We are planning a family vacation in mid Aug. with 3 kids, 12, 7, and 4. Our interests are the beach, snorkeling, swimming with fish, boating, wind surfing, diving, having something to do with kids at night, boat trips to other islands, and having a relaxing time.

Which is a better island for us at that time; Aruba or Bahamas? What would the weather be like then? Are the Aruba winds too strong? Is the Bahamas too hot and Humid?

We are thinking of the Holiday-Inn resort in Aruba because it's reasonably priced. In the Bahamas, I looked at the Sheraton but found it above our budget since we need two rooms due to most hotel restricions on 4 people only on one room. Any other suggestions for a good hotel on the beach? I read that the Holiday-Inn in PI does not have a good, beach. Any help in deciding between the 2 islands would be appreciated.

I have never been to the Bahamas, but I love Aruba so I will offer some info about Aruba.

Aruba has great snorkeling and diving and although I've never done it, I have seen people wind surfing. Without the constant tradewinds Aruba would be entirely too hot so the tradewinds are a welcome thing. Aruba is typically not humid. It is a dry desert like island whose dry heat is similar to Arizona here in the USA.

On my last trip to Aruba my husband and I checked out the Holiday Inn and neither of us liked their pool. It is to say the least VERY small. Have you looked at the Allegro (Occidental)? It's 2 doors down from the HI and I know last year my husband and I booked on short notice (2-3 weeks in advance)and got a steal of a deal there. For all inclusive there is also the Divi and the Tam. You can check out www.aruba4u.com for pricing on the Divi and Tam, but they do not offer the Allegro. You can also check out www.priceline.com and www.skyauction.com for some deals to my favorite island.

If you have any othere questions feel free.

Nancy

I would recommend the Bahamas Out Islands (or family islands). We visitied Abacos in the out island this April. Its an ideal destination based on your interests. Very friendly people, the water/beaches are awesome (you can visit a different beach each day), snorkelling was fantastic. We stayed on elbow cay and did day trips via ferry to Guana Cay. You can also take a ferry over to Marsh Harbor which is the main island in the Abacos. Boating is very popular in the abacos. We stayed at the Hopetown Harbor Lodge. Very reasonably priced however not "resorty" at all. Simple accomodations (a cottage on the beach may suit your needs better than the rooms), good restaurant, beautiful empty beach. You could also go with a villa which a lot of people do. Have a great vacation wherever you decide to go.

I would recommend www.romorabay.com as a good suggestion and you would be able to fit all 5 in the bungalow. They have a nice pool/deck area, and great food.

There are other families there so the kids would have friends to play with.

Another option would be Coral Sands and again you can fit everyone in one room, and lots of families there also.

Try the www.coralsands.com or the www.romorabay.com site for more info and www.briland.com for info on Harbour Island.

Have a great time.

ttt

Mid August may be o.k. but if I think I would choose Aruba outside the hurricane belt. Even if it is leaning towards bad weather or a storm you could be affected in the Bahamas more easily then Aruba I would think. Just something to consider.