J/K...I feel like I'm back in college with that title

I've learned over the years that each Caribbean country is very unique...how does Aruba differ than say....the Bahamas, St Thomas, Cancun, Dominican Republic, Caymans, etc...

Like Bermuda for example, we didn't realize it until we got there that unlike other island nations, they are much more formal and wearing swimming attire around town was not something the locals liked for tourists to do, where in other countries that's PERFECTLY okay to do.

Any quirks about Aruba we should know? We love learning about and embracing new cultures. Can't wait...we'll be touching down in May Staying at the Marriot Oceanside in a timeshare unit.

TIA

SG, Richmond VA

Aruba is cleaner, safer, friendlier. No one begs on the streets, all natives houses are clean, and you don't feel guilty seeing shacks when you're on vacation.
After travelling the world, this place doens't even compare to any of the islands you mentioned. Bermuda, of course is nice, but more expensive than aruba in my opinion.

On Aruba
The people are wonderful - not just the ones in the hospitality industry
The restaurants are excellent
The weather is fairly predictable
USD accepted virtually everywhere
You can go anywhere on the island safely
Therefore the AI option is not chosen by very many Aruba regulars - except for those of us who like to drink quite a bit.

Once you get away from the hotel area it is not a lush island. It is a desert and fairly flat.

Public transport between town and your hotel is cheap.

There are no clothing optional beaches - although you may see some ladies going topless on Manchebo Beach

In May it's usually dry and there are no problems with mosquitoes

You won't be comfortable wearing swiming attire down town. But there is no need for jacket or tie in any restaurant. The most you'll need are long pants and a shirt with a collar and even then only a few places have dress codes.


Have a great vacation!

One of the things I like best about Aruba is the locals. They are friendly and seem to accept all cultures just as if they were their own. Wear as you please and be happy.

ARUBA IS VERY CASUAL. YOU CAN WEAR SWIMWEAR ANYWHERE REALLY BUT SHOULD BE COVERED UP A LITTLE FOR THE LADIES ATLEAST AND MEN SHOULD HAVE A LIKE A TANK TOP OR SOMETHING ON. AND DRY. RESTURANTS ARE ALL VERY CASUAL AND NICE. YOU LEARN THINGS AND THE DAYS GO BY AND THE BIGGEST THING IS THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO GO HOME ON THE DAY YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO GO HOME.

ARUBA VERY RELAXING AND COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BE.

Each of the islands mentionoes has something special.. Each in its' own way has the things that bring back the die-hards that love each one of them...

BUT .. as I have stated before:

Aruba has an essence, it has a magnetism and it is extremely contagious.

Aruba has the ability to have rain pouring on bodies all covered and slicked with coconut oil and lying on beach chairs and have those bodies go "WOW Aruba rain - I love it". Aruba lies in the ocean all small and little from the airplane view and people that have been there before get glassy eyed. The stock broker will discuss business on the plane ride to Honolulu and only discuss Aruba on the way there.

Aruba has the ability to generate this posting. Is that special? Try looking at the bulletin boards of (for example) Bonaire and Curacao.

Not only do the people living here care agout their visitors but the visitors care about each other. Families meet here. Their children play in the sand together each year and those kids develop relationships and marry each other. They have children and bring them as well. It is a cycle.

Aruba is a cycle of ... happiness.

Compare and contrast? NAAAHH not at this moment. The odds are too much in the favor of Aruba.

be well
charles
arubafastphones.com

Although I love Aruba & will be making my 4th trip in 4 years this Sept., I don't think it is a place to experience a different culture. Aruba is Very "Americanized"

If you want to experience/embrace a different culture I would recommend staying on Orient Beach, on the French side of St Martin & plan on dining at several of the world-class restaurants in Grand Case.

St Martin is my favorite island. Aruba #2.