Thu, 30 June 2016
On this episode of One Happy Podcast Maggie and I continue our “Planning an Aruba Vacation” series, with the latest episode being about packing for your trip. Although Maggie and I always travel together we have two very different packing styles. Her’s is to meticulously plan out each and every step and then bring something for every possible contingency. My packing style is to bring what you feel you’ll use and if it’s not enough… you make it enough.
While we all know the basics of packing, there are items that each of us likes to have on vacation with us. Depending on your likes and dislikes these specialty items can greatly increase what you bring along. For us, it almost doesn’t matter since we use Southwest airlines. Southwest allows us to check two pieces of luggage completely free. However if you are flying on a different airline, chances are you will want to be a bit more careful. Our specialty items list is comprised of things such as cameras, Kindles, a Bluetooth speaker and other entertainment type items. What are yours?
Another wrinkle that we have to consider on our Aruba vacations is provisioning for the home we rent. Most rentals do not stock the items you’ll need during your stay. So for our stay, at the beginning, we always make it a point to stop at Lings for supplies. Things like toilet paper, paper towels, and some cleaning supplies are all necessary. We also like to pick up food items for breakfasts and some lunches.
On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:
Eight things you may want to seriously consider when packing for Aruba:
Products talked about on this episode:
|
Thu, 23 June 2016
When we visit Aruba, renting a vehicle is not an option. For our upcoming vacation in July, we are just now going through the process of choosing an agency for our rental. Normally, we rent a jeep from Royal Aruba but this trip we are switching things up a bit. This time, instead of renting a Jeep we are looking to downsize to a compact car. The last visit our Jeep needed to be repaired and our replacement was a Kia Picanto. Driving that little matchbox car around the island was a very different experience but not unpleasant at all. Also a couple of months ago, on a trip, we had a Chevy Spark as a rental and drove that 5 hours from Atlanta to Pensacola, Florida. It was actually a lot of fun. So this trip to Aruba instead of a big old gas guzzling Jeep we are going for the go-kart.
This episode is me exploring our options for rental car agency. I went to visitaruba.com to look at their list of rental car agencies. From that list, I eliminated the large chains like Hertz and Avis. I didn’t have a reason for eliminating those agencies I just want to go with someone local. The requirements I had was an agency that rented to vacationers not staying at a resort because some do have that rule. I am also looking for a good combination of customer service and price. Sending the email gives me a chance to test the service and I am using the prices listed on their websites for an apple to apple comparison. Please note that the price listed on the website may not be the actual cost of the rental but was the only fair way for me to compare different sites. Also, just because I do love tooling around Aruba in a big Jeep I also looked at the prices on Jeeps… you never know.
On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:
Our Aruba Car Rental Comparison:
Eliminated
On the next episode of One Happy Podcast
Direct download: EP54_-_Renting_a_car_and_exploring_Aruba.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT |
Thu, 16 June 2016
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to rent a home or condo on Aruba? Well if you have this is the show for you. On episode 53 of One Happy Podcast Maggie and I are going to be talking about we find and rent vacation homes in Aruba. While this isn’t an episode that everyone will use, I believe it’s one that everyone will find interesting. It’s chock full of information about the process of renting a vacation home in Aruba.
During this 40 minute episode, we go through our entire Aruba vacation rental evolution from being newbies to the seasoned vets we have become. What I think makes this particular episode so useful is we go over not only some of the tools we use but the things we look for in a rental. It’s actually a summarized account of what we actually did. So if you are someone who may one day want to rent a private residence in Aruba this is a great place to start. In the future, we will do more detailed episodes focusing on the different aspects of renting but this is a great overview.
