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Can't help on the location as I said, never been, but curious and would like to hear what you thought of it when you get back.
We have been to the island next to Aruba (Curacao) and absolutely love it. Been there three times now in fact. Definitely not Americanized though, but it has its own authentic vibe. Very much a Dutch influence, but you can get by easily in English. I've just hesitated on Aruba as it seems a little more expensive and I worry that it might feel a little less "islandy" and more commercialized based on people's descriptions, but I'll be interested to hear yours.
MADBMWX5MC wroteNever been to Aruba but we have done All-Inclusive resorts in Mexico and Dominican Republic in the past. We typically just book our flights separate since we use credit card miles and what not then book directly with whatever resort we want. Waaaaay back we have also used sites like Expedia or what not to book package. Which at that time could be cheaper than booking separately depending on other factors.For my 40th Anniversary, wife and I would like to spend a week Jan 2027 in Aruba. Any recommemndation on how to go about doing this? Any referrals as to webistes to use, packages, etc.? Thx
Watching The World Burn wroteGood question: My son spent his honeymoon there, but not in an all-inclusive resort. So the how-to of getting there and back are the easy part, it's the which hotel to pick and what vacation services (package) to use. He just went online and picked a place, but, as he described it to me, it was a bit disorganized...Why Aruba? I've never been, I've heard it is a beautiful place, great beaches, but curious as to why you picked it. Is it because it is very Americanized and thus there will be a familiarity of sorts?
Can't help on the location as I said, never been, but curious and would like to hear what you thought of it when you get back.
We have been to the island next to Aruba (Curacao) and absolutely love it. Been there three times now in fact. Definitely not Americanized though, but it has its own authentic vibe. Very much a Dutch influence, but you can get by easily in English. I've just hesitated on Aruba as it seems a little more expensive and I worry that it might feel a little less "islandy" and more commercialized based on people's descriptions, but I'll be interested to hear yours.
dreamingat30fps wroteSo, I am originally from Puerto Rico (still have family there), and I am aware of Mexico and Dom Rep, just looking for something different.Never been to Aruba but we have done All-Inclusive resorts in Mexico and Dominican Republic in the past. We typically just book our flights separate since we use credit card miles and what not then book directly with whatever resort we want. Waaaaay back we have also used sites like Expedia or what not to book package. Which at that time could be cheaper than booking separately depending on other factors.
When I think of all inclusives, I think of places where you - and the resort - do not want you leaving the resort due to safety concerns. Think DR, Jamaica and Mexico. I don’t like having armed guards at the gate of a resort and on the beach which was the case in my travels to the DR, Jamaica and Mexico. The handful of times I’ve done all inclusives, it was because I traveled with a large group of family members with kids so the all inclusives were affordable and easy, but I would not return to those destinations due to the safety factor. I’m sure there are great all inclusives in Aruba but I think you’d miss out on what the island has to offer. Unless of course you just want to park yourself and not leave the resort.
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your trip and Happy Anniversary.
PurpleZ wroteHa, yes, Spain is in my cards for FAll 2027. With a son moving to Denmark and another one stationed in Germany, I will visit both in 2027 after I tour Spain...Yes, I am a beach bum...Just putting my 2¢ in, I’ve never been on to just lounge on a beach so I say go to Spain. I’m assuming you speak Spanish so no real language barrier aside from local differences. Food and drink are incredible there. And far more to do than just be a beach bum, unless that’s what you’re looking for. I’ve been to Madrid, Seville (with a day trip to Jerez) and Grenada. Fantastic trip and want to explore more of Spain.
DubaiRich wroteWhile there are areas of Curacao that are quite poor (and I wouldn't be walking through there during the night), I've never felt unsafe on the island. We always have rented an Airbnb and then hop around the island doing local stuff, eating at random restaurants that we look up, ATV'ing, etc.I was deployed to Curacao for 4 months, and visited Aruba. I walked around the island, enjoyed the food and nightlife, and never felt threatened. You wouldn't need an all-inclusive on either island unless it's for your personal sanity.
Since you've been to both, what island would you go back to today if you could and why?
Curacao is awesome. Mix of both worlds between Aruba and Bonaire.
Avoid al inclusives on either island, way too expensive and you just do not need them.
