My husband and I are thinking of visiting Curacao or Bonaire for a day or two while we're in Aruba this September. I'd like to hear from anyone who's done it successfully. I'd appreciate any tips or ideas on doing this, including suggestions about best times of day to depart & return and whether you can charter a plane or helicopter.

BTW, we're not partyers or boozers, we're in our 50s, we love the local food, and are just looking for a day to spend in a different atmosphere. We would even consider staying overnight (without surrendering our Aruba hotel room) if there was a special enough place that's not too difficult to get to (thinking Kura Hulanda?).

Why not spend a day or two on one of these other places? We did 3 days Curacao and 7 in Aruba. Bon dia.

We've been to both Curacao and Bonaire. Definitely go to Curacao. Kura Hulanda is perfect for a day or two. This charming hotel is right in town, so there is lots to see. Be sure to visit their Slave Museum, a fascinating private collection in a group of buildings right on the hotel grounds. Also, take a guided tour of this lovely and scenic town. Your hotel can fix you up with a good guide. Unless you are avid snorkelers or divers, I'd skip Bonaire. Not really much else to see there. Have a great trip.

I'm with you - the more I look into it, the more I think that Kura Hulanda would be perfect for a couple of days, especially because of its museums, its atmosphere, and proximity to town.

I also checked out Dutch Antilles Express and it looks like flying back & forth would be pretty easy. Anyone know how reliable they are?

KeyGal,
Dutch Antilles Express is fine. They have frequent flights back and forth between the islands. Our experience is that they don't ususually leave on time (after all, it is the Caribbean, and they're on "island time".) Other than that, no problem.

How much are flights between Aruba and Curacao?