Hi,
My husband, two girls and In-laws will be flying into Aruba in January. I hear it is a rainy time of the year. Anyone with experience?
The airfares are high...500+ right now. Should I wait or are gas prices driving it up more in the future? I hate this gamble.

Does anyone have experience at LaCabana and Eagle Beach? The pictures look great, but reality may be different!
Thanks, Jane

We have a timshare at Lacabana wk 1 and have never had a problem with rain! Eagle beach is beautiful. This year due to the kids school schedule we couldnt go wk 1 so we are going wk 51 and staying at the aruba beach club we have not stayed there before.
we bought our air tickets in april we paid 520.00 out of chicago midway flying ata non stop flight right now there going for 850.00 for that price we would have to stay home. ENJOY YOUR TRIP! feel free to email me if you have any questions I can anwser for you!

I only wish I could get airfare for $500. WE have paid as much as 850. Only once in 4 trips have I got $500.

I'm going to LaCabana in Feb 2006 for my 10th time staying there. The rain is usually a problem in November & December. This past year was different because there were some tropical storms and hurricanes that caused some minor damage on Aruba, which is very rare. We were there in Feb 2005 and there were some cloudy days and some drizzle here and there but, again, this is not normal. January is a great time to go. I've mentioned before that LaCabana is a great place but it depends on who you are. We go with our 3 kids (10, 7 and 5) and we all love it. The rooms are clean and efficient but it's not the Marriot, Hyatt or Wyndam. The rooms are completely tiled, come with kitchens and balconies overlooking the pool, beach and ocean. The resort is well run, clean and the people are nice. Eagle beach is less crowded than Palm Beach and equally nice. The low-rise area just has a different feel than the Palm Beach area (the resorts are smaller and more spread out). You really have to judge for yourself. The air fares fluctuate wildly depending on where you're coming from. We fly from Chicago and usually pay around $500pp. This year, the prices are higher but I did find a flight on ATA from Midway where we paid slightly less than $500pp for a non-stop, Saturday flight. You need to check sites like Orbitz, Expedia, Cheaptickets, Travelocity, etc. and see what you find... the prices can go up or down $200 in one day. Have a good time and let us know how you like it.

The airfare quotes I received were from Orbitz mdw to aua. Current Quote for Sept 05 for 6 is $1950 total w/taxes. Quote for Jan 1 is $580+ now. I guess I better book it!!!!

Thanks for the feedback!
Jane

I searched for airfare again and I just found that if we book different airlines and one way I can get cheaper tickets! Unreal.

You did well! I started looking at airfare in July, but just now received our confirmation for our condo. We are poolside in LaCabana, is that good? I am really looking forward to this, but don't want to die from debt on the airfare. It was about what you paid before the "gas" gouge. I can get one way to Aruba on United nonstop for $298 each. Then it is about $344 on Delta for a return. I hate to wait, but I also heard that if you book 60 days on your credit card, they will back you if an airlines fails to uphold the ticket due to strike etc.
About LaCabana.... what is it like? The girls are looking forward to it as well.
Thanks,
Jane

Jane... go to http://www.ata.com and punch in your dates and people flying. I guarantee that you'll get a better fare than that. The prices quoted on ATA.com are better than the ones shown on Orbitz. I've used Orbitz many times and I like them but if they don't have the best fare, I go someplace else. Check it out.

I was a first timer at La Cabana in May and i loved it. We are returning on the 3rd of September. We stayed at the Villa's in the back of the hotel. The front by the beach is all timeshares. There are 2 pools in the back one with a waterslide and swim up bar great for familes something for the kids and the adults to do. And a very relaxing pool with a waterfall. Its about a 5 minute walk to the beach. The rooms are nice we had a 2 bedroom suite with a full kitchen and two baths. The floors are all tiled and they were very clean. Our balcony overlooked the pool with the waterslide. Ken is correct its not a 5 star place like the Hyatt but your not paying 1300$ per person either. We payed $899 per person in May and $649 per person for our upcoming trip. Staff was very friendly and helpful. We loved it. I hope this helps!

have a great trip! we love lacabana!