Aruba

After going to Vegas for the last three years we have decided to take a family vacation this year. The vote was 2 (wife and daughter) to 1 (me) in favor of Aruba. We have been to other islands in the Caribbean on cruises, but never to Aruba.

I guess my only concern is the wind. I have read that there is a constant wind. Do you get used to it or does it get annoying? We would be renting a car for at least a couple of days for sightseeing. How is it driving on Aruba? Is it pretty easy getting around?

So, for those of you that have been to Aruba, tell me about your likes and dislikes and your overall opinion of the island!

Thanks,
Tim

 

We just booked our trip to Aruba for next January! It will be our first time there, so I can't help much with that. I have read that the wind is like in the other Caribbean islands, a breeze that helps combat the heat.

There is a very informative board on TripAdvisor for Aruba, nothing like the Vegas board. Everyone is very nice and helpful!

We are going in the peak time, but we were still surprised how expensive the hotels on the beach were! It is just the 2 of us, but got a great deal on VRBO for a 3br/2ba house that is 2 blocks from the beach.

We are very excited!

I know that crime happens everywhere, so we are not going to let that deter us when I read reports. Have to be smart and aware, no matter where you go.

Enjoy!

Stephanie

 

Shoot me a pm..I've b there and have spent time downtown and then in high rise....Aruba is AWESOME

 

I own a timeshare in Aruba - please no jokes - and I've been every year except one for the past 10 years. It's my favorite island. Yes, there is a breeze pretty much all year. Sometimes stronger than others but never that I've felt like it ruined my vacation. Sometimes in evening it's a little worse than daytime. If that's your main concern I wouldn't let that stop you.
There are lots of restaurants in Aruba and it's fairly Americanized. You use dollars there, so no need to exchange to their currency which is the Florin. Prices are quoted in USD.
Lot's of decent places to eat. Driving is fairly easy to most places. There are not that many main roads. Traffic is usually not to bad except for when people are coming home from work.
The people there are some of the best of any island I've been, they understand that tourists pay their bills.
My resort is on Palm Beach not sure where you intend to stay, so I can't tell you more about what your experience may be. Two excellent links below for info Aruba in general and restaurants.
http://www.aruba-bb.com/
http://www.restaurantsaruba.com/last_reviews.html

 

If you couldn't go to Vegas, at least you picked a place with good gambling

 

Thier island motto is "One Happy Island" and I agree. The people are amazing. The pace is slow, totally unlike Vegas, but pleasant. I have stayed away from the touristy places. We stay on Eagle Beach which is what they call the low rise part of the island,the southwest side (as opposed to the high rise where all the big hotels are on the northwest.)

The weather is mostly pleasant, the wind has not been a problem at all. It is actually welcome since once you go inland, the heat gets almost unbearable. Not a dry heat like Vegas.

The alcohol is expensive. Local brew called Balashi (sp?) is pretty good but about $30 American per case. The food is amazing, I typically don't care for seafood but am willing to try new stuff and I have not been disappointed.

Not sure about the gambling, the first time I went, they had some bingo tourny going on and most of the tables were shut down. The second time the casino was under renovations so I didn't even try. I have been twice and just set up my third trip for December. I can't wait to go back.

 

Btw, regarding the large amount of gambling in Aruba.....

My Aruba Fodor's book says "Don't expect payouts in Aruba to rival those in Vegas or AC..." Um, if it is worse than those, I am not into playing there!

 

We loved Aruba. Gambling at least basic table games was fine. Found good rules on both craps and BJ. Great restaurants. Our favorite by far, and one of the best dining experiences we have had anywhere, was at Flying Fishbone. High end restaurant specializing in local seafood where you can get a table right on the beach. So cool. Water is ansolutely beautiful and snorkeling was outstanding. Hope you enjoy it.

 

I've only been to Aruba twice but a few things struck me:

Nice resorts and casinos. People seemed friendly. O.K. scuba and snorkeling.

The down side for me is I like a more tropical island experience and Aruba is a desert island.

Bill

 

just got back from aruba about three weeks ago. was our second trip. the wind has never really been a problem. is actually refreshing when the sun is out because it's a pretty intense sun. we stayed near eagle beach. actually all the beaches are pretty awesome in my opinion. the water is crystal clear with white sand. water temperature in february was 80, a little cool at first but really nice after you are in it a few minutes. there are around 10 casinos on the island. all of them are smallish and the table games normally don't open until 4 pm or so. our favorite was the one at the radisson. downtown at the renaissance there are two casinos and there is a stand alone casino called alahembra (sp) which was larger but unbelievably smokey. if you wanted to casino hop one night, you could park near senor frogs and be within walking distance of 5 or 6 casinos.

i love vegas, been there 25+ times but if i could only go one place, it would be aruba.

have fun

todd

 

How do food/drink prices compare to Vegas?

Thanks,

Tim

 

I can't decide between Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, Key Largo, or Montego. Maybe I'll just go to Kokomo.