diann24

My son was stationed there for awhile and he actually lived in Fajardo. I was there, and in more places then San Juan. I was not however, in Viegues, or Culebra but I am sure both have beautiful beaches.

I know there is more to PR than San Juan. You may actually have more to do there in 12 days. I guess OP has to do more research on there own to make a decision. Difficult for others to make it for you. I still think both could doable.

hka

Thank you for your advice everyone, it is much appreciated! Based on your feedback and suggestions, and a little more research, we have decided on ARUBA. Please don't get me wrong, we hope to explore PR someday as the smaller areas mentioned such a Rincon look amazing, and we are also not normally into super Americanized/touristy areas- we normally go for culture and smaller towns. However, for this trip our main priority is to lay on the beach, have warm sunny weather, and to get some exploring in. So, given the time of year I think Aruba will give us those things with a guarantee of good weather.

If anyone has suggestions on restaurants, tours/activities, beaches, etc to do while in Aruba we would appreciate the advice. Also, do you think a day trip or maybe a couple of nights in curaçao or Bonaire would be worth it? Would those islands offer something different and good enough to go out of our way to explore?

Thank you for all your feedback, so nice to have suggestions from knowledgable travelers!

genio67

Aruba is a great choice. There are some Aruba specific forums that you might want to check and and inquire with some of the experts there. I have found a lot of information from those forums to be very helpful. I know your first decision will be to decide which area to stay in...the high rise section on Palm Beach or the low rise area of Eagle Beach. Have fun planning your trip!

diann24

http://www.visitaruba.com/things-to-do-in-aruba

www.aruba.com (scroll down to "forums" you will find much info about aruba on this site.

I am happy you chose Aruba and I hope you are not disappointed. Some find it to be "Americanized" whatever that means, there is a starbucks, dunking doughnuts.

There are many restaurants in various price ranges. To splurge one night or 2 I highly suggest madamn Jeanet. It is the best on the Island. Wonderful ambiance. Do you like seafood? Wacky Wahoos or the Driftwood is a must. They have great specials like 3 for $25.99 and there sea food is great and catched fresh every day.

If you like Beef steak there are many great places. El Gauchos is high on the list in Orangestad.

We love Iguana Joes for ribs and Mojitos.

Salt and Pepper is a reasonable place and has tappas.

We love Matthews for Breakfast. It is a wonderful place that sits right on the beach. Reasonable prices and the people are lovely.


Go to site on here titled "Aruba for the first time." Some of us have made suggestions on there all ready.

ABC Tours is a jeep tour. Are you the adventurous type?? You will not forget that tour.

De Palm runs many tours as well. A trip to Baby Beach, the light house or the Kuckco bus is fun. That is a bar hopping type of tour which includes dinner/drinks at various clubs.

Horsebackriding on the beach is fun. It all depends on what you want. Since this is your first time to Aruba not sure about going to Bonaire. I have not never been to either so I cannot comment on them. Have fun planning!