How's the economy affecting your Aruba plans?

[Mr Curious]

This topic comes up when I talk to the Arubans where ever I go lately. It hasn't hit the island just yet, but they are already starting to see a decline in current reservation bookings.

Will you come to Aruba as often? How will this financial mess alter your travel plans? Will you travel on a tighter budget?

Let's hear some of your thoughts. I like to hear 1st hand knowledge, especially from the "Diehards".

[cindyo]

Diehard timeshare 3 wk owner, doesn't affect our plans of going.. Our biggest cutback will be in dining. Plane tickets purchased months ago. We also cut back at the bar, and bring our own liquor that we purchase at the duty free shops. Don't plan on any big jewlery purchases or any souveniers( we're past that routine). This is our 12th yr going.

[arubamark]

As long as I have a job I will be returning to Aruba every year. I agree with Cindy with the jewelry purchases been there done that. Here's the thing, they are constantly increasing prices on food, liquor and tabacco at the resorts. By doing this they are making it easy for me and I am sure others to just go buy it elsewhere. Maybe if they would be a little more resonable with their prices I wouldn't be going food and beverage shopping my first day there. Example, I have a hotdog and balashi bear for lunch it's alomost $17 with the gratuity included. That's a little ridiculous, thats why I started grocery shopping. My father that goes every year feels differently he says he's on vacation and if he can't afford it he wouldn't be going. Everyone has their own opinion. By all means I am no cheapskate but when I feel like I am getting ripped off I have to put a stop to it. Even my taxi rides this year, Bully might charge say $9 I would throw him a $20 bill. He's priced reasonable and therefore I don't mind tipping a little extra to see it go to a hard worker and nice person. yeah yeah yerah, blah blah blah...I have to go finish my trip post report not sure if it will fit on here. Amy might have to help me out with that fancy thing she put together. Maybe not, I probably will not have the time.

[Bill]

I agree with almost everything. I will buy more grocery's, beers and booze at Lings. Limit the bar drinks and maybe cook mac and cheese in the room a couple nights but I cant give up the jewelry buying. Its been 15 or so years there and its like a sport, plus both my wife and I like to wear it.

[rob o]

My funeral plans will be a little more Spartan....but I'll still be going.

Kids will inherit a little less....but I'm still going.

I may be eating at Subway.....but I'm still going.

I may have to bring my own liquor....but I'll still be drinking.

I may have to buy a one way ticket....now that would be a total shame!

[Arubalisa]

We switched last year to all inclusive. We don't cook on vacation and those $50+ lunches for the 3 of us, were getting to be just a bit rediclulous (sp?) in price.

Found ourselves a "decent" all inclusive which happens to allow kids 17 and under to stay and eat free, so are able to "treat" ourselves to dinner off property when we wish.

[danadog56]

also a die hard 3 week timeshare owner and would cancel other trips before Aruba. Prices of plane tickets are no worse than before, even with gas prices up the tickets were still the same prices..........so...again nope plan on going more next year as a matter of fact,,,,

[Mr Curious]

Very interesting... I figured as much with the usual suspects.
Rob O, if you stick to the Subway diet, people might call you Jared Jr.
That's actually is a staple in my diet, btw. Cooking is no bon.

Who sees things differently? Aruba will still thrive if everyone still showed up, but that's not the case.

[huffdaddy]

Will be there in a few days. Aruba will be the LAST luxury that I would give up. I may have to work a little harder or cut someplace else, but, we will be in Aruba for at least three weeks every year for as long as I can physically make it. Can't wait!

[auctionmaster]

Im still going, Its a little tight on the budget but not bad...