Move about Aruba! This is currently the top trend Caribbean island

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It's official –Curaçao has its moment.

According to Google flights' 2025 summer travel trendsPresent Curaçao is the international travel destination of number 1 for American travelers this summer. This is not just a hype-diesian island breaks records, adds new flights, reveals brand new resorts and attracts serious attention from travelers who want something more As just another beach vacation.

When someone who was in Aruba (and loved it!), It feels like Curaçao was a fresh view of the Caribbean.

I hopefully go there in November to see what all the sums are-and after I have buried in everything that these colorful Dutch Iceland offers, I can see why it is blowing up.

What drives Curaçaos Boom?

In the first few months of 2025 alone, almost 60,000 US tourists in Curaçao – a 30 %jump compared to the previous year. For the first time, the Americans were officially superior to European visitors. The island is not only trendy, but turns.

Here is what drives this swing:

• New non -stops: American Airlines has just terminated weekly non -stop flights from Chicago O'Hare (Ord) to Curaçao, from December. This opens the middle west of Direct Island Escapes – no more layovers!
• Hotel growth: New resorts like the boutique Art hotel The luxury game increases in Pietermaai. Existing favorites such as Baoase, Avila Beach Hotel and Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort are also expanding and renovating.
• Sustainable tourism: In collaboration with Sustainable Travel International, the island studies its “tourism trollability” to ensure that its growth does not endanger what makes it special. While Curaçao is becoming increasingly popular, it is also intended – and that is important.

Aruba against Curaçao: What is different?

Since I was in Aruba and was planning to go to Curaçao, my attitude has been after many research and with people who were in both:

Specialty	Aruba	Curaçao
Beaches	Long, wide, touristy	Hidden bays, favorites of the locals
culture	Very Americanized	Rich Dutch/Caribbean fusion
Snorkeling/diving	Good	Phenomenal
Meal scene	Mostly resorts, some local food	Street food + increased kitchen
Mood	Simple, familiar	Adventurous, authentic

Curaçao feels more real-With living quarters such as Pietermaai, a colorful capital (Willemstad) and Wild National Parks listed by UNESCO, who ask to be researched.

Where stay (with prices)

There is something for every style – and budget:

• luxury: Sandals Royal Curaçao (600 to $ 1,200 per night)-All-inclusive with breathtaking views and serious pampering.
• Upscale charm: Avila Beach Hotel (200 to 350 US dollars per night) – historical, beach and newly renovated.
• Boutique chic: Bijblauw in Pietermaai (150 to 250 US dollars per night) – a favorite for sunset drinks by the sea.
• Budget-friendly Airbnb: Starting at 50 US dollars/night. If you rent a car, you can stay near some of the best not overfilled beaches.

What to do in Curaçao

Regardless of whether you are a beach spum or a cultural explorer, you have the choice.

Beach shop like a local

• Grote Knip – Free and photogenic. (2nd photo in this article)
• Cas abao – Rental lounge, a bar and soft white sand.
• Playa Piskado – swim with sea turtles for free (just bring a snorkel with you).
• Little Curaçao – Remote, breathtaking day trip (~ $ 100+ for boat tours).

Explore Willemstad

Hike the colorful colonial streets, cross the Queen Emma floating bridge and grab a bit in a sidewalk café. Take a look at that Kura Hulanda Museum For a powerful view of the African legacy of the island.

Schnorkel & dive

Shore dived at Tractor beachPresent Mushroom forestor The blue room are world class. Two-tank dives cost about $ 90, and many websites are easily accessible without a boat.

Get outdoors

Hike Berg ChristoffelIn off -roading in Sheet Boka National ParkOr discover flamingos Jan Kok.

Where to eat (and what to try)

The Curaçao food scene is diverse, tasteful and affordable if you know where you have to search:

• Locals eats: Plasa bieu – a food hall in which you can get goat pots, fresh fish or pumpkin ducts for 10 to 15 US dollars.
• Street food: Food trucks (also known as AKA Truki pans) are where the locals eat. Search for BBQ ribs or Löwenfischburgers.
• Wonderfully worthy: Fort Nassau – Incredible Hilltop view with fine food (~ $ 75+ per person). Or go barefoot luxe at the Baoase Culinary Beach for a romantic night.

Must: together: Keshi Yena (Baked seasoned meat in cheese), PastechiPresent Lionfish CevicheAnd Locally distilled blue curaçao.

What do flights cost?

Travel style	Daily budget (not including flights)
budget	60 to 80 US dollars
Mid -range	150 to 200 US dollars
luxury	$ 300+

Flights from large US cities on an average of $ 400 to $ 600 round trip. Thanks to new routes like the upcoming Chicago -uraçao Nonstop, it will be easier (and often cheaper) to get there.

What are you still waiting for?

Curaçao is colorful, cultural and almost cool – and it is no longer just a secret among divers or Dutch tourists. With new air bridges, improved hotels and recognition of Google as the Top trend travel destinationThis Caribbean jewel steps into the spotlight.

So if you were in Aruba and are ready for something that feels more authentic– with better snorkeling, more culture and a splash European flair –Curaçao calls.

And I'll be there this autumn and take everything.

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The opinions expressed here are solely that of the author, not those of a bank, a credit card exhibition, a hotel, an airline or other institutions. This content was not checked, approved or otherwise approved by the mail contained in the post office.