For my 40th Anniversary, wife and I would like to spend a week Jan 2027 in Aruba. Any recommemndation on how to go about doing this? Any referrals as to webistes to use, packages, etc.? Thx
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06-09-2026LAST POST
Why Aruba? I've never been, I've heard it is a beautiful place, great beaches, but curious as to why you picked it. Is it because it is very Americanized and thus there will be a familiarity of sorts?
Can't help on the location as I said, never been, but curious and would like to hear what you thought of it when you get back.
We have been to the island next to Aruba (Curacao) and absolutely love it. Been there three times now in fact. Definitely not Americanized though, but it has its own authentic vibe. Very much a Dutch influence, but you can get by easily in English. I've just hesitated on Aruba as it seems a little more expensive and I worry that it might feel a little less "islandy" and more commercialized based on people's descriptions, but I'll be interested to hear yours.
Can't help on the location as I said, never been, but curious and would like to hear what you thought of it when you get back.
We have been to the island next to Aruba (Curacao) and absolutely love it. Been there three times now in fact. Definitely not Americanized though, but it has its own authentic vibe. Very much a Dutch influence, but you can get by easily in English. I've just hesitated on Aruba as it seems a little more expensive and I worry that it might feel a little less "islandy" and more commercialized based on people's descriptions, but I'll be interested to hear yours.
MADBMWX5MC wroteNever been to Aruba but we have done All-Inclusive resorts in Mexico and Dominican Republic in the past. We typically just book our flights separate since we use credit card miles and what not then book directly with whatever resort we want. Waaaaay back we have also used sites like Expedia or what not to book package. Which at that time could be cheaper than booking separately depending on other factors.For my 40th Anniversary, wife and I would like to spend a week Jan 2027 in Aruba. Any recommemndation on how to go about doing this? Any referrals as to webistes to use, packages, etc.? Thx
Watching The World Burn wroteGood question: My son spent his honeymoon there, but not in an all-inclusive resort. So the how-to of getting there and back are the easy part, it's the which hotel to pick and what vacation services (package) to use. He just went online and picked a place, but, as he described it to me, it was a bit disorganized...Why Aruba? I've never been, I've heard it is a beautiful place, great beaches, but curious as to why you picked it. Is it because it is very Americanized and thus there will be a familiarity of sorts?
Can't help on the location as I said, never been, but curious and would like to hear what you thought of it when you get back.
We have been to the island next to Aruba (Curacao) and absolutely love it. Been there three times now in fact. Definitely not Americanized though, but it has its own authentic vibe. Very much a Dutch influence, but you can get by easily in English. I've just hesitated on Aruba as it seems a little more expensive and I worry that it might feel a little less "islandy" and more commercialized based on people's descriptions, but I'll be interested to hear yours.
dreamingat30fps wroteSo, I am originally from Puerto Rico (still have family there), and I am aware of Mexico and Dom Rep, just looking for something different.Never been to Aruba but we have done All-Inclusive resorts in Mexico and Dominican Republic in the past. We typically just book our flights separate since we use credit card miles and what not then book directly with whatever resort we want. Waaaaay back we have also used sites like Expedia or what not to book package. Which at that time could be cheaper than booking separately depending on other factors.
Unless it’s due to a budget, I wouldn’t do all inclusive in Aruba. Aruba is safe and has many nice restaurants and things to explore outside of the resorts. I haven’t been there in a very long time but enjoyed being able to leave the resort to do different things.
When I think of all inclusives, I think of places where you - and the resort - do not want you leaving the resort due to safety concerns. Think DR, Jamaica and Mexico. I don’t like having armed guards at the gate of a resort and on the beach which was the case in my travels to the DR, Jamaica and Mexico. The handful of times I’ve done all inclusives, it was because I traveled with a large group of family members with kids so the all inclusives were affordable and easy, but I would not return to those destinations due to the safety factor. I’m sure there are great all inclusives in Aruba but I think you’d miss out on what the island has to offer. Unless of course you just want to park yourself and not leave the resort.
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your trip and Happy Anniversary.
When I think of all inclusives, I think of places where you - and the resort - do not want you leaving the resort due to safety concerns. Think DR, Jamaica and Mexico. I don’t like having armed guards at the gate of a resort and on the beach which was the case in my travels to the DR, Jamaica and Mexico. The handful of times I’ve done all inclusives, it was because I traveled with a large group of family members with kids so the all inclusives were affordable and easy, but I would not return to those destinations due to the safety factor. I’m sure there are great all inclusives in Aruba but I think you’d miss out on what the island has to offer. Unless of course you just want to park yourself and not leave the resort.
