off your bucket-list without getting a full certification. It is an excursion to do at least once (or twice) in your life. And for those looking to relax with their partner, a Romantic Sunset Sail is one of my favorite ways to watch the end of a perfect vacation day.
Each year the LGBTQ community in Curaçao celebrates Pride in late September. With local and international performing artists, the festival is well worth attending at least once in your life.
Getting to Curaçao from the US is easy on a direct flight from Miami on American Airlines or New York on Jet Blue. Once on the island, there are a few options for getting around. First, I can arrange your transportation to and from your hotel and any excursions. Transfers are ideal when you're staying mostly at the resort (such as the Sandals resort opening in December of 2021). Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore the island. Finally, take a taxi when you need to get around, which can be pricier than renting a car if you'll be doing a lot of exploring.
Traveling over the rainbow to Curaçao is sure to provide a relaxing vacation on an island that has a diverse culture, history, and activities. You'll find plenty of opportunities to take Instagram-worthy photos on the beach, eating out, or exploring the wild.
Ready to start planning your next vacation? Schedule an initial consultation with me to share your dream vacation and hear what I can do to make it happen.
Rainbow Getaways is a full-service travel concierge specializing in travel for the LGBTQ community and our allies. Each vacation is planned to meet your specific needs, so you'll have a fabulous time. Be sure to subscribe to the Rainbow Getaways newsletter at the bottom of the page, so you never miss a post and like or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.