Thinking of going to Aruba for our Anniversary in October. Never been. Need advice on what to do and see. We are not big water sports people. Do like relaxation and some activities. What type of activities other than watersports can you do in Aruba? We've been to Hawaii twice. How does Aruba compare. Do you need a rental car? Would you suggest an all-inclusive resort. Also how are the birds? I'm afraid of birds, but I dealt with them in Hawaii. Are they bad in Aruba (annoyance)? Any adivce is appreciated.<BR>Thanks!!!!

The Aruba BB is the best place to get your questions answered<BR>:http://www.visitaruba.com/guestarea/bboard.mv<BR>

Aruba couldn't look more different than Hawaii. It's desert. Complete with cacti and very little vegetation. Very dry, almost never rains, rarely cloudy.<BR>Very safe, very similar to American type culture. Not really anything unique about the 'culture' there.<BR>Friendly people.<BR>Small island. Car is good for a day tour around the island but you won't need one several days in a row.<BR>Birds are bothersome near their nest sites on the isolates shores, but not at all near the touristy beach areas.

<BR><BR>Try www.aruba-bb.com<BR>Great people and tons of info.<BR><BR>I've been to about 15 different Caribbean destinations (avid scuba diver), and Aruba is one of my favorites. Lots to see and do on dry ground -- great restaurants & nightlife, for example. Also the culture is fun -- it's a Dutch island that is very popular with South Americans, so you get a mix of Europeans, Columbians, Venezuelans, etc. Also a VERY popular anniversary spot. <BR>

My two recent trips are posted at:<BR><BR>http://www.visitaruba.com/guestarea/tripreports/trip230.html<BR><BR>and<BR><BR><BR>http://www.visitaruba.com/guestarea/tripreports/trip374.html<BR>

We went deep sea fishing (don't recommend it), golfing, scuba diving, gambling, jewelry shopping and rented a jeep one day to drive around the island. I have never been to HI, but Aruba does not compare at all. It is a desert island with a divi divi tree here and there. We took taxi's everywhere and were happy with that. With the exception of renting the jeep on that one day. I stayed at the playa linda (playalinda.com) and highly recommend it. I don't remember any birds.

Lisa,<BR><BR>It's hard to compare the 2 islands. Aruba is different as the weather is warmer, dryer and little breezy. Very different, but I'm sure you'll like it. Pretty much constant 85-90 degrees. Don't know where your traveling from, but for us here in the Mid-West it's a much easier flight to Aruba. That counts for alot.<BR><BR>Our first time to Aruba, we were going to do All-inclusive and ended up renting a time share for the week. So glad we did that! We had lunch on the balcony everyday (had picked up lunch meat, bread and snacks at the grocery store) and went out for great meals at night. Wouldn't go any other way. Many people on these BB's don't care for Aruba A/I, claiming they are better on some other islands, like Jamacia and such. Don't know why. Others prefer drinks and food included as it saves $. One thing is very true though, If you like to drink alcohol beverages, they are very expensive at the bars and resturaunts in Aruba. We did very little drinking out side our room, and for walking the beach, we made our own rum punches from stuff we picked up at the grocery store. (we took along large plastic cups with straws and covers, like you get from some gas stations for pop). It worked like a charm. Could walk a long way before having to go back and refill. We also bought beer at the store and fill our colapsable cooler (which we packed easily in our luggage) for the beach if we were just hanging out sunbathing.<BR><BR>Any way, that's my long winded 2 cents. Hope it helps. Any questions, feel free to e-mail me.<BR><BR>Denise

Somebody mentioned visitaruba.com <BR>I just read a post there by Brian about how he was disappointed with Aruba. The people in that BB attacked him like mad dogs. I guess they won't let anybody ruin their "happy island". The people in this message board have already warned you about this island's topography so if you still decide to go, don't say we didn't warn you.

I love Aruba's topography. It is an arid desert-like island, but guess what? That means it almost NEVER RAINS! I've been several times for many weeks total and have never been rained on. Like Joshua Tree National Park or other arid settings, Aruba has its own serene beauty. And the resorts are very lush thanks to plenty of irrigation and water.