Janice

I am having a hard time deciding between Aruba and Antigua for an August vacation. It's all single women and we are looking for somewhere safe,affordable,great beaches,good excursions and nightlife.<BR><BR>*What are the pros and cons of either destination.<BR><BR>*Where do we stay?<BR><BR>*What do we do when we're there?<BR>

karen

Either could be a great destination depending on what you want. Antigua is lush and tropical; Aruba, arid and not a pretty island in the tropical sense. Aruba has one great beach and a couple of other small ones while Angtiga has a beach for everyday of the year. I enjoyed Antigua and didn't care for Aruba because of the developement and the "busyness" of their beaches and felt like I was in a typical American beach destination but just happened to be in the Caribb with all the familiar fast food outlets, American chain hotels and the like. However, they have more resorts/hotels and things in all in one location with ease walking between them and the familiarity is a good thing for some. There are more casinos, shows and things like that and a more familiar comfortable American feel on Aruba. The wind is a factor in Aruba as it is steady and strong. We did not enjoy the beach there because of the blowing sand but most people didn't mind retreating to the pool areas of the hotels which are more protected. I would also look at air and convenience and ease of getting there. I suspect Aruba would be the less expensive. August is hurricane season and it might impact on your trip on either island but Aruba is less likely to experience a hurricane - but weather can still impact anywhere in the Caribb during the Season. The peak is September/Ocotber but August is not immune to storms anywhere. I did enjoy the food and the ambience of Antigua - some of the best restaurants! But didn't care much for St. John's and the "shopping" experience there. Aruba is more "squeeky clean sterialized" in the tourist areas with the glamour and glitz while St. John's and Antigua are more Caribb-like with things to explore including a rain forest (not that exciting!), some stunning vistas and views and history. i found the people of Antigua much more friendly and genuinely welcoming. (I laughed that if it was "one happy island," I'd hate to see an unhappy one on Aruba). I would choose Antigua only because I didn't like Aruba but that's purely a personal preference and there are many people who love Aruba, have great times there and wouldn't consider going anywhere else and don't. Either and both can be great depending on you!

mary

I haven't been to either (yet) so I can only comment on what I've heard on this board in the past. If nightlife is important, go to Aruba. It sounds like Aruba has lots to choose from while Antigua seems to be a quiet island with very little, if any. Again, this is second hand information so hopefully others can confirm this for you.

Mark

It depends what you want. Aruba is like Vegas with a beach. Antigua is a true caribbean experience. Antigua is a bit more lush then Aruba but for really lush tropical foliage you need to go to St Lucia or Barbados. The beaches in Antigua are the best I have seen. Night life is more limited in Antigua then Aruba but there is still enough to do. You may have to travel a bit more in Antigua to do a night out on the town. This depends a lot on the resort you chose. Most if not all of the bigger resorts have nightly entertainment. Both Islands have gambeling though Arubas is more developed with more choices. Both islands have tours set up for visitors. <BR>As to where to stay I would stayt at Galley Bay in Antigua and the Allegro in Aruba. I felt safe on both Islands but then again I'm a guy so I don't know how an all girl group would feel about safety. I really don't think either island is a bad choice it's just that they are pretty much opposites so you need to figure out exactly what you want then choose.

Maureen

Janice:<BR><BR>I have been to both, and based on what you have indicated, it's very elementary: ARUBA. You will not feel unsafe, there is great nightlife, and despite what "Karen" says, the residents are very friendly and warm. Stay on Palm Beach. Email me if you need more suggestions.

Debbie

Hi - I agree with those swinging more to Aruba. I've been to both islands and Antigua just doesn't strike me as a good nightlife type of place for a group of single women. With resorts and hotels spread around the island, you would either be tending to stay and party at the resort as otherwise, you're looking at having to cab it into St. John's every night for the nightlife in the small downtown area in town and/or cabbing it to the other resorts and then you're just spending a lot of time/money cabbing it around. Then again, you might happen upon a resort that provides enough nightly entertainment and range of bars to party in.<BR>In Aruba - albeit 'Americanized' at least it would have more the nightlife you might be looking for. If you stay at any one of the resorts along Palm Beach you can simply walk along the boardwalk (beach side of the strip) or roadside to access the various bars, restaurants and casinos of the other high rise hotels along this strip. Also there is a bus (very safe) that travels along Palm/Eagle beach resorts/hotels into Oranjestad where there is much more nightlife (the 'theme' type bars with booming music).<BR>Go for Aruba - it will also be off peak season so lots of room on the beach and no hurricanes.

Sun Worshipper

Definitely Aruba! Disregard Karen's comments. She is VERY off base and doesn't like Aruba or any place that has air conditioning and loves to throw out the names of highend resorts. SHe seems to just like to see her name appear on this BB!

freewoman

I have been to Aruba and I have been to Vegas, and I honestly don't see any comparison between the two. Yes, Aruba does have a few (a small few) casinos. And if you did not go to one while you were there, you would not even know they are there. I love both places, but they are on opposite ends of the spectrum.<BR><BR>I also feel that you should go to Aruba (or Grand Cayman). These are the only two islands I would go alone. Also I view Antigua as being a very romantic place to maybe go when you have a significant other to go with and not with a group of women (JMO)

mary

I thought GC lacked nightlife too. No?

well

Aruba is the white bread island of the caribbean, no style, no attitude and no gorgeous tropical foliage that, in my opinion makes the caribbean the caribbean. <BR><BR>Aruba is for people who don't know any better - go to the Bahamas out islands, everything you're looking for minus the glitz with the added bonus that many cute sailors stop in. Unless of course your idea of nightlife is a loud casino full of tour groups. <BR><BR>Or go to Puerto Rico. San Juan has fantastic nightlife, it's safe and there are lots of areas of natural beauty - rain forests, beautiful beaches, caves, mountains.

freewoman

Thanks for catching that Mary. No GC is not booming with nightlife. Sorry I missed that.

Joanne

I'm very partial to Aruba. Been going their annually for the last 7 years. I have tons of recommendations for restaurants, night life, etc. if your interested. Email me. Be glad to help if Aruba is your decision.

Maureen

Okay, so Well-travelled is suggesting that someone who wants nightlife, good excursions and activity at an affordable price to go to the Out Islands of Bahamas??? That makes as much sense as telling someone who wants lush scenery and mountains to go to Turks and Caicos. <BR>The Out islands are lovely but not for the kind of vacation that Janice has indicated she and her friends are looking for.

Janice

Wow,<BR>lots of opinions on this one!! <BR><BR>I still have not decided but I am tending to lean towards Aruba as I have visited several Caribbean Islands and I have experienced the lush foilage and jungles, cascading waterfalls,volcanoes you drive through and all that..I have been to St.Lucia, Grenada,Tobago and Barbados.So, this time I am curious as to what Aruba might be like if it is so different from these other Islands.<BR><BR>Thanks for all your comments!

mary

Janice, I think that's a great idea. Please give us a report when you get back and let us know if you liked it or not. Especially since you'll be comparing it too those lush island you've visited in the past.