On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:
An outline of this episode:
In future episodes of this series we will be discussing:
Places mentioned this episode of the show: |
Wed, 8 June 2016
This episode of One Happy Podcast the Officially Unofficial Podcast of the island of Aruba is going to be a bit different from the norm. Today Maggie and I are beginning part 1 of a multi-episode series about Planning a vacation to Aruba. More specifically on this introductory episode we discuss what goes into planning when to visit the island, how we book our tickets and deciding on where to stay. It's kind of funny because when we plan the discussion goes so streamlined that you don’t realize what all goes into these decisions. I guess once you graduate to Aruba regular status you have a pretty good routine down. Even so I think it's interesting to hear how others arrive at their decisions. Today we are deciding on the timing of the trip, which is probably the single most important piece of the puzzle. We are also discussing how we decide on an airline, which is a large part of the expense. Lastly, we discuss how we choose where to stay on a visit to Aruba. These are all very important factors that need to be carefully considered when booking a vacation. In future episodes of this series we will be discussing:
On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:
An outline of this episode:
Other links and resources mentioned this episode of the podcast:
Direct download: EP52_-_Aruba_Vacation_Planning_Pt1-_Deciding_When.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT |
Fri, 3 June 2016
Hello and welcome to this 51st episode of One Happy Podcast where I and my co-host Maggie take a look at Aruba early-bird dinner specials. Very recently we booked another trip to the island and because we love to plan, have decided to attempt to shift our days forward. What I mean by that is we want to get up about 2 hours earlier than normal, therefore doing everything else 2 hours earlier. If all goes as planned our beach time, lunch time and dinner time will be something other than what we are used to doing. On this episode of the podcast, we attempt to look at 10 different restaurants and their early-bird menus. For those of you not familiar with early-bird specials, here is a breakdown. Oftentimes restaurants will offer a portion of their menu as nightly specials for those who come in for dinner before a certain time. For example, a restaurant may want to increase traffic between the hours of 5pm and 7 pm, this is where an early-bird really comes in handy. The restaurant will put together a limited menu of appetizer, entree, and dessert and sell them as a package deal, at a discount. This practice was called early-bird due to the same the early bird gets the worm… or in this case, the early bird gets the discount pricing. Each of us look at 5 different Aruba restaurants that feature early birds and we describe and eventually attempt to choose which ones catch our attention. This is an awesome 50-minute episode that will most likely open your eyes to a segment of dining in Aruba that you may have overlooked in the past. On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:
Aruba Early Bird Dinners mentioned on this episode:
Other links and resources mentioned this episode of the podcast: |
Wed, 25 May 2016
On today's episode of One Happy Podcast, we are tackling an issue that is near and dear to many of our hearts. What do you do in Aruba after the sun goes down? Aruba is absolutely incredible during the daytime and even in the early evening. Also, the culinary offerings available on the island are some of the best in the Caribbean. However, it's been said that after dinner Aruba lags behind some of the other islands in the Caribbean. Now if you have been visiting for a while you are probably on your way to developing a network amongst locals. But if you are relatively new to the island or if you are someone that likes to stay close to the resort your view of Aruba nightlife may be very different. This episode of the show takes a look at some of the nightlife options available to tourists on the island of Aruba. On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:
On This Episode of One Happy Podcast You Will Learn:
Resorts, Restaurants, and resources mentioned on this episode of the show:
The comedic lineup for Aruba Ray’s ComedyRAY ELLIN - - JUNE 12th to JULY 21st AIDA RODRIGUEZ - - JUNE 12th to JUNE 14th JOEY KOLA - - JUNE 12th to JUNE 14th SEAN DONNELLY - - JUNE 12th to JUNE 14th TONY WOODS - - JUNE 15th to JUNE 22nd YANNIS PAPPAS - - JUNE 15th to JUNE 17th ANDREW SCHULZ - - JUNE 17th to JUNE 20th JOEY VEGA - - JUNE 19th to JUNE 26th GARY VIDER - - JUNE 23rd to JUNE 26th LEONARD OUZTS - - JUNE 23rd to JUNE 26th ROBERT KELLY - - JULY 1st to JULY 8th KEITH ALBERSTADT - - JULY 1st to JULY 8th PETE LEE - - JULY 9th to JULY 12th CHUCK NICE - - JULY 8th to JULY 12th DAN NATURMAN - - JULY 10th to JULY 17th BRIAN McFADDEN - - JULY 14th to JULY 21st MIKE VECCHIONE - - JULY 18th to JULY 21st |
Wed, 4 May 2016
Joining me on this 49th episode of One Happy Podcast is friend of the show, Cheryl Talcof. Now as many of you probably remember, Cheryl was a guest on a previous episode, just about one year ago. Actually I recorded her first appearance on May 19th of last year. Well she is back once again to talk about some things happening on the island.
We start off talking about a new gourmet grocery store that is coming to the island. I’m sure this will be a welcome addition to not only residents but those of us who don’t mind cooking while on vacation. Cheryl also breaks the news about a very popular pizza parlor that is making a major location change. Rounding out our food talk is her endorsement on a restaurant that I missed the last time I was down in Aruba. Its called La Terrazza Italiana and I was bummed that it was closed our last night in paradise.
Cheryl and I also spend a bit of time talking about the Aruba Animal Relief Foundation, including a new(ish) event they have going on. You may have seen postings or advertisements about something called Yappy hour. Well, Aruba Yappy Hour is actually Cheryl’s baby and whatever you read about it, doesn’t do it justice the way hearing it straight from one of the organizer’s will.
