2 single female friends - Bahamas or Aruba?
 

We are two friends - both 28, so Cancun is NOT an option! :) who are looking for a relaxaing vacation by day and an exciting one by night. We are looking for beautiful beaches, and a good nightlife where we won't be *overwhelmed* by couples (obviously we expect a fair amount on a tropical island). It would be a bonus to be in a friendly atmosphere that lends to meeting people to hang with. We also need someplace that we can walk alone at night into or around town without too much concern for our safety (besides the usual precautions). We've narrowed it down to Nassau or Aruba, but have heard safety concerns regarding Nassau and honeymoon/couple concerns regarding Aruba. Any thoughts on which would be better for our dream vacation?

You need to nix Nassau right off your list.<BR>Safety issues eliminate it for one.<BR>No walking around at night, no way.<BR><BR>Aruba is quite safe (esp compared to Nassau). <BR>Understand that Aruba is a pretty ugly island. It's really a rock in the water with a bit of sand on it and almost no vegetation (cacti and divi divi trees).<BR>But it has great beaches and weather. That's its calling card.<BR>No Caribbean flavor, pretty Americanized (for a Dutch protectorate).<BR>But if you want guaranteed sun and beach, low stress....Aruba fits the bill well.

I say go for nassau, and stay at the breezes off cable beach. (not as many couples as sandals) Radisson is also nice but then its a lot of kids. Breezes is the only ai with real nightlife included. You will love it, cable beach is gorgeous, you can take a day trip to paradise island and party either at the resort or the local bars right down the road. My husband and I were married there and spent two weeks and we spent a lot of time outside the resort at night, no problem mon! Many tourists did. The people are very friendly and very talkative and it really has the island feel! Alot to do, and the resorts put on junckanoo festivals, its a great time!<BR><BR>Email me if you have any questions. Have fun!

Go to Aruba. Guraanteed good weather. Great beaches. Lots of little bars overlooking the water etc... Good night life in Orangestad. Carlos N' Charlie's bar is a blast. And do not miss the Kukoo Kunuku party bus! There is a public bus that uns from the hotels on Palm Beach into town regularly.<BR><BR>Stay at the Radisson or Hyatt.<BR><BR>Have fun!

Aruba hands down.

Absolutely Aruba unless you go to Nassau and dont leave the resort you are staying at. Not safe for young ladies at night alone. Heck I didnt feel safe and I'm 34 6'5 240lbs.<BR>Aruba is beautifull in its own way, a stark desert landscape of cacti and cliffs with crashing waves on one side and beautifull beaches on the other.

I've been to both Aruba and Nassau. I can't say that Aruba has a swinging nightlife. Even the souvenir stores close at 6pm! But is a great place place if you are looking to just relax. I was in the Bahamas for Spring Break several years ago and there was plenty of nightlife to be had. I agree with the earlier posts that walking around at night is not a good idea. <BR><BR>Have you considered going to a Club Med in the Caribbean? They are lots of fun at night and you can do as much or as little as you want to during the day. Plus, there are different locations that cater mostly to singles versus couples or families.

Aruba has plenty of nightlife. From casinos to dance clubs that stay open until dawn to bars like Cheers. Dont forget happy hour at California Lighthouse and Carlos and Charlies. Try the Renaissance Aruba in town. Has its own private island with great beaches, great pools and walk to town and dozens of clubs, restaurants ,bars. I am a travel agent and send a lot of people there who love it. Feel free to email me if you need more info.

Aruba. Simply because Nassau is dangerous at night for single women.