MICHELLE

HELP!! IM GOING TO AN ISLAND IN N0VEMBER AND I CANT DECIDE BETWEEN ARUBA OR ST THOMAS. ANY INFOR WOULD BE GREAT. THANK YOU!

Eileen

Michelle, I have never been to St. Thomas but was in Aruba in March. It is my impression that St. Thomas is more developed than Aruba, from what I have heard. Also, Aruba's landscape is like Phoenix with water (dry, desert, scruby) while St. Thomas is more lush and tropical (foliage, flowers, etc.) I think the shopping is better in St. Thomas. Aruba has casinos, I don't think St. T does. I found Aruba to be very safe, clean, friendly and reasonably priced. The beaches and water are absolutely gorgeous. If you are going in Nov.(Hurricane Season) Aruba has the edge cause it is out of the hurricane belt. Lots of islands got slammed by last Nov's big hurricane but it only skimmed Aruba and didn't do hardly any damage.

Karen

Having been to both, I would choose St. Thomas. Very different not only in terraine but the highrise hotels shoulder to shoulder with timeshare places did not thrill me on Aruba. Aruba is much more Americanized with more activity, including gambling, and much like a Miami beach. One long wonderful beach on Aruba; lots of little secluded pristine ones on STT and STJ! Easy access to St. John and the BVI's for some exploring from STT - real plus! I found the food better on St. Thomas overall and absolutely hated the wind that blew so hard that the sand hurt on Aruba! Actually if you look at statistics, the ABC's have had their share of "hits" too by hurricanes and then there was the terrible rains in early December last year that played havoc with the tourists on Aruba! But reconsider not doing all-inclusive if that is what you are looking at on St. Thomas. What resort are you considering????

Paula

We have booked Marriott in Aruba for Christmas <BR>but it is not too late to book something <BR>in STT! What hotel in STT wld. be comparable to Marriott in Aruba? <BR>All suggestions/comments welcomed!!

Parrot Mom

Having been to both, if your going in November go to Aruba..there is still danger from storms.. St. Thomas I found dirty and it is very unsafe at night..spent a week there and found it a big disappointment I would rather of spent time in St. John. The shopping for me in St. Thomas was fabulous..I haven't shopped in Aruba for years..but I'm sure I'd find bargains..Aruba is beaches and aloa vera plus the divi divi trees..

Karen

Not sure what was "dirty" about STT ... but it is more urban and developed in the areas where the Islanders live and some do live on a "shoestring." You would not want to go into Town at night but there is no reason to be there anyway! St. John is more pristine with most of the island being Nat'l Park and a small population! As far as being "unsafe," I travel the island frequently dining out, etc., at night and am not uncomfortable (but it helps to be aware of potential situations)! In fact, the East End is quite different than near Town. The high-end resorts on STT would probably be the Marriott's Reef (hirise overlooking harbor and Town), MorningStar (it is beachfront), the Ritz out on East End - they are getting a major facelift this summer - but there are others. Also Caneel is the top on St. John (and in the USVI, I think) - but there is always the Westin, the only other resort. Might want to go to www.st-thomas.com to check it out. Every island is not for everyone, remember, and we go with our own expectations, wants and needs and the islands are very different!

Robyn

Michelle: I have been to both islands and I would definitely go for Aruba! It is safe, clean and enjoyable. You don't have to stay in the highrise area. There are some great smaller resorts on a fantastic beach called Eagle beach which is quieter and uncrowded. You can get around the island relatively easily whether you rent a car, take taxis, or use the bus system. The residents are very warm and friendly. <BR>I didn't enjoy St. Thomas at all and was happier when I was visiting the other Virgin islands.

DeAnn

I've been to both & have to say that I enjoyed St. Thomas alot more. It's much more beautiful. I'm not sure what was going on when we were in Aruba, but the water absolutely stank. I wouldn't even go in!

Wanda

I have only been to Aruba and absolutely loved it! I thought it was beautiful and safe. The people could not have been more friendly. I do not gamble and was never bored. My boyfriend and I fell in love again. Be warned - the sun is dangerous - don't let the breeze fool you!

Frank

Michelle, <BR>I have never been to Aruba but STT and STJ I have. STT is great for bargain shopping and sight seeing. We stayed at Marriotts Frenchmans Reef which is nice. They had a major facelift and renovation not too long ago. If affordable, try to charter a private/semi-private sailing vessel from your hotel. There are usually half day and day tours. Also, visit STJ and it's under water museum (I think at trunk Bay?) that can be viewed while snorkeling. Water is crystal clear and rates should be decent around November.

Evelyn

Michelle, I would NEVER turn down a chance to go to St. John! Therefore, I'd choose St. Thomas over Aruba anyday, anytime. I'm going again in December.

Rick

Michelle, with so many mixed opinions it will be very tough to decide. I can try and give you my honest thoughts but probably someone will argue with them. Having been to both islands, hands down I would go back to Aruba and never go back to St Thomas. Yes, Aruba is Americanized but you will come home alive. Aruba is very arid, desertlike but clean and friendly. St T. has become very unsafe over the past couple of years. When we were there, even the restaurant workers and night spots were warning of being careful at night. I know people will tell you that is true anywhere you go; but when you pay for vacation and go to a small island that is 10-15 miles long, you shouldnt have to worry about stuff like that. Yes, your home city has crime but also probably has 100,000 of people vs. 10,000's;; Try and go back in posts and read how many people will not return to St T. Also, go to a travel warning site and read about USVI and discussions of crime. The truth be told; I would recommend the BVI's before I would Aruba or St T. Hopefully it helps.

ArubaHoosier

Aruba is much safer than St Thomas. There are some excellent restaurants and beaches like Eagle are long, clean and white. Tradewinds keep it bearable and we love Palm Beach (even though it is highrise hotels) because of the beautiful calm blue waters. There is a Radisson that has just reopened that underwent a $53 million renovation. If you go to http://www.visitaruba.com you can check out their trip report section to get some other ideas on what Aruba is like. St. Thomas does have better shopping than Aruba, but that is about all I can think of.