Surprisingly, this is my first ever solo trip. I’ve traveled places alone many times but I always know someone wherever I’m going.
But this time I was completely alone and I’ve only been here once for a few hours on a cruise when I was younger.
So, keep reading to find out what I did, and how I feel about solo travel.
To start, I flew with Air Canada, and I will honestly never fly with them again until they get their shit together. I’ve had soooo many issues with them and this particular flight was delayed by hours.
Because we were so delayed, a bunch of flights got in at the same time and it took forever to get through immigration and once I made it outside it was insanely busy.
After fighting for my life to find a taxi.
(I recommend you download the 24 – 7 CURACAO TAXI app – this is a lifesaver)
I ended up splitting a taxi with a family and had a really nice driver.
I made it to Pietermaai Oasis, my apt-hotel, and checked into the cutest little room.
My total stay was $955 CAD, and it was pretty safe but they were doing some construction at the time.
So at this point I was STARVING. I expected it to be quiet but apparently, everyone goes out on Tuesday nights here.
I was staying on a pretty busy street with lots of restaurants within walking distance.
I walked over to a restaurant, which I only chose because the music was a vibe, they told me to have a seat and then…
…literally, no one came to help me. I asked for a menu, they gave me one. And AGAIN no one came to take my order.
Honestly, I was pretty hangry at this point so I got up and went to another restaurant right beside it. They were about to close but they let me order and I finally got myself a drink and a pizza.
Being solo, it’s definitely awkward to just sit and eat by yourself and I had no service so I really just had to sit there.
I went to pay and one of the servers noticed that I looked like I had a long day and offered me a shot on the house.
Next thing you know we were drinking and kiki-ing there all night.
He showed me places to go, introduced me to some people and really turned my night around.
Everything closed and finally, it was time to go back to my room and get some sleep.
For once, I didn’t have too much planned for this trip. And it was the week of Christmas so I just wanted to relax and reset for the new year.
I sat around and read at the pool most days, so I don’t exactly have an exciting itinerary for this trip.
But one of my favourite things that I did was a cocktail-making class and tour at Landhuis Chobolo.
I also went to Mambo Beach but I found it to be too touristy and overcrowded.
Where I ate:
Downtown 5999 – Amazing, one of my fave places. I would’ve gone every day but I didn’t want them to think I was a weirdo
Van Gogh Specialty Coffee – Super cute and healthy place, my fave place to sit and read. It gets busy sometimes on the weekend
Iguana Cafe – This came highly recommended but I thought the food was just alright
Kaya91 Curacao – The food here was great and there’s salsa music and dancing in the area
La Boheme Curacao – Healthy breakfast options and the food was decent
Ginger – So good, loved the fusion, no complaints – have to try the bread pudding
Dal Toro – The view here is absolutely amazing, food was really good as well
Mi Familia – Nice place for casual meals
Saint Tropez Ocean Club – Didn’t get to go here but this came highly recommended by the locals
Random things about Curaçao:
- They speak a million languages here – Papiamento is their native language but if you know English, Spanish or Dutch you’re good
- You mostly seat yourself at restaurants
- There’s a heavy Dutch influence since they’re owned by the Dutch but also a mix of the Caribbean in there
- There’s lots of stray dogs here
- This is the birthplace of the iconic blue Curaçao liquer
- You can pretty much stay wherever as long as you like and no one will kick you out even if they’re busy
- Their currency is Guilders but you can use USD also
- It’s super hot and sometimes rains in the mornings
- Most places have free wifi
- People will literally park anywhere, like on a sidewalk
