Metro Vancouverites hoping to escape stormy local weather can score ultra-low-cost tickets to paradise in the tropics.
Aruba is one of the southernmost Caribbean Islands, boasting toasty temperatures, glistening, powdery-soft, white-sand beaches, and hypnotically turquoise waters. Since it is only 15 km off the coast of Venezuela, it is possible to see the country on clear days.
A quick scroll through photos from the tropical gem shows palm tree-lined shores, glamorous highrise buildings, and even elegant, coral-pink flamingos wading into its crystal clear waters. It's one of four countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which also includes Curaçao and St. Maarten.
Flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to several Caribbean islands close to Aruba cost a pretty penny and typically involve stops. To keep prices lower, some stopovers may be long, or itineraries may feature two or three.
Luckily, Aruba is a paradisiacal outlier, with trips departing soon from YVR that cost under $600 round-trip. Travellers who prefer to purchase a one-way ticket and fly home from somewhere else can find tickets for under $300.
One-way flight from Vancouver to Aruba
A one-way flight from YVR to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Oranjestad, Aruba, on Tuesday, July 8, costs $295 when booked directly through American Airlines. The itinerary only includes one stop at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) for six hours.
Travellers who aren't keen on a six-hour wait can cut their layover time in half by flying with United Airlines. The itinerary includes a three-hour and 22-minute stop at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston for $300 or a mere $5 more than the other ticket (see slide two).
This price is considered "low" for economy or $138 cheaper than usual, according to Google Flights (see slide three).
Round-trip flight from Vancouver to Aruba
A flight departing Vancouver on Tuesday, July 8, and returning from Aruba on Wednesday, July 16, costs $598 with United Airlines. The first flight includes the aforementioned layover in Houston for three hours and 22 minutes, while the return trip stops in the Texan city for about an hour (see slide four).
Despite the seemingly low fare (especially compared to other Caribbean hot spots), this price is considered "typical" for economy. Still, Google Flights notes that it "isn't likely" to drop any lower (see slide five).
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