Hi everyone!
I'm amazed at how many people use this forum. I'm excited that perhaps some of my questions might be answered. Thank you in advance for helping a few of us who are making our first visit to Aruba. There are four of us in our early 30's going for a week of fun, sun and relaxation in the end of April staying at the Wyndham.

1) Has anyone taken a day trip to Curacao or Venezuela? If so how and what were the costs?

2) Night life? Concerts? Any top suggestions.

3)The Aruba discount card - is it really worth getting and how do I get one?

4) Any advice on making the Wyndham a great stay. How's the spa?

Thanks again!
Keep Smiling!

When we went last year, heard something about gov't advising against trips to Ven.. Believe me, you'll have enough to do in Aruba. We stayed at the Wyndham last year - our first trip to Aruba - and headed back again in June. You'll love it !! Great pool, just steps from beach. Weds. live entertainment at poolside bar. Practically embarrassed to say we didn't try any of their restaurants last trip but plan to this trip. I hear Blossoms, Pago Pago and Cafe Bacci are great. We also had breakfast buffet included in our package (thru MCM Tours), so we were basically covered for breakfast & lunch and only had to plan on dinners. The buffet has made to order omelettes, great fresh fruit, - all the basics like bacon, French Toast, etc. Try to get a low even numbered room. We were on the 7th floor, and had a great view, and could also hear and see the action down at the pool, which we liked. Otherwise ask for a higher floor (ie. 904, 808 would be great rooms). Each room has a balcony with room enough for a couple chairs. Didn't try the spa, but heard good things about it. You can walk up and down the beach to other resorts/restaurants. Right next door at the Divi Phoenix is a beachside restaurant called Sunset Beach Bistro which is close/reasonable/good. Can also go out on pier just a short walk up the beach for music/food - live band a couple nights a week (forget which ones). Moombas Beach Bar is up near the Holiday Inn. Downtown clubs/restaurants, etc. HAVE FUN !

I tried the spa at the Wyndham this year. It was nice. The year before I tried the spa at Tierra del Sol, it was great. This year it was a dissapointment. Different people, couldn't talk to them. The Spa at the Marriott was really great. Lots of options, nice touch!

Ahava,
You can go on day trips to Curacao or Bonaire. DePalm tours offers these trips or you can book your own air through Bonaire exel airlines. If you follow international news you should know that Venezuela is a very dangerous place to visit. The crime in Caracas is very high. If you check the travel advisory web site you will find there is crime taking place even at the airport. Crime is everything from pick pockets to kidnapping of tourists. I do not know if your American but the country is very anti american right now. It is hard to believe the Happy Island of Aruba is just 15 miles away!

Hi

When to Curacao just want to tell you of the
problems we had:

1) long day left hotel at 5.30 and returned about 1.00 the next morning.
2) Small plane to island only 10 or 12
seats.
3) the guide we have was good. but he left us at the airport to return at 6.00 P>M>
and there was no plane to take us back. until
after midnight.

Sorry but would not recommend Curacao

At this moment there is problem with the flights to Curacao and there is no day tour to Curacao.

To Venezuela suggest not to go for security reason,they have stopped to sell the day tour to Caracas lots of political problem.

Fun placer are :
Carlos and Charlie
Mamboo Jamboo
Moomba on The beach
Choose a name

The visit card is great discount card lots a places accept it

There are some great spa on Aruba including at the Wyndham.

www.wixtours.com

Stay in Aruba. Go to www.visitaruba.com and see the link at the top for the Aruba card. Great discounts on many things, especially car rental. Well worth it.

You can find pages of what to do and where to eat in Aruba on our web site:

http://www.arubahouse.com

Just scroll past the house stuff for this info

We were going to go to Venezuela when i was in Aruba about 3wks ago, and were very discouraged by it by a few locals & other tourists....so we didnt go...which was fine! There was plenty to do through out the days & nights in Aruba! And most importantly ~ be safe!