Among many threads I will probably be posting in the near future and which I should have posted sooner, looking for information on Aruba as we are going there in late January for a family vacation.

Any attractions, sights, restaurants or other good advice would be greatly appreciated. Also anything that we as may need to be on alert for (think Turks & Caicos). It will be the first time for me and my wife although her parents who are also going have been there before.

ETA: First thanks for the all advice given thus far...

An additional thought has come up from my wife on a 3rd party travel insurance policy. Since this trip will be a little longer than my wife and I have ever been out of the country and the first trip with the kids she is wondering if this is a good idea especially if there would be some type of accident requiring medical care. Not sure what vendors she looked at, but was going to be a few hundred dollars depending on what coverage we got. Many more thanks in advance.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Frenchy1004,

Both locations are beautiful. Still 3rd world but spread out compared to other places.

Oranjestad city in Aruba had big history and fun bars/restaurants.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sigforall,

Returned today from a cruise that included Aruba, Curacao and Bon Aire. I was frankly kind of surprised just how 3rd world all three were. I'm sure that all 3 have some nicer areas but I didn't see them.
We did a "jeep" tour on Aruba. Out by the Light House there was an Italian Restaurant that is supposed to be very good.

I spent a week windsurfing in Aruba some 35 years ago. Restaurants were decent the, especially island foo.

I had a great time!!

Wife and I there in May. Seemingly very safe, plenty of folks out at night walking around the town where we stayed. We stayed at Hayatt Regency. Food very good everywhere we ate from tacos on the street to an upper scale Italian joint. Most meals, including breakfast, were pretty expensive though, but we knew that going in. Weather perfect. Iguanas all over the resort but they are not bothersome. We rented a Jeep, did a bunch of off-roading, good time for sure, but will try somewhere else next time. Worth a go though.

We did a stop there on a cruise many years ago.
I didn’t experience anything that would put it high on the list of vacation spots in that part of the world for me.
Nearby Curaçao would be a bit higher if that’s the area you’re looking to visit.

Cats love them

Aruba? Jamaica? Oooooo I wanna take you.

Loved Aruba when I visited there over the summer.

Every day is 88 degrees with 20 mph winds. Make sure to have lots of sunscreen and apply often.

Try to make it to many of the different beaches on the Eastern side - Arashi in the north, Baby Beach in the south, and multiple places in between.

It’s really easy to drive all over the island. No traffic lights but tons of roundabouts.

At night walked all around the Palm Beach area which is filled with restaurants, bars, and shops.

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
Aruba? Jamaica? Oooooo I wanna take you.

Exactly what I opened this thread looking for!

We went there about 25 - 30 years ago. I don't recall what "side" I was on but I won't go back. Too hot and the wind made it into a natural sand blaster.

I was TDY there in 2005 and I stayed at the Renaissance Hotel on the marina. It had a boat that came into the lobby in a circular channel to pick up guests to take them to a private island beach. That was very cool. It was November, so the beach was all but empty, which I thought was strange. I was only there for a few days, but I enjoyed it. I plan on taking my wife there after I retire in a couple years.

Yeah, a little windy at times, still doable. A bock or two behind the Renaissance Hotel is a ‘speakeasy’, not totally secret, sign out front. It’s dark inside, kinda cool.

Hawaii is nice, but plenty of alternatives, not as far, usually lower cost.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bME4oy...le.maps.preview.copy

The Divi Aruba all inclusive has been given as a prize on game shows, seems like a nice place. I’ve just stayed in town.

The Happy Island. We were there a few years ago. They were happy alright.

If you do go to Aruba, I highly recommend the Flying Fishbone in Savaneta. Ask for a feet in the water table. The Barracuda is very tasty.

https://www.flyingfishbone.com

gone 3 times over 6 years. We usually stay at La Cabanna on Eagle beach. Taxi service is govt controlled and all fares are usually under 20 bucks. We have loved eating at Giannis, Bavaria (legit German food in Aruba )Bingo Cafe, the italian La Terrazza. There are over 400 restuarants on the island. When you are by Eagle beach, go to the suspicious looking food cart with the flat tires and menu written on an electrical box. the locals eat there. go eat some dutch pancakes.

The weather is always mostly sunny, upper 80s and windy ... its a desert like place, with chances of rain that lasts only 5 -10 minutes. Bring American cash in 20s and less demoninations.... taxis and some places have difficulty making change from 100's.

you do not need to buy bottled water, the island has a salt water desalination plant. can drink, wash and brush teeth without fear of sickness. the locals will laugh at you (behind your back) if you do.

prices for things are on the high side since everything is shipped in. Jolly Pirate for snorkeling.

I was talking with a local taxi driver in Aruba a few years ago. I asked him about refugees coming over from Venezuela, since it’s not that far away. He said, ‘we can’t be having that, not big enough, we send them back’.

Kinda funny, just another example of what other countries do with illegal immigrants.

Starts and ends with "A" and you have a rub in the middle.

quote:

Originally posted by robotoid:
Starts and ends with "A" and you have a rub in the middle.

What more could you want from a trip?

Take an ATV/Jeep tour. Make sure you book one where you get to drive. We didn't know any better and were piled in the back of a modified Jeep with bench seats.