Overwhelmed planning my 1st trip to Aruba. Help!

[racampbell]

Hi! Sorry in advance for the long post! I am attempting to plan my 1st trip to Aruba with my husband and am so overwhelmed by all the decisions I need to make!

I have been reading many posts on the forum and they have been super helpful but I still cant decide on what to do! So I am hoping if I explain my situation in my own thread, you guys can help me figure out what options are the best for us!

My husband and I are 25 and have been married for 6 years, with a 6 year old daughter. I have never traveled outside of the US and my husband and I have never been on a vacation alone together! So I am trying to make the most out of this vacation because it is much needed and loonng overdue!


First of all, I am trying to decide whether to do all inclusive or not. My husband and I both like to drink and he loves food and trying new things. I think the AI is financially better but I am a extremely picky eater, so I am nervous that I wont eat any of the food offered with the AI.

Then my other thoughts are where to stay. Originally I was looking at the Divi but then read that Palm Beach has more to offer night life wise. I LOVE the beach and would be happy sitting in the sand or by the pool for the entire vacation. My husband on the other hand, is more adventurous and loves night life (bars, clubs, etc). So I read that Oranjestad is more laid back and about relaxing on the beach, whereas Palm Beach is where all the restaurants and bars are.

So I guess my question is, is there somewhere nice that we can stay that meets in the middle? Relaxing and calm, but close enough to be able to venture out into shopping and night life? And pros and cons of AI?


Any thoughts and opinions would be GREATLY appreciated!!


Thank you in advance,
Rebecca

[Andrea J.]

welcome to the aruba.com community forum rebecca.

although i am not a proponent of all inclusive i am guessing that AI might be the way to go in your case.

i think that divi all inclusive is good and i do not think that the location would be too much of a drawback.
the divi location is just 2 miles or less from palm beach.........taxi or bus ride. easy peasy.
also at the divi you have the resort itself with bars and friendly people, the alhambra marketplace as a nice time out.

OR

i would suggest the riu.
there is all inclusive there, albeit more $$ than divi.
located in palm beach area close to all that your husband would like.

oranjestad is the downtown about 4 miles south of palm beach, about a mile or 2 south of the druif beach (divi all inclusive) area.
if you are interested in downtown, i would recommend the Renaissance marina tower or Renaissance Ocean Suites. All inclusive is an "option" and not required.

aruba has awesome restaurants and many feel all inclusive is unnecessary.

but, this is your first BIG vacation.
i recommend baby steps for this first vacation..........do the all inclusive, i recommend divi as my 1st choice, wander around palm beach a few of the evenings, spend most of your time on the beach and do a tour or 2!! remember, do what you want, what you feel is right. my opinion is MY opinion. what works for me might be a train wreck for you. but my experiences tell me that the divi will be a nice fit and a great way for you to get your feet wet and having an adult vacation.

i look forward to reading others' suggestions.

word of caution though...........aruba is the best. aruba sets the bar very high. it is possible that all other vacations will not be as wonderful.

Hi! Sorry in advance for the long post! I am attempting to plan my 1st trip to Aruba with my husband and am so overwhelmed by all the decisions I need to make!

I have been reading many posts on the forum and they have been super helpful but I still cant decide on what to do! So I am hoping if I explain my situation in my own thread, you guys can help me figure out what options are the best for us!

My husband and I are 25 and have been married for 6 years, with a 6 year old daughter. I have never traveled outside of the US and my husband and I have never been on a vacation alone together! So I am trying to make the most out of this vacation because it is much needed and loonng overdue!


First of all, I am trying to decide whether to do all inclusive or not. My husband and I both like to drink and he loves food and trying new things. I think the AI is financially better but I am a extremely picky eater, so I am nervous that I wont eat any of the food offered with the AI.

Then my other thoughts are where to stay. Originally I was looking at the Divi but then read that Palm Beach has more to offer night life wise. I LOVE the beach and would be happy sitting in the sand or by the pool for the entire vacation. My husband on the other hand, is more adventurous and loves night life (bars, clubs, etc). So I read that Oranjestad is more laid back and about relaxing on the beach, whereas Palm Beach is where all the restaurants and bars are.

So I guess my question is, is there somewhere nice that we can stay that meets in the middle? Relaxing and calm, but close enough to be able to venture out into shopping and night life? And pros and cons of AI?


Any thoughts and opinions would be GREATLY appreciated!!


Thank you in advance,
Rebecca

[cpjones]

Welcome to the forum.... and relax a bit..... Ditto to what Andrea offered. It's a quick and cheap 10+/- cab ride to Palm Beach from the Divi for the clubs and night life. I'm sure you'll find adequate dining choices with AI at the Divi... your drinks for the day and plenty of beach time.... who knows, your best night life might just be snuggling on the beach at night with your guy!

Pack half of what you think you'll need and you'll still only use half of that!

[Jacki]

Hi Rebecca! Welcome to the Aruba.com Community Forum!

Shocker - I totally agree with Andrea & CP! It sounds like AI would be a good idea for your first trip and next time you'll have a feel for the island and may want to venture out to restaurants, etc off property. Maybe a Kukoo Kunuku one night?

[DiviDiviFan]

Welcome to the best forum around. I know your hubby and yourself will have a wonderful time in Aruba wherever you decide to stay. I am a Divi AI lover, also a very picky eater and the food is good. Divi has buffets my favorite are breakfast and lunch, dinner is so, so....depending on the theme that night. You can also book restaurants at Divi and/or Tam, Red Parrot is excellent, they also have a Mexican Restaurant, Italian at Tam etc. Check out the website. Nightlife I would suggest taking a taxi which is very reasonable and safer if you are partying. If you are drinkers I would say your best bet is all inclusive, Divi has excellent drinks and bartenders, beers are on draft local Balashi, Miller Lite and Heniken.

Happy Planning!

[WaltVB]

Hi Rebecca, welcome to the forum! Don't get all wrapped around the axle here. The best advice I can give is to take half the clothes you think you'll need and twice the money. The Holiday Inn Resort is right on Palm Beach and has AI and non-AI options. There are great beach bars and restaurants of all price points steps away. Take a snorkel tour on Jolly Pirates. Rent a car and explore the island. And most of all sit on the beach and just relax! You're going to love Aruba!

[Sue M.]

Welcome Rebecca. Listen to the suggestions that have been given. You cannot go wrong, there are many seasoned Aruba travelers on this forum. Have a wonderful