Aruba trip report (first time visitors)
Feb 13th, 2016, 12:27 PM
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Aruba trip report (first time visitors)
This is my first trip report ever, I felt compelled to share since I didn't find TOO much info on here when I was first looking into an Aruban vacation.
Traveling for 10 days was myself and my husband (ages 33 & 43, respectively). We like to be independent travelers, staying away from "packages," resorts and all-inclusives that clip our wings.So we did an AirBNB in Noord, and another apt in the Malmok area (less touristy). Our places where we stayed were awesome, and the hosts were wonderful. Other than our hosts, I have to say that we didn't buy the whole "One Happy Island" slogan. If you're exploring the island outside of official group tours, etc we found most locals were annoyed, rude or completely miserable. I understand that the economics of these islands are probably pretty bad, they may resent our tourism, but nonetheless I didn't hear anyone mention on forums how miserable and unhelpful people were. We gradually realized that to "do" Aruba properly (and enjoyably) you really should stick to a resort and not try to get the local flavor.
We felt safe when exploring in our car (which you absolutely need in Aruba!) but we did have 2 backpacks stolen while we were snorkeling in Malmok. Our host said it was the first he'd heard of it. We didn't have anything of value in them, but it set the precedent to be even more careful.
Restaurants were ok, nothing steller ...and everything was pretty pricey. A lot of the restaurants have the same menu items (hello, beef carpaccio). We did have some wonderful local fish, but they don't do other seafood very well (maybe it's imported?). We try not to be picky at restaurants, and we were pretty happy, but for those who DO care, I wanted to include that.
Rent a Jeep and explore the Arakok National Park if you want some serious off-roading...the desert park wasn't much to look at but the off roading was very fun, and the rugged coast is totally worth it! Dos Playa beach is a great place to spend a day on a remote beach! The Conchi (Natural pool) really isn't worth the EXTREME off-roading that it requires as it's quite a small pool, unless you want the experience...it's not for the faint of heart!
Flying out of Aruba they ask that you come 3 hours ahead b/c it's a small airport and you go through customs, but it really went smoothly b/c they have a customs kiosk that you fill out and that's it.
Aruba is beautiful, the water and beaches were lovely, the dry heat is really nice (and perfect in the shade), there were NO bugs, the mainland is desert-like with cactus everywhere, and we enjoyed seeing it...but we won't return as we don't want to waste time staying on a resort when there are many other places to explore.
Traveling for 10 days was myself and my husband (ages 33 & 43, respectively). We like to be independent travelers, staying away from "packages," resorts and all-inclusives that clip our wings.So we did an AirBNB in Noord, and another apt in the Malmok area (less touristy). Our places where we stayed were awesome, and the hosts were wonderful. Other than our hosts, I have to say that we didn't buy the whole "One Happy Island" slogan. If you're exploring the island outside of official group tours, etc we found most locals were annoyed, rude or completely miserable. I understand that the economics of these islands are probably pretty bad, they may resent our tourism, but nonetheless I didn't hear anyone mention on forums how miserable and unhelpful people were. We gradually realized that to "do" Aruba properly (and enjoyably) you really should stick to a resort and not try to get the local flavor.
We felt safe when exploring in our car (which you absolutely need in Aruba!) but we did have 2 backpacks stolen while we were snorkeling in Malmok. Our host said it was the first he'd heard of it. We didn't have anything of value in them, but it set the precedent to be even more careful.
Restaurants were ok, nothing steller ...and everything was pretty pricey. A lot of the restaurants have the same menu items (hello, beef carpaccio). We did have some wonderful local fish, but they don't do other seafood very well (maybe it's imported?). We try not to be picky at restaurants, and we were pretty happy, but for those who DO care, I wanted to include that.
Rent a Jeep and explore the Arakok National Park if you want some serious off-roading...the desert park wasn't much to look at but the off roading was very fun, and the rugged coast is totally worth it! Dos Playa beach is a great place to spend a day on a remote beach! The Conchi (Natural pool) really isn't worth the EXTREME off-roading that it requires as it's quite a small pool, unless you want the experience...it's not for the faint of heart!
Flying out of Aruba they ask that you come 3 hours ahead b/c it's a small airport and you go through customs, but it really went smoothly b/c they have a customs kiosk that you fill out and that's it.
Aruba is beautiful, the water and beaches were lovely, the dry heat is really nice (and perfect in the shade), there were NO bugs, the mainland is desert-like with cactus everywhere, and we enjoyed seeing it...but we won't return as we don't want to waste time staying on a resort when there are many other places to explore.
Feb 14th, 2016, 04:43 AM
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Hi
I liked your trip report which seems balanced and and avoids being exaggerated.
I will definitely keep your opinion in my mind should I want to go there.
I'm just back from St Martin and will post a TR soon but we loved every moment of it.
I liked your trip report which seems balanced and and avoids being exaggerated.
I will definitely keep your opinion in my mind should I want to go there.
I'm just back from St Martin and will post a TR soon but we loved every moment of it.
Feb 15th, 2016, 11:45 AM
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We have been going to Aruba over 10 yrs. The thing I love the most is the food and the weather. We love seafood and just love all the fresh fish. Plus there are great steak joints and italian mixed. There is a ton of variety for sure. Meals are not cheap but hey we're on vacation. We do breakfast and lunch generally in our condo.
We do stick to the resort and do our tours from the resort and have always had very positive experiences. We go downtown on the bus and enjoy that excursion too. But it's a small island, so it's a place to do a tour or two and relax.
The thing that amazed us when we first went is how many people said they have been coming for X years. And now we are those people and can't wait for our next trip there.
We do stick to the resort and do our tours from the resort and have always had very positive experiences. We go downtown on the bus and enjoy that excursion too. But it's a small island, so it's a place to do a tour or two and relax.
The thing that amazed us when we first went is how many people said they have been coming for X years. And now we are those people and can't wait for our next trip there.
Feb 17th, 2016, 05:55 AM
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I am surprised by the negativity you experienced Whitefield82 but respect your sincerity and opinion.
Aruba has the most repeat visitors of any island to my understanding. We have just completed my 10th visit to Aruba. I have never had a bad meal in Aruba, the fish is fresh, and never have seen on a menu Beef Carpaccio? In all my 10 years. I have never met a more friendly or warm people in any other island and I have traveled to quite a few. I would certainly caution you to avoid some other island if you thought the Arubian people were unfriendly. Economics are not bad in Aruba. It is a not a poor island it has its own oil refinery.
We do own a TS and have done most all tours. I am glad you were able to get about and explore. Like 2grey2labs cannot wait to return next year.
Aruba has the most repeat visitors of any island to my understanding. We have just completed my 10th visit to Aruba. I have never had a bad meal in Aruba, the fish is fresh, and never have seen on a menu Beef Carpaccio? In all my 10 years. I have never met a more friendly or warm people in any other island and I have traveled to quite a few. I would certainly caution you to avoid some other island if you thought the Arubian people were unfriendly. Economics are not bad in Aruba. It is a not a poor island it has its own oil refinery.
We do own a TS and have done most all tours. I am glad you were able to get about and explore. Like 2grey2labs cannot wait to return next year.
Mar 26th, 2016, 11:38 AM
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Aruba is a great choice for travel. Recently i went to this place with someone. I don't need to think again about this destination. I can proudly say i enjoyed a lot, also we took a package from DELUXE VACATIONS AB. We didn't arrange anything even ticket or hotels. We feel like, we made a great choice and will do it again without any hesitation. So if you choose to travel this place go ahead.
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