I am requesting suggestions for a vacation in the Caribbean for Christmas (or a few days after) thru the New Year. I was thinking of Punta Cana, but then I am not looking for a place that is teeming with children (including the flight). I was leaning towards Aruba. Any suggestions?

Club Med Turks and Caicos. Adults only, all inclusive, awesome New Years eve.

But you can't avoid kids on the flights, it's family busy time.

What's your budget?

Keep in mind that many resorts have minimum stay (7, 10 or possibly 14 days) requirements between Christmas/New Years so it might not be possible to go "a few days after Christmas thru New Years" - you'd have to check on that with each resort you are considering.

Aruba is an excellent place to go solo or any other way in my opinion. Most Punta cana resorts will be A/I and they usually cater to families. I would avoid those. You are not providing budget info but the Amsterdam in Aruba is a small quaint place across the street on the beach. There are many hotels along the high rise section--The Radison is nice. You could also go on the Aruba.com forum for other suggestions. They are Aruba gurus over there if Aruba is the place you want.

We own a timeshare at Divi Resorts there are many Divi resorts to choose from. I like the Phoenix --it is right on the beach with a gorgeous pool area. Aruba is a very popular place and you would need to act quickly to find a place during this time frame.

You are traveling at the busiest and most expensive time of the year. A lot of places will already be booked so make your decision quickly.
There is no way you can avoid children on planes at any time of the year let alone the busy family travel time you have chosen.
You can choose an adults only resort to avoid them where you are staying.
You have given us no information as to what you are looking for in your vacation or what you have as your budget.

I actually checked on Expedia and slim pickings through that site for Aruba--Raidson is $700-800 per night. $325 at Divi Links-unless you can shell out top dollar, you will find little in Aruba. Perhaps elsewhere? Top dollar for that timeframe for what is left over as supply and demand dictate prices.

I wouldn't go to an All-Inclusive area like Punta Cana is set up as a solo traveler. I'd do something more independent. Negril Jamaica comes to mind, not a big family destination. I also have been in Puerto Vallarta Mexico at that time and it was really nice weather and atmosphere (obviously not in the Caribbean though).

Sorry, I just remembered that I posted this. Thanks to all who replied. I was fortunate to find a decent but pricey package via JetBlue.

For the other tips and assistance, I will look into those for next year. I am fortunate to get several weeks of vacation a year. March will find me back in Hawaii - Kauai to be precise.

I am just learning HOW to travel again (albeit solo) and doing bucket list trips once a year and an additional trip to avoid boredom.

Thanks again for the suggestions. Now I am trying to figure out gear and clothing to pack.

Safe travels to all.