I went to Aruba about 7 years ago, and HATED it. There was nothing to do, no where to really eat (I need yummy food or I'm miserable...we love going out to eat.)
Everyone tells me that Aruba is so different now, and that it's AMAZING. People are saying that Aruba has been taking off for the past 4 or 5 years, so I was there before anything really happened.
Does anyone have any photos of Aruba recently? And what's your opinion on restaurants.
I just remember that there was NOTHING when you left the hotels, it seemed like just desert. (Note: WHen I was in Aruba 7 years ago, my ex-boyrfriend took me, and we were having a lot of problems, we broke up shortly after this trip, so that could also be why I hated the vacation).
curly2003
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
i just posted a review and pics on Misty's thread about her 1 yr anniversary. Check it out
Kathy116
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
Oh thanks! I'll go do that !
Teri
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
Aruba is a desert so it's not all lush or anything but that's to be expected. The restaurants are all great too - we had a lot of good experiences.
I just posted pics from my trip the other day on this board.
I'd think the only time to avoid is Sept, when I hear the trade winds are brought up North to the rest of the Carribean with hurricane season. Aruba doesn't have a rainy season but without those winds it can be hot.
Misty
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
It's an Aruba love fest here today!
Sonicstef
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
Yea, I went in 97 or 98 and hated it too for the very reasons you mentioned. Maybe its different now?
stacedz
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
I absolutely loved it when we honeymooned there in October 2002 so much that we bought a timeshare. My husband does not like the beach and he fell in love with Aruba. It isn't a 'go here, see that' type of vacation but that isn't our type of vacation. We loved hanging on the beach or in the pool all day and then going out to eat (that could very well be my 2 favorite things to do! )....and the island is small. We gambled as well and snorkeled but everyone's opinions could be different and it could have been different 5 years ago. I know many girls on here LOVED it. I should add that I haven't been to any where else tropical so that could be why I was in heaven as well!
Good Luck in making your decision and if you need any help let me know. I posted pics on Teri's original post when she left for Aruba and also when I got back from our honeymoon if you want to do a search!
TrayLu47
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
Like you said, maybe you didn't enjoy it as much b/c of a bad situation - that can spoil a trip to any island.
We went to Aruba for 10 days on our HM in 2000 and hubby and I had a good time - we didn't want to leave! Like Stacedz said, it's more of a relaxed island, but if you want night life, good restaurants etc, it's definitely there! Hubby and I went scuba diving, para-sailing, snorkeling, jet skiing, booze cruises, Jeep tours, dinners at most of the restaurants on the island etc, and we really had a blast and was never bored. We also met another couple from Chicago who got married the same day we did and we are still friends to this day! It really depends on what you like to do on vacation. I like romantic walks on the beach at night, relaxation by the pool/beach, water sports, a little night life and dinners at different restaurants and Aruba definitely has all of that!
Hey - try it, you never know, the second time around might be better!
stacedz
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
Tray: We met a couple from CT that got married the day before us and we still talk and see each other as well, how funny! Aruba brings out the best in people, LOL!!!
franksbride
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
LOVED ARUBA!!! There were soooooooooooooooooooooooo many GREAT restaurants!!!
Give it another chance!!!!
jennbaby
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
Posted by franksbride
LOVED ARUBA!!! There were soooooooooooooooooooooooo many GREAT restaurants!!!
Give it another chance!!!!
ditto! I go every year Kathy!!!
kdelace
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
we loved aruba- went for our honeymoon and plan on going back. we had such a good time. we relaxed on the beach and read, we gambled, went out to dinner, parasailed, shopped... rented a jeep ad exlpored the island. were going back!
jpsgirl
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
I think it was probably just about the company. I went to aruba with an old boyfriend about 7 years ago and loved it, and also went last year for my honeymoon. The weather is always a sure thing, the people are nice (although they were a lot nicer 7 years ago), the restaurants are amazing, the water beautiful, there is sight seeing and snorkeling away from the hotels, and I also like to gamble and there are plenty of casinos. I loved it there both times!
beachgirl13
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
Give it another shot! We had a great time there.
WeDidIt!
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
SHOULD YOU GO...SHOULD YOU GO!!!!!!!?????? If you don't want to go send me! My DH and I went for our honeymoon and we loved it. The truth is there is not that much to do. We went shopping one day, tour of the island the next and then did the Sea Trek. Other than that we lounged on the beach and ate until we couldn't eat anymore!
Kris
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
I'd like to know what everyone thinks there is to do on other islands that you can't do on Aruba? There are casinos, TONS of restaurants, some clubs, snorkeling, jeep tours, snuba, scuba, fishing trips, parasailing, jet skis, shopping... what else do you need on a Carribean island? Just curious.
And I have been to Aruba almost every year since 1992 and there has ALWAYS been tons of great restaurants. There has been a surge of growth in the nightlife since then, though.
I'm sorry, I am partial to Aruba, and have steered clear of other islands b/c there is 'nothing to do' I just find it odd for people to say that- I have honestly never met anyone that did not like it.
jenny11.9
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
I reallyliked Aruba - but haven't been to any other island places. I thought it was beautiful. we found some great restaurants, enjoyed the weather and the water. I mean - there's not much to 'do' but we went exploring every day and found all kinds of private secluded areas....It was neat there. I will definitely go back.
Jodi73
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
I went to Aruba for my honeymoon this past November and I did not like it at all. We are thinking about giving it another chance though next year. Even though everyone says the weather is always perfect, it was not the case when we were there. It rained 3 out of the 6 days that we were there. It was not the rain that ended mid day either. It was hard rain and all the roads were flooded.
karen32
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Re: Vacation to Aruba...should we go?
any question that starts with vacation to ______ - you should definitely go!!!! you and DH will have a great time together, even if you are not thrilled with the place.
