Don't Go Anyplace Else!!!

[Rekenna]

Okay everyone, it's like this: no matter where I trade into I ALWAYS wish I had gone to Aruba. It's simple, I've been to Waikiki, Kauai, Maui, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Bahamas, Mexico, Florida, St. Kitts, etc., and I'm just gonna tell you not to waste your time. Every time I've traded, I wished I hadn't. Going forard, it's gonna be Aruba twice/three times a year, and that's it!!! Just thought I'd share. :-)

[Shelly]

I agree!!! I'll never trade anywhere else. I can't tell from your picture, is that the Surf Club? If you did stay there did you try out the new adult pool?

[Arubalisa]

I think you will get a lot of folks who agree with you here.

Some of my "thoughts"...

The Bahamas still has some nice spots, but weather can be "iffy" especially in winter. Florida weather is always a factor as well.
British Virgin Islands, VERY nice, but something about it does not make it as attractive as Aruba. Just could not put my finger on it.
St. Lucia and St. Kitt, the beaches do not even come close to being as nice as Aruba's.
Grenada is all around a beautiful island, but the vendors on the beaches will drive you nuts.
Dominica is probably one of the most beautiful islands, but no beaches to speak of.
Barbados, some nice beaches, but even more expensive than Aruba.
St. Thomas? I have a friend whose mother lives downtown and listens to the gunshots every night. No thank you!

The only place we have yet to visit, but is on our list for far, far into the future is Anguilla.

[Rekenna]

Right you are! In St. Thomas, we nearly got robbed by these two women at Magen's Bay who were at our bags as we were trying to hang in the ocean. OMG - I went to stay on the blanket while our friends were in the water and the woman had the nerve to ask me, "Why aren't you going in the water?" Ummmm, let me think - so I can keep you from taking my stuff!!! Yeeesh - NEVER, ever was I worried about getting robbed in Aruba. Maui is breathtaking and a serious competitor but the the flight time is brutal. Seriously not worth it. St. Kitts, the inhabitants HATE us - no lie. Even the Marriott employees hate tourists. It's odd. I called management to complain about treatment and got a bottle of wine. Keep the wine - train your employees properly. No more experiments. If my hub wants to venture out, he's on his own. :-) I'm sticking to my island. I just wish I could get back to Renaissance Island without having to stay at the Renaissance. By the way, that photo is the Renaissance, the first place we ever stayed. I wanted to hit Barbados and Turks, but it's just not worth it. Already booked my three weeks next year! No more messing around. :-)

[Arubalisa]

Turks is another place to worry about cold fronts in winter and hurricanes in summer ...

Dh and my parents have been to Hawaii, and agree, not only is it not worth it to Easterners due to the long flight, but all three were underwhelmed by it all.

[Windy]

For us the very best thing about Aruba is the consistently perfect weather, followed by such friendly people, and feeling totally safe! We've only been twice, but look forward to many more visits!

Our most favorite place is still Bermuda in May and October, because of the nicest, friendliest people anywhere, beautiful beaches, and the warm feeling that no other island has given us! Also a short hop from Boston so we can get there every year at least once! (I've been going there since the late 50's, so there are many memories and we know the island so well)

30+ years ago (before kids) we sold our house and sailed from Woods Hole to Florida, worked there during the winter, then spent the summer sailing around in the Out Islands (mostly the Exumas) of the Bahamas. Even with major drug dealings and some pirating going on in those days, we had the time of our lives, met the friendliest kindest people ever, swam and fished in the most crystal clear water I've ever seen. Now that's the way to see the Bahamas!!! (I don't even count Nassau -- that's totally different and imo can be skipped entirely!)

[Jax]

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

Turks is another place to worry about cold fronts in winter and hurricanes in summer ...

Dh and my parents have been to Hawaii, and agree, not only is it not worth it to Easterners due to the long flight, but all three were underwhelmed by it all.

I found that Aruba is worth the long flight. I fly out of Portland, Oregon (which is also a 3 hour drive from where I live). I have been to Hawaii on several occasions and being that I don't surf, I don't find it as wonderful as Aruba. The beaches are overcrowded, not as safe, not as relaxing................

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by Jax

I found that Aruba is worth the long flight. I fly out of Portland, Oregon (which is also a 3 hour drive from where I live). I have been to Hawaii on several occasions and being that I don't surf, I don't find it as wonderful as Aruba. The beaches are overcrowded, not as safe, not as relaxing................

Thank you for confirming I am not missing much by not visiting Hawaii

[kbdiadora]

I couldn't agree more with this post! I have been to all the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico/Grand Cayman/Barbados and none of them compare to Aruba. Barbados was the choice for the honeymoon to try a new location as Aruba has always been our "vacation" spot....every day I would say, this isn't Aruba! HA Cannot wait - next 10 days need to fly by!

[kirsten]

My husband loves the Big Island but Aruba is where I want to be. We do visit other places (since I am a travel agent, it is always wise to check out other destinations) but Aruba is my HAPPY PLACE! I count down the days until I can return. In fact, I love it so much, that I am specializing in Aruba, not Hawaii like my husband wanted me to.