Aruba or Riviera Maya
 

Really can't decide between the two for travel this summer. Like golf, shopping, nightlife, great pool. We are in our eary fifties. I am concerned about the humidity in RM but have heard that if you stay by the ocean the weather is bearable. Any thoughts? Thanks!

I've been to both and my pros for RM are short flight (for me anyway), better snorkeling, more activities.

Aruba on the other hand has cheap rental cars and great roads. I'm hesitant to rent in MX because my personal car ins. policy does not cover me in MX.

Also, Aruba is more of an english-speaking destination.

Both have great shopping. Dining out is a bigger activity in Aruba. There are more fine dining choices and great steak places.

Hope that helps a little.

Peace, Greenie

Aruba is a desert island.
RM is lush with vegetation.
Aruba is MUCH more Americanized than the RM.
Both places are great. I've only been to the RM in the winter, so I can't speak about the humidity, but I'm sure it's high.
To me, there seems to be more to explore in Mexico and more culture to absorb.

We enjoyed both destinations. As far as topography they are totally different. The RM has several mega AI hotels that are set quite a distance from the town of Playa del Carmen. There are a few hotels within walking distance to 5th Avenue, where the bars, restaurants and nightlife are located.

Aruba's Palm beach area has several hotels lined in a row. Across the street are many restaurants, bars and shopping.

The nightlife in RM will either be what is provided at your hotel or going to 5th Avenue. Aruba's nightlife is more diverse with shows, casinos, and more fine dining options.

Shopping is much better in Aruba. More diversified. Lots more high end merchandie. We found the RM was mainly tinkets and souvinors.

Weatherwise, we've been to RM area twice in a Sept. and Aruba once in a Sept. The RM had much higher humidity. In the RM, after walking around 5th Avenue even at night, we looked liked we just stepped out of a sauna. We preferred the weather better in Aruba. Not as hot, hot, hot.

We found it more convenient to get around Aruba. They have a great cheap bus system and I wouldn't hesitate getting a rental car. I would never drive in Mexico. Some will, I won't. Taxis and your hotel shuttle are more convenient.

RM has more culture and things to do off the resort. Like Mayan Riuns, Cenotes, Zip lines, eco water parks. We found the snorkeling better in Aruba. The water is not as clear, but there were lots of fish. The hurricanes and storms that the RM area has suffered over the past 2 years has made snorkeling there not as good. (IMHO)

The RM hotels and airfare are much cheaper than Aruba. Plus it's easier to get to from most cities in the US.

If really depends on what type of vacation your looking for.

Ditto KVR's observations. Just returned from RM last week, let me say, the humidity was extremely high part of the week we there, & even at Gran Bahia Principe resort, many areas have no AC. This should definitely be a condisderation if you're sensitive to heat.In Aruba it will be very breezy.

The two locales probably couldn't be more different, but both lovely.