We thought we had a time share elsewhere, but the trade didn't go through. Puerto Rico is one of our choices and the airfare is cheaper there. SHould we hold out for Puerto Rico over Aruba? We have 4 kids 16-24 who like to keep busy, enjoy the water but not all day sunbathing, snorkeling is fun but not the top priority. I've read the restaurants are expensive and food isn't that good. Give me your experience. THanks.
Janie

Aruba is a very small island w/ alot to offer and kids from ages 16-24 will have a great time. Aruba is also expensive; more so than PR. You can take a cab anywhere in Aruba b/c it's so centrally located.
On the other hand,PR is MUCH larger and it depends on what part of PR you go to. if you go to San Juan, your kids can find much to do; but remember SJ is a major city. if you're looking for safety, I would chose Aruba. By no means am I saying NOT to try SJ, but since you have the choice, Aruba might be better.
My wife and I just returned from Dorado,PR,located about 20 miles west of SJ and had a great time.
Food is great on both islands. My favorite meal is fried red snapper,almost anywhere in PR.

Aruba is a good choice because of the great weather,terrific beaches, friendly people, safety and cleanliness. I also did not think the food was that expensive compared to PR. In fact as I recall it was about the same or less. Try Aruba. I think you will enjoy it.

Aruba all the way! I went last September and just returned from PR a few days ago. Aruba is gorgeous, the beach, the food and especially the people. In Aruba your kids can enjoy some water sports, play at the casinos, or take a tour of the island. Also, Aruba is safe whereas PR may not be.

I would also pick Aruba. Like Jacketwatch said, it is safe, clean and the food is not that expensive. We found the high rise area to be filled with watersports galore. We have kids a little younger than yours, but another family staying at the Marriott had older teens. The went down the beach alone every night to a club called Moombas on the beach. They felt very safe about their teens going out alone. I have been to Puerto Rico and enjoyed myself(this was a few years ago) so I am sure others may have newer opinions. We had a great time, but things will be more spread out and harder to reel your kids back in. I also do not think it is as safe because it is a larger island with a city. Aruba is tiny. Everywhere has it's problems I am sure. I just felt safer in Aruba wandering around the hotels and beaches at night and day than I did in PR.

I would pick PR - but then again I would never consider going to Aruba unless it were some kind of freebie - so I am a bit opinionated on that front.

PR has the things I really like in a vacation - the history, culture, an array of music, good food, vibrant interesting nightlife, varied topography and sightseeing opportunities.

Aruba is way too vanilla and commercialized for my tastes although I agree with the previous posters it is a better choice for predictability and safety.