Planning a trip in April. Air fare to Aruba is pretty expensive (from Philly). The Radisson looks good but is also kind of pricey. Any guidance on another island or hints on cheap airfare?

We live near Philly and went to Aruba in Jan. Searching for good airfares, I found that Continental from Newark was less expensive, and even more, found that the second flight on Saturday was even cheapest, around $400 total/person. However, the price of the flight varied weekly.

Can't really give recs for other island over Aruba unless you tell us more about what you're looking for in your vacation.

I checked fares for a random date in April (12th Apr) and found it cheapest at Cheapoair. It's $288 per person. Pretty good deal, I guess.

Most fun thing to do in Aruba (besides chill on the beach) is to rent a jeep and literally drive around the island (the back side is like being on a planet). Also, if you're really into good food, there's not much to be found in Aruba. I had fun (it's an island afterall!), but I prefer Virgin Gorda, Turks & Caicos, Anguilla, and even St. Martin (french side only - with a sidetrip to St. Barts).

I just had to respond to the comment; "Also, if you're really into good food, there's not much to be found in Aruba." Just goes to show how people are quite different, we loved the food options in Aruba. There are so many really nice, decent priced resturants with really tasty food. We did the AI option at the Holiday Inn and got such a good deal, we also outside the hotel at several resturants.

For more info on Aruba, check out www.aruba-bb.com. They have a dining review section also.

Your less expensive Islands will be Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Search www.beachdestinations.com and www.cheapcaribbean.com. Also look at package deals through Funjet and Apple Vacations. April is still consider high season. Most prices go down in May. Can you adjust your dates?

The Radisson in Aruba is pretty pricey. There are other hotels that are nice and not so expensive. Keep searching.

We had 4 excellent and 1 very good dinners in Aruba.

In my honest opinion, Aruba was a disappointment. The hotels are lined up similar to a strip in Florida. The other side of the island was barren and a bit depressing with just scrubby bushes and cacti. It's definitely not a lush island. There is a boardwalk that connects the hotels which is nice if you want to walk from one to the other but it was very crowded when we were there. The beach and the water were nice but we just prefer other islands in the Caribbean. It depends what you're looking for. I know many people LOVE Aruba, I'm just not sure why.

mariefl,

The only thing that I liked about Aruba was the great restaurants and the staff at the Renaissance.Aruba did not offer any good (or even fair)off shore snorkeling..which is one of the reasons that I travel.

If you want a truely amazing vacation...I would suggest St John USVI for good snorkeling,beautiful,calm water beaches.

Or Grand Cayman if you are a big snorkeler and want good dining options and plenty of activities.

My opinion on Aruba is much like Bermudafan's "alot of people LOVE Aruba,I'm just not sure WHY".

I just feel that there are much better places to spend your money on.But if your heart is set on Aruba...by all means go for it!

Christie

I disagree regarding the snorkeling. Though the water is not as clear as St. John, BVI or Grand Cayman, we saw tons of fish. Way more than than Trunk Bay, Guana Island, or Coki Beach. Even more than Turks and Caicos. We did an excursion to 4 different beachs for off shore snorkeling in Aruba and saw tons of fish.

The reason WHY we like Aruba so much is because there are so many things to see and do and Aruba has a great nightlife. We like having lots of activites, water sports, dining options including AI hotels, shopping and public transportation. Places like St. John and BVI are way too secluded for us. We don't like staying in condos or villas and cooking our own meals. We don't want to rent a car and go to the grocery store. We want a variety of resturants and bars. Not little out of the way local spots.

Just like some people don't prefer high rise hotels and lots of people on vacation, we don't like secluded spots in the middle of nowhere. We can't just sit on a nice beach for a week's vacation and be content.

