daniel

we need advice on whether to go to Aruba or Curacao. We've been to ST John, St Martin, Jamacia, Bahamas & Cancun. According to the Fodor's site, Aruba is windy but nice. How windy, 20 mph??? Curacao is not windy. Which Island would you choose and why? I choose Curacao for somewhere differnt. Aruba because, has beautiful beach and good food! Thank you

Sally

We have been to both - frankly I don't recall much difference as regards windiness. Yes, Aruba is a bit more windy, but it does have beautiful big beaches, esp. in the low-rise section (hotels: Bucuti Beach, Manchebo, Divi Tamarijn etc.). We stayed there three or four times, and liked it a lot. Indeed, good food, lots of activity, wonderful beaches and swimming. The wind is actually quite pleasant, otherwise it might feel too hot!<BR>We have been to Curacao twice, and although the hotel (Avila Beach) was great, we felt somehow less "safe" in Curacao than in Aruba. Hard to say why - we just had the feeling that the neighbourhood around the hotel and in Willemstad wasn't entirely safe. <BR>I should add that we have also been to St. Maarten/St. Martin 4 times, and always felt completely safe there in spite of some what people on this board have said.<BR>Hope this helps.

Paula

Haven't been to Aruba so can't compare, however, earlier message boards and other sources indicated that Curacao is safe, as tourism is not their only source of income. They can afford to be more independent due to jobs in different areas. We just returned from Curacao and stayed at the Marriott. They had a number of security guards on the premise. I felt safe at all times. There was one instance where some native children attempted to use the pool, however, they were quickly escorted away. Crime has not been a big problem for Curacao, check the earlier message boards and you will be reassured. Good luck on your choice! They're very different, depends on what you're looking for.

I vote for Aruba

I think Aruba is a nicer island. Curacao has some unique points, but on the whole, after seeing MANY other islands, I'd pick Aruba.<BR><BR>The beaches are much nicer, the people are great, it's cleaner...there was a lot of roadside rubbish in Curacao. The food is better! There are more English speaking people as well. WE went on an all day tour in curacao and we were the only 2 on the tour that spoke English.

putch

aruba is for the less adventurous traveller. not everybody likes an exotic location or to be in unfamiliar surroundings. aruba has been "americanized" and you can eat at taco bell or most any other fast food place you're used to. the people are wonderful and the beaches are gorgeous.<BR>there are some terrific restaurants, too.<BR>

Trish

We were in Curacao last year and loved it. We felt as safe there as we did in GC. It is my understanding that a number of years ago, there was a problem with litter, however, they took care of the problem. They now have beautifully painted garbage cans on every corner. Although there are a fair amount of people visiting from Holland, everyone in the restaurants, cabs, stores, etc. all spoke English. Service was wonderful everywhere and Curacao remains as our favorite destination.

putch

trish:<BR>we are seriously considering curacao or bonaire. bonaire seems like it's 100% for divers. although we love to snorkel, i like to have other things to do in the caibbean. where did you stay?<BR>we're trying to decide between avilla or mariott. we like smaller places like bucutti beach in aruba. the only down side about avilla is no pool. it's always nice to be able to swim in a pool. what's you opinion?

Katie

Everyone told me Aruba was windy and it was not at all. If you want a green tropical island, this is not the place for you. There are however, some fantastic restaurants. The beach was big, but I prefer a whiter softer sand.

tal

We have been to Aruba the past 2 years and are looking to go back again this year. It is a wonderful place. The beaches are beautiful. The "trade winds" are not strong at all. They are a welcome breeze while you lay on the beach soaking up the sun. I have never been to Curacao, but the people in Aruba have always been so friendly and the food, excellent. I would recommend a larger hotel on the beach. The Wyndham is great. The poolis pratically on the beach and you can go back and fourth from them during the day. At the pool they give you cold towels for your face, spritz you with cold water upon request and even hand out frozen fruit on skewers - very luxurious.<BR>

Sunfan

Curacao is terrible.<BR><BR>The weather is great, but the island is filthy, and worst of all, the people are the most rude and ignorant anywhere in the Caribbean that I have experienced. <BR><BR>Definitely choose Aruba over Curacao!