Aruba resorts- Know any good ones that aren't too expensive?
 

I am planning a trip in about 2 weeks, and I think I am down to Dominican or Aruba. I heard Aruba is more expensive than Dominican, is that true? If so, can I still get a good deal there? I am coming from Bulgaria, Europe with my girlfriend from here. I am 27, she is 21.

I am looking for the main things:
1. Nice resort 3 or 4 stars lets say depending on the deal. It has to be ON the beach.
2. Beach has to be beautiful, with white sand and clear water etc.
3. There has to be something to do around there in the resort.
4. Overall good deal.

I am trying to find some package deals through travel agencies, and guess what, that is much harder to do and get a good deal from here, rather than Toronto, Canada where I grew up.
Sharing any of your opinions and experiences will be very helpful to me. I want to thank everyone who replies in advance!

I am sure you will get tons of recommendations for resorts from the posters on here but you will DEFINITELY get way more bang for your buck in the Dominican Republican than in Aruba. Aruba is a much more expensive island but there will also be much more to do in the area (off the resort).

What is your budget?

Your best bet will probably be the Holiday Inn on Palm Beach in Aruba. It's about the least expensive 3/4 star on the beach and within walking distance to restuarants, bars, shopping and entertainment. We stayed there a few years back and it was fine for what we were looking for.

Yes, Aruba is way more expensive than the DR. One of the reasons why we havn't been back, though I would love to. The DR has many AI resorts, which also makes it less expensive than Aruba as you can get air, hotel and AI for less than just air and hotel in Aruba. I prefer Aruba though. More things to see and do. The DR has large inclusive resorts as there is not much to see and do off property without going on a tour.

Well I am trying to find a package deal with a flight and everything so it will be cheaper. Right now, a ticket to the Caribbean is 1000 euros for 1 person. I am going with my girlfriend so that means I need to spend 2000 euros for tickets only if I don't get some kind of a package deal.
I'm not sure, what is a good deal for the type of resort I speak of? I am thinking all inclusive is better. I was told by my mom who goes to the Caribbean often, that it is possible to find a nice place on the beach and the whole package with plane tickets and all inclusvie for under 2000 euros total.
Your thoughts?

Yes Aruba just seems like more of an interesting place. I wanted to go there but since it's that much more expensive, maybe I will leave it for another time...

Look a the Riveria Maya/Playa del Carmen area of Mexico. That area has some of the least expensive, but great AI resorts anywhere. Tons of things to see and do off property. 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen has tons of bars, restaurants, clubs, shopping, and entertainment. An AI hotel right off 5th Avenue would be a good choice.

Here's a list of AI resorts in Mexico:


http://www.mexicoallinclusive.com/me...ve_resorts.cfm

I was actually not looking at Mexico... I want to go a little east of there... but thanks for the suggestions, I'm sure the places you speak of are nice.

Too bad. It's meets all your criteria check list and your budget. We've been multiple times over 12 years because it has wonderful AI resorts and the most bang for the buck. Good luck with your search.

Thank you very much. This is my first trip to an island, and I hope I make the right choice.
Thanks for all your advice.

Zdrav – You may want to consider Jamaica. Pricewise, it is sort of a meeting point between the DR and Aruba. Although it is a bit more expensive than the DR, there are still plenty of affordable all inclusives on the island and there is plenty to do off the resort.

Since you are not American, Cuba is also another option for you. It may be your best bet, pricewise.

Have you tried TUI? This link shows Aruba & Curacao. The first hotel option is the Holiday Inn Aruba.

http://www.tui-reisecenter-sofia.bg/...estviya/aruba/

If you look on the list on the right, you can see options for Mexico, Cuba,DR,Jamaica. Looks like hotels only though, can't see an option for the air fare but then again, my Bulgarian is somewhat limited.

Maybe you could consider booking a package that starts in London, Paris, Amsterdam or even Madrid, if you can't find deals in Bulgaria. It's the airfare that you might have issue with.

http://www.virginholidays.co.uk