Phil

I will be in Aruba over a long weekend in June. Should I make restaurant reservations before I go (I have heard some of them are hard to get at the last minute)? Has anyone done any horseback riding on the island? Is it better to take one of the guided tours to see the more desolate areas or rent a 4WD on our own? Or perhaps a moped? If so, anyone have a good experience with a particular rental agency? Is the island pretty casual (i.e., do I need to take a coat and tie)? Any of the casinos nicer than another?

BRIAN

RENT A 4X4, BEST TO GET THROUGH YOUR HOTEL, THEY'LL PICKUP AND DELIVER TO YOU. YOU WON'T NEED A TIE. LIGHT WEIGHT JACKET OPIONAL, DEPENDING ON WHO YOU WANT TO IMPRESS. YES BOOK RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE.BETTER TO HAVE THEM AND NOT USE THAN VICE VERSA. HAVE FUN!!!!

Lee

Phil: If you and yours are active, rent scooters. Mopeds will have a tough time in the sand on the "windward" (easT) side. The 4X4's aren't as much fun or adventure <BR> <BR>Make arrangements at your hotel through any of the renatl companies one day or two in advance. June is "off season", not as crowded, so just call for restaurant reservations a day in advance. Dress is mostly casual everywhere. <BR> <BR>You can take the bus into Oranjestad during the day. On the scooters, head over to the Casabari rock formations and the lighthouse and the "Natuarla Bridge" on the windward side. I'd avoid the "haystack" mountain climb as it's hot and tiring. Go to Baby Beach and snorkel. Make sure you get on one of the catamarans at Palm Beach and take a snorkel trip and again for a sunset cruise. The island is about 19 miles long and six miles wide so it's hard to get lost. <BR> <BR>Have fun! <BR>

Cynthia

Horseback riding was awesome! I just did it last week and loved it. We went with the Dumaire Ranch. Do not need to make reservations for dinner that far ahead. We ate at the Hyatt and made them only 1 day ahead. You do not need, nor will you want to wear a coat or tie. My husband wore dress shorts for nice dinners. Do not rent a moped, it's far too windy. Its more fun to rent your own vahicle and explore on your own. If you rent a jeep, get a hard top to prevent theft(this was advice from a local). Our favourite casinos were the Alahambram and the one at the Wyndham. The Crystal downtown wasn't bad either. We have trouble fitting everything into 2 weeks, good luck with a long weekend!

Laureen

Lots to fit in to a long weekend. Rent a 4X4 and explore. You can probably do the whole Island in about 4 - 6 hrs. If you want to eat at a place like El Gaucho's (a great steakhouse) I would definitely make a reservation. My recommendation, instead of a catamaran cruise, take the MiDushi or the Jolly Pirates (they are sail boats) much nicer! Anyway, I just got back and after a week there, there was still so much left undone. Good luck and enjoy!