I have been to Aruba twice, stayed both times at the Radisson and loved it. I like that there are lots of very good restaurants to eat at, some within walking distance, others within a short cab ride. The beach at Palm Beach is beautiful, the water clean, the weather is consistently good, there are no bugs and most of all, Aruba is outside the hurricane zone so I don't have to worry about destruction. I love taking long walks on the beach. The people are nice and I like that I can take a public bus into town during the day. Also, outside of the hotels there is a lot of activity both during the day and at night. As for scuba lovers, etc, I can't comment since I haven't gone. But for a relaxing vacation at a lovely resort with good food, Aruba ( and the Radisson) is top notch!! I was at Playa del Carmen in Mexico this past January and will definitely return to Aruba next year.

KVR,
I love Grand Cayman for the same reasons that you love Aruba!

I am like you,I cannot just sit on the beach for a vacation.My family likes likes to explore and have plenty to do.

We I get really stressed and go on vacation without the kids and just want some Tranquility....I love St John!

Christie

excuse the typo *we I get really stresseed* was meant to read *WHEN*

Thanks everyone. I am really confused now.

mariefl,
Sorry to confuse you.If you tell us what you are looking for in a vacation,we will be of better help.

Is it just adults traveling?or a family trip?do you snorkel?do you like alot or little nightlife?do you like to have alot of activities or are you a beachbum on vacation?

just a few questions that would help us help you choose a destination.

Christie

Christie, I agree. Grand Cayman is one of our favorite Islands for relaxing. Great snorkeling, decent things to see and do and good shopping. Nightlife is a little lacking, but they've added a Margaritaville and Sr. Frogs since we've been there. Can't wait to check them out next month on our cruise.

First pick would be Playa del Carmen, MX, then Grand Cayman, then Aruba of all of the places we've been.

Mariefl, sorry to confuse you. Just goes to show different people have different needs and ideas regarding a vacation. If you'll add some specifics in what type of vacation your looking for, maybe we can give you more information.

KVR,
Have a nice cruise!....wish that it was me

Christie

Hi! I grew up in Harrisburg and love Philly!

Avoid Aruba...really.

Great airfares now from Philly to US Virgin Islands and San Juan Puerto Rico another passport free island!

Check out Westin Resort St John.
Morninstar Resort St. Thomas
Divi Resort St. Croix.
Sheraton Resort Old San Juan.

Don't know what you are looking for in an island or a vacation. Just got back from Aruba and although it was nice to be there and get a break from the cold weather back at home... I really would say I did not prefer Aruba to all the other places I have been.

Aruba just feels too americanized, and I didn't like the high-rise hotels with the crowded beaches with chairs stacked row after row. I wasnt a big fan for the boardwalk with people walking around frequently. There were some nice restaurant (Flying Fishbone is very romantic and a neat experience) but I thought the restaurants in Turks and Caicos and Anguilla beat Aruba IMO. The water in Aruba wasn't as clear as many of the other Caribbean islands either- maybe it's because it is so windy on the island?

In the Caribbean we have been to St Lucia, St Martin, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Cancun, Cozumel and Aruba- and I would say although it is nice I wouldn't see myself going back.
It really does depend on what you are looking for... if you are looking for a place with a more active beach (people watching, more crowded) and more options for nightlife than maybe Aruba is a nice place for you.

Mariefl, the confusion is understandable. There are always conflicting opinions on something as subjective as travel. What past trips have been your favorites? That would give us a better idea of what you like. The main question to ask yourself would be: do I like to be with a lot of people or do I want to be in a more isolated place? Are you traveling alone, with a lover, or with children? What is your budget per week? You aren't giving yourself much time to find cheap airfares if you want to go in April. Check the websites for airlines that have hubs in Philly and look at their specials. If budget is an issue, you have to consider more than the airfare. How much will it cost you once you are there? Some places, such as St. John which has been suggested, will require another flight/ferry after you arrive. Some locations are cheaper in terms of accomodations and food (Cancun, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico). If you clarify some of these issues, we will be glad to help you find your ideal destination.