clarify Aruba or Curacao
 

Hello and thank you for your posts, but to clarify what we like in an island/vacation is:
Culture, food, cocktails and sun. Nice beaches, good service, good local food (not too fancy). Neither of us are divers, although we will go snorkeling. Good restaurants or cafe's and nice facilities. Something that isn't too americanized (I mean we are going to another country).
Thanks.

If anyone would talk further you may email me at [email protected].

Thank you all very much.

-Garrett

Can't speak about Curacao but from what you want, I'm not sure Aruba is for you.
We thought it was very americanized and no Caribbean flavor to it.
Before anyone jumps on me, we enjoyed Aruba, but compared to other islands, we thought the culture was lacking.

Foster, you have received a lot of opinions on Aruba and Curacao. Neither one has EVERYTHING you are looking for. I have been to both and I enjoyed both but at some point you have to decide. Some other factors will no doubt play a part:
- Cost
- Choice of flights/packages from your point of origin
- Resorts offered
- Deals, added bonuses, availability.

Choose an island and ENJOY, next time try the other.

Agree with previous posters - we have been to both Aruba and Curacao more than once. Aruba has very little 'local culture', and yes it is very Americanized: lots of casinos, McDonalds etc. etc. Lots of hotels too. Very commercial. In spite of all this we prefer it to Curacao. The people are much more friendly (we think), and it feels very safe. And the beaches are wonderful. The climate is great, the best in the Caribbean (but of course it's the same for Curacao). Curacao is indeed more 'authentic', with a nice floating market. So, it all depends what you prefer and what matters most to you!

I was interested to read this post since we just returned from 5 days in Aruba, our first Caribbean trip. (We've always vacationed in Europe for last several yrs., and this year it just didn't work out) I was a little disappointed with Aruba b/c of lack of culture, the "Americanization" of the place, and the wind was much more than "breezy" when we were there. Since I have nothing to compare it to, I was wondering if its advantages (crystal clear water, safety, cleanliness, friendliness, wonderful restaurants) make up for what I see as its disadvantages. I'm eager to hear what others have to say about this.