Community Forum

Mr. Ratt · 10-30-2010, 03:34 PM

A bit of an odd question, huh? What I'd like to know from the members hereabouts is, have you been to any other islands in the Caribbean that are (A) as clean as Aruba, and (B) as safe as Aruba, considering you can walk the streets with relative ease and safety here, and (C) free from the "begging and selling" you experience on some of the other islands. Thankfully you don't get the constant flow of people trying to sell you this, that and the next thing on the beach in Aruba, and that's exactly what we're trying to avoid. One of the things I'm constantly hearing from fellow travellers (to other places) is "It was nice if you didn't step past the barbed wire and the guards... oh, they were nice enough but it would have been nice to see some more of the island..."
Is there in fact anywhere as good as Aruba? I'd love to hear your opinions, especially the seasoned travellers....

*Andrea J.* · 10-30-2010, 04:46 PM

A. as clean as aruba would be Bonaire
B. as safe would be Bonaire
C and the begging thing would also be Bonaire

the citizens of Bonaire are nice and welcoming and friendly.
unfortunately, not as nice as Arubans.
and..........their beaches do not compare to Aruba....not even close!!

So in my opinion, Bonaire could be Aruba's sister.

*Arubalisa* · 10-30-2010, 06:29 PM

The only places we have experienced guards were Jamaica and armed guards with rifles all over Panama.

*Andrea J.* · 10-30-2010, 06:52 PM

we experienced the rifles and guards in Martinique and in Samana, Dominican Republic.

~Amy~® · 10-31-2010, 09:46 AM

We made our first visit to Curacao this past May and loved it. Only stayed there for one day but drove all over the island (which is much larger than Aruba), met some great people, and enjoyed downtown as well which is much more European than Aruba. It was clean, there is no begging/no vendors, and it's safe.

I'd definitely go back again and spend more time there. We're hoping to do that again soon.

jdoll · 10-31-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrea J.

A. as clean as aruba would be Bonaire
B. as safe would be Bonaire
C and the begging thing would also be Bonaire

the citizens of Bonaire are nice and welcoming and friendly.
unfortunately, not as nice as Arubans.
and..........their beaches do not compare to Aruba....not even close!!

So in my opinion, Bonaire could be Aruba's sister.

Ditto this. I imagined Bonaire was what Aruba was pre-timeshare.

*Arubalisa* · 10-31-2010, 05:09 PM

If only Bonaire had a few of Aruba's beaches...

Windy · 10-31-2010, 05:50 PM

Imo, the Out Islands of the Bahamas have the same wonderful beaches, extremely friendly people, and very safe. Not much to do other than beach, snorkel, etc on the smaller islands, but Georgetown on Great Exuma is a nice little town with limited shopping, and you can rent a scooter to explore. Some day I'd like to visit the Abacos.

*Andrea J.* · 10-31-2010, 06:07 PM

we like the bahamas too but unfortunately their weather is very "iffy" in the winter..... sometimes pretty cool. (certainly not freezing though)

Bill · 10-31-2010, 08:35 PM

Any casinos in Bonaire? We are looking for a new place to visit. Not that we wont go to Aruba.

10-30-2010, 03:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mr. Ratt Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Druif Beach, Rooftop of the Coconuts Bar (what a view!), Santa Ana church and graveyard in Noord, Lourdes/San Nicholas, Alto Vista Peace Labyrinth, Rancho La Ponderosa, Rat Land Posts: 402 Images: 19	Is there anywhere THIS good? A bit of an odd question, huh? What I'd like to know from the members hereabouts is, have you been to any other islands in the Caribbean that are (A) as clean as Aruba, and (B) as safe as Aruba, considering you can walk the streets with relative ease and safety here, and (C) free from the "begging and selling" you experience on some of the other islands. Thankfully you don't get the constant flow of people trying to sell you this, that and the next thing on the beach in Aruba, and that's exactly what we're trying to avoid. One of the things I'm constantly hearing from fellow travellers (to other places) is "It was nice if you didn't step past the barbed wire and the guards... oh, they were nice enough but it would have been nice to see some more of the island..." Is there in fact anywhere as good as Aruba? I'd love to hear your opinions, especially the seasoned travellers.... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Mr. Ratt www.heyoka-healing.com It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got... Back to Paradise in Last edited by Andrea J.; 10-30-2010 at 05:26 PM. Reason: moved to "off topic" :-) good post mr ratt

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10-30-2010, 04:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor/passions beach bar, Hung Paradis, alto vista chapel, madam janettes, big porch at B55 Posts: 13,258 Images: 80	A. as clean as aruba would be Bonaire B. as safe would be Bonaire C and the begging thing would also be Bonaire the citizens of Bonaire are nice and welcoming and friendly. unfortunately, not as nice as Arubans. and..........their beaches do not compare to Aruba....not even close!! So in my opinion, Bonaire could be Aruba's sister. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.

10-30-2010, 06:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boca Catalina Posts: 10,685 Images: 174	The only places we have experienced guards were Jamaica and armed guards with rifles all over Panama. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Blogging to Aruba ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Pictures of Aruba

10-30-2010, 06:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor/passions beach bar, Hung Paradis, alto vista chapel, madam janettes, big porch at B55 Posts: 13,258 Images: 80	we experienced the rifles and guards in Martinique and in Samana, Dominican Republic. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.

10-31-2010, 09:46 AM	#5 (permalink)
~Amy~® Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,631	We made our first visit to Curacao this past May and loved it. Only stayed there for one day but drove all over the island (which is much larger than Aruba), met some great people, and enjoyed downtown as well which is much more European than Aruba. It was clean, there is no begging/no vendors, and it's safe. I'd definitely go back again and spend more time there. We're hoping to do that again soon. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ ~Amy~® Cabo San Lucas: March 2012 26th trip to Aruba: April 2012 27th trip to Aruba: Sept. 2012

10-31-2010, 05:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boca Catalina Posts: 10,685 Images: 174	If only Bonaire had a few of Aruba's beaches... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Blogging to Aruba ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Pictures of Aruba

10-31-2010, 05:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
Windy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Eagle Beach, exploring the "Outback", Madi's tour to the Natural Pool , dinner at Papiamento's Posts: 613 Images: 50	Imo, the Out Islands of the Bahamas have the same wonderful beaches, extremely friendly people, and very safe. Not much to do other than beach, snorkel, etc on the smaller islands, but Georgetown on Great Exuma is a nice little town with limited shopping, and you can rent a scooter to explore. Some day I'd like to visit the Abacos. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

10-31-2010, 06:07 PM	#9 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor/passions beach bar, Hung Paradis, alto vista chapel, madam janettes, big porch at B55 Posts: 13,258 Images: 80	we like the bahamas too but unfortunately their weather is very "iffy" in the winter..... sometimes pretty cool. (certainly not freezing though) Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.

10-31-2010, 08:35 PM	#10 (permalink)
Bill Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Any beach, party, bar or Casino!!!!!! Posts: 1,030 Images: 3	Any casinos in Bonaire? We are looking for a new place to visit. Not that we wont go to Aruba. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ BW