On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:
Properties and Restaurants mentioned on this episode of the show:
|
Wed, 20 April 2016
Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is a relative newbie to Aruba, David Cohen. However despite having only been to the island a handful of times David is so far ahead of most visitors in one aspect. They not only decided that Aruba was the place they would like to eventually retire to, David and Brenda actually purchased a home there. After having first visited the island on their engagement cruise, David and Brenda would return to the island to be married (which is a story in itself). The next time, Aruba whispered in their ear to buy a timeshare, and they did, at the Playa Linda. Shortly thereafter Aruba made another suggestion, why don’t you buy a home here, and they did. I guess it’s one of those things where when it feels right there is no use deliberating, you just make it happen, which is exactly what they did. On this episode of the show we start out hearing about the process of getting married on the island. Also David fills me in on how someone manages to go from first time visitor to purchasing a home in Aruba in three short years. David tells the story of how they knew which of the nine houses they viewed was the right one. He also gives a little advice that may be helpful to anyone who is thinking about purchasing real estate on the island. We also talk about the activities David and Brenda enjoy while on island and it wouldn’t be a show without discussing which restaurants make the list. On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:
Properties and Restaurants mentioned on this episode of the show:
Links and Other Resources mentioned this episode
Direct download: EP48_-_Volcano_David_and_Brenda_Cohen_Buy_Their_Aruba_Dream_Home.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:30am EDT |
Thu, 14 April 2016
Joining me today on One Happy Podcast, Aruba’s Officially Unofficial Podcast is 18 year Aruba veteran Janice Worters. Janice and her husband Bill first discovered Aruba in 1998 on the recommendation of a friend. On that initial visit, of course the fell in love and decided to return the following year. That next trip in 1999 was the first time they laid eyes on the Costa Linda and knew immediately it was the right property for them. Janice and Bill purchased a timeshare at the Costa Linda and have been calling it home ever since. On this episode I speak with Janet about what her version of Aruba looks like. We go from that initial visit all the way through her most recent vacation which took place just last month. Along the way Janice and I discuss the wonderful people of Aruba, exploring the island, some of her favorite restaurants and also the possibility of an extended two or three month vacation to the island. The interview itself takes just short of an hour and is chock full of both information and enthusiasm. This episode of the podcast will be especially fun for those who have stayed at the Costa Linda before. However even if you have never set foot onto that particular property you will want to give this episode a listen. Janice’s love for all things Aruba shines through so bright that when this is over you will want to book a trip to Aruba immediately. Who knows? You may even want to book a stay at the Costa Linda for your next trip. On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:
Properties and Restaurants mentioned on this episode of the show
Links and Other Resources mentioned this episode |
Tue, 5 April 2016
Today on One Happy Podcast I have a very special treat for you all. I am being joined by a guest who is originally from South America but has been living in Aruba for the past 13 years. Over the course of that time she has gone on a journey that has included getting married, raising a family and setting up a business of her own. Many of you are probably familiar with this business as it’s brought joy to so many of our lives. Of course I am talking about Gaby of Aruba’s Hand’s by Gaby. If any of you have had the pleasure of meeting Gaby you would know that despite not being from Aruba she is the living embodiment of everything we love about the island. This spirit that Gaby possesses comes through in the artwork she sells as jewelry on the island. Gaby’s warmth, joy and happiness is directly translated to everything she makes. In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that every piece of jewelry contains just a bit of Gaby inside. This interview which lasts about 50 minutes talks all about Gaby’s relationship with the island of Aruba. Additionally we learn all about Aruba’s Hands and why the art she produces is so much more than just a souvenir. You will learn about Gaby’s introduction to the island, how she met her husband and also about her family. We talk about Aruba’s Hands and what that name means and why it is important. In every civilization throughout history art has played such an important role in the identity of a culture… Aruba is no different. On this 46th episode of One Happy Podcast Gaby does a fantastic job of explaining why if you love Aruba you owe it to yourself to take a piece of that art and culture home with you after vacation is over. On This Episode of One Happy Podcast You Will Learn:
Contacting Gaby - So maybe you want to see some of Gaby’s work the next time you are on island. Currently there are a number of ways to make this happen. Gaby does shows 5 days a week at a number of the hotels in both the high rise and low rise section. Below is her schedule as of 4/5/2016. As mentioned in the episode you can also get in contact with her for better guidance.
As mentioned you can also contact her via her Facebook Page Aruba’s Hands by Gaby Links and Resources Mentioned on this episode of the show: Also if you would like to be included in the Friend’s of One Happy Podcast Facebook Group send me an email at curt@onehappypodcast.com and I can get you in there.
|
One Happy Podcast
Categories
generalArchives
MayApril
January
December
April
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | ||||
Syndication
