Planning a vacation ~August 16th-August 22

[Al Neri]

Me and my be fiancee (within the next month) were planning on going away during the one week that we have free (I finish my MBA on August 13th, she starts teaching on August 25th, we have an engagement party on August 23rd). We were thinking of somewhere around Friday August 15 to Friday August 22 or somewhere around there.

We were thinking the Carribean, I know Hurricane season, but how about south of that - Aruba, isnt that below the hurricane line?

We were quoted just about 2k for 6 days in Aruba all inclusive, beachfront room with a balcony (Includes airfare, food, alcohol,taxes,tips,etc.) from NYC.

I have previously been to Riu in the dominican - All Inclusive resort. It was a lotta fun.

What do you guys think?


don r.

 

[Al Neri]

anyone??

 

[Lola]

I have never been, but family members have. They said it was very nice, just very arid... desert and pretty flat, but clean and friendly.

Personally, I would like to go to Aruba and it is hit or miss during hurricane season, but I would not worry, get trip insurance just to be safe and enjoy!

 

[Aharami]

Aruba was one of our favorite vacations. Dont expect lush vegetation there. Its very desert like. But very cool and unique place. It's ALWAYS windy there. Beaches are really nice (but not as nice as in the Bahamas, IMO). All inclusive would be nice there since food is expensive, but they have some REALLY good restaurants there. Make sure you go to El Gaucho once. The best steaks there. We also went to Driftwood for seafood. The owner catches the fish during the day and serves them at night. Check it out if you can

Which hotel are you staying in? Most likely it will be on Palm or Eagle beach. Those beaches are nice, but very touristy. If you want to get away, rent a car and go to Mangel Halto beach and baby beach. The island is really small, so it doesnt take too long to get there. Baby beach is really nice but too many people know about it, so it can get a little crowded. Still worth it though. Mangel Halto beach isnt as popular and was completely empty when we went there. Awesome beach. Waist deep water for quite a while out. We set up the car rental the day we arrived. I'd recommend this since they get booked fast. We went with Econo car rental and were happy with them.

The north shore of the island is very rocky and very cool. A normal sedan wouldnt make it on the dirt roads there. you can either rent a jeep as your car and use that to go all over the island, including the north shore, or go with a guided tour. We went with the guided tour because we'd already rented a sedan. But the tour was pretty cool because you get to drive your own Jeep and follow the tour guide who leads in his own Jeep. Jeep seats 6 and we took turns driving. That was a cool experience. But if you like taking your time, rent your own jeep.

Also make sure to visit the natural pool and the (now fallen) natural bridge. Also make sure to check out California lighthouse (was part of the jeep tour for us) and Seroe Colorado lighthouse on the other end of the island (by baby beach). Seroe is quite an unique lighthouse

You dont really have to worry about hurricanes there since it's so far south.

oh and everyone is really friendly there.

 

[robphelan]

i hope the wind doesn't stop blowing while you are there.

our comp owns a refinery.. i heard that when the wind stops blowing off he coast, schools have to close down b/c of the pollution.

also, there are some really, really poor people there - the drive from the airport to refinery apparently looks like a big junk yard

 

[fossilburner]

Originally posted by: robphelan


our comp owns a refinery..

Valero?

 

[robphelan]

Originally posted by: fossilburner

Originally posted by: robphelan


our comp owns a refinery..

Valero?

with a name like fossilburner, you sound familiar with the biz

 

[mrrman]

dont go out drinking alone...u mind end up like that Halloway girl...fish bait

 

[akshatp]

Its too windy to enjoy IMO. Last year I went to Barbados in April and then Aruba in June. I hated Aruba. Its very flat, desert like and commercialized to no end. Its like being in the US only hotter and windier. Dont expect to sit on the beach without all of your stuff bolted down.

Dont even get me started on the Iguanas. They are everywhere.

Take my advice and go to Barbados instead. The people are so much friendlier, and you will really get to experience the culture and think you are actually on vacation. Try to stay near Dover Beach as there are lots of bars nd restuarants in the area. I went during the Cricket World Cup so there were alot of tourists at the time and we still felt welcomed and taken care of by the locals.

The beaches are aawesome too. Great waves and very clean.