general ideas and suggestions
 

This is my first posting so please be patient if I don't do everything correctly the first time. A few weeks ago my wife died. Before her death she encouraged me to take our children (ages 22 & 19) on a trip. When discussing the idea, both kids mentioned Aruba so we're off in 10 days. Although we really don't plan to do much at all, are there "must see, must do" places that anyone might suggest? Considering the ages of my children, I anticipate this probably being the last time the 3 of us will be able to vacation together like this again. Hence, I want the trip to be fun and most memorable. Any and all advice will certainly be appreciated. Thanks.

My sympathies, buerkle.
Hopefully you and your children will be able to use this trip as an opportunity to reflect, bond and celebrate all that has been good about your years together, knowing that your wife would want you to make this a positive experience.
Aruba is a great place to relax, enjoy some great weather, nice beaches, good food, and friendly locals in a safe environment.
I'd recommend visiting the California Beach/dunes, Arikok park for the barren unspoiled scenery, the natural bridge, downtown Oranjestad for food/shopping. Windsurfing is a big draw, though I've not tried it myself.
Aruba's best selling points are its beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Hope it's an enjoyable and memorable trip for each of you.

Sorry to hear about your wife.
Aruba is a great getaway spot & full of beauty. We went in September 2004. The locals are exceptionally friendly. Beaches are gorgeous, specifically Eagle Beach. I would not miss the natural bridge, which you need a rental car to drive to- it is worth it though. We took taxis everywhere else. We heard Baby Beach was a great snorkel spot, but we didn't make it on that trip. We plan to go back next year. Enjoy the beauty & serenity of Aruba!

We traveled to Aruba 3 year ago and had a great time. Here are some of the highlights:
Beaches-Palm Beach is wonderful..one of the finest in the caribbean and all beaches are open to public

Parasailing-right from Palm Beach

Submarine-can take one out to view shipwrecks right from the harbor area

Restaurants-El Gaucho (an argentinian steak restaurant in the downtown area which is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your trip..don't miss it, I assure you..this is one awesome restaurant)

Deep sea fishing--there was a boat we could book thru our hotel that was 90 per person and there was no minimum number as they put the group together--my husband caught a nice wahoo

Catamaran/snuba trip--took a catamaran from the pier on palm beach out to a ship wreck area where some people snorkeled and others did snuba..a mix of scuba and snorkel

Pirate ship--went out on a sunset cruise on a pirate type ship where they served us nice dinner and then had music and dancing

Day trip--took a bus day trip to see the highlights of the island which was fine for something to do but the scenery was nothing to write home about

Palm Beach pier bar--there is a bar at the end of the pier on palm beach where it is definitly worth your time to stop for a beer..very unique with hammocks, swings, fun atmosphere

Transportation--did not have a car, we stayed at a hotel right in town, and there was a public bus system which gave us a ride to palm beach for a dollar...a car should be quite easy on the main roads though

Bars--lots of bars/restaurants downtown or some people like the kookookanuku party bus which takes you bar hopping

Casinos--there was one right down town attached to our hotel

Shops--quite a few nice shops in the downtown area

Restaurants--downtown has lots to offer anything from Subway/McDonalds/Sbarro to cafes to fine dining (don't forget El Gaucho :-)

Hope this was helpful, and hope you have a wonderful time

(P.S. --for your next post, make your heading a little more specific and you will get more responses--please share trip report when you return--take care)

My thoughts are with you. My children are also 19 and 22. My husband and I went to Aruba last year after Xmas to celebrate our anniversary. Loved it so much that we're going back this year. Your children are at a very nice age to enjoy all Aruba has to offer - whether they choose to be beach bums, take in all the sites, party downtown, or dive/snorkel. I highly recommend the a day or 1/2 day sailing on the morningstar. That was truly one of the highlights (and the best food) of my whole trip last year!

Theresa