Vacationing in Aruba or Jamaica?

Question

I LOVE visitng Jamaica, but now wer're thinking of Aruba because airfare is insanely low and it's a new experience. Jamaica is tugging at my heartstrings, so I want some input about Aruba. I've read a lot from Aruba tourist sites, so please give me your experiences..help me!

Answer 1

Don't think just because I am a Jamaican I am saying this.

I have a travel agent friend who loves Aruba.

It is one island I would not return to.

Airfares are crazy high now...so if you are in a lovely hotel with good company you can make a different island a new adventure.

Answer 2

Aruba, hands down. It is the safest island i know of. I have been going to 12 years, for 2 weeks a year.

The many reasons are:

The Resturants - some of the best in the caribean.

The Locals - They are all fluent in english, spanish, dutch and papimento.

Hotels - We stay at a hotel with a private beach, that you have to take a short boat ride to. This means you can go out whenever you want, and not have to worry about getting a beachchair (some island you have to wake up at like 7 to get a spot) And it is only for people at the hotel.

Stores - They have high end stores and fun little local shops.

Weather - No hurricanes, no rain, only sunshine. Of all the time i have spent in Aruba it rained only 30 minutes for one day.

And many, many more :)

We are Aruba Addicts - we have about 30 people that have gone with us, and they all have bought timeshares.

Answer 3

I would stick with Jamaica or choose another island that is similar to Jamaica, like St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Martin or Dominican Republic. Aruba is not a very big island its very desolate, and doesn't have a lot to offer like some other islands.

Answer 4

I went to Aruba this time last year. It is a very clean and realitively safe island.  The food is very expensive though, so be aware.  Make sure you stay in the high rise hotel area.

Answer 5

Jamaica is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean while Aruba is in the second tier.

Aruba is small and quiet. It's a nice place to go for a peaceful and relaxing vacation where you spend a lot of time on the very nice beaches. The landscape is semi-arid compared to the lush of Jamaica, so it's not a place to go for natural wonders.

It compares well to a number of other islands that are in the middle range of Caribbean destinations for things to do. Also, Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire are popular in part because they USUALLY avoid the worst of the hurricane season. So that group makes sense if you plan on going late summer to early fall.

Dominican Republic is mainly about all-inclusive resorts. Go to Cancun if you want a highly developed shopping area with everything packed together. Same with St. Thomas.

The bottom line is that they all have their advantages. It depends mainly on the type of vacation you want.