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your trip and Happy Anniversary.
Just putting my 2¢ in, I’ve never been on to just lounge on a beach so I say go to Spain. I’m assuming you speak Spanish so no real language barrier aside from local differences. Food and drink are incredible there. And far more to do than just be a beach bum, unless that’s what you’re looking for. I’ve been to Madrid, Seville (with a day trip to Jerez) and Grenada. Fantastic trip and want to explore more of Spain.
PurpleZ wroteHa, yes, Spain is in my cards for FAll 2027. With a son moving to Denmark and another one stationed in Germany, I will visit both in 2027 after I tour Spain...Yes, I am a beach bum...Just putting my 2¢ in, I’ve never been on to just lounge on a beach so I say go to Spain. I’m assuming you speak Spanish so no real language barrier aside from local differences. Food and drink are incredible there. And far more to do than just be a beach bum, unless that’s what you’re looking for. I’ve been to Madrid, Seville (with a day trip to Jerez) and Grenada. Fantastic trip and want to explore more of Spain.
I was deployed to Curacao for 4 months, and visited Aruba. I walked around the island, enjoyed the food and nightlife, and never felt threatened. You wouldn't need an all-inclusive on either island unless it's for your personal sanity.
DubaiRich wroteWhile there are areas of Curacao that are quite poor (and I wouldn't be walking through there during the night), I've never felt unsafe on the island. We always have rented an Airbnb and then hop around the island doing local stuff, eating at random restaurants that we look up, ATV'ing, etc.I was deployed to Curacao for 4 months, and visited Aruba. I walked around the island, enjoyed the food and nightlife, and never felt threatened. You wouldn't need an all-inclusive on either island unless it's for your personal sanity.
Since you've been to both, what island would you go back to today if you could and why?
I would definitely go back to Curacao. The vibe of the island is just relaxing, people were friendly, food was great and I stayed at the Holiday Beach Hotel and Casino! Naturally, we were told not to partake in the "local" culture, but that didn't deter us. 
just spent a week on the island next to Curacao....Bonaire. Don't recommend that one unless you're a diver.
Curacao is awesome. Mix of both worlds between Aruba and Bonaire.
Curacao is awesome. Mix of both worlds between Aruba and Bonaire.
Sister in law goes t Aruba quite a bit, TBH I just don't like the look of it. Too plain, no trees, wide beaches rather than proper bays etc. She tried Curacao last year and to me it looked a lot nicer.
Avoid al inclusives on either island, way too expensive and you just do not need them.
Avoid al inclusives on either island, way too expensive and you just do not need them.
Wepa Boricua! Another islander here. I went to Aruba this past spring break and stayed at the all‑inclusive Barcelo Aruba for 5 nights. I really liked it—the location, the amenities, and especially the beachfront lined with palm trees. I grew up in a beach town, so my standards for beaches are pretty high, and Aruba definitely delivered.
Food and drinks were solid. The buffet rotated theme nights so it didn’t feel repetitive, and there were four restaurants you could reserve for dinner (Japanese, Mexican, Italian, and Caribbean). The location was a big plus too. Some all‑inclusive resorts in Aruba are pretty isolated, but Barcelo is in an area where you can walk to other hotels, restaurants, shops, and more.
The only thing I’d do differently next time is book a rental car ahead of time. I tried to rent one once I arrived, and everything was already taken. Having a car would’ve made it easier to explore different parts of the island.
Good luck with your search, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Food and drinks were solid. The buffet rotated theme nights so it didn’t feel repetitive, and there were four restaurants you could reserve for dinner (Japanese, Mexican, Italian, and Caribbean). The location was a big plus too. Some all‑inclusive resorts in Aruba are pretty isolated, but Barcelo is in an area where you can walk to other hotels, restaurants, shops, and more.
The only thing I’d do differently next time is book a rental car ahead of time. I tried to rent one once I arrived, and everything was already taken. Having a car would’ve made it easier to explore different parts of the island.
Good luck with your search, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
I love Aruba, but it is not the little happy island I found 20+ years ago. Our fav place to stay is the Tamarjin - but I like slow and quiet - lots of space and less people. If that is not your jam - try the high rise area (only place tall buildings are allowed) for the sardine experience that seems to be popular. Last year we went AirBNB in the southern end of the island. MUCH different experience, but we liked it. We were in a section where locals were our neighbors. Chickens in the yard, dogs and cats coming to visit, local grocery stores, etc. We liked it and will do it again. First time I visited Baby Beach decades ago - it was deserted spot for the locals and amazing. 20 years later you can't even recognize it. Not worth the drive to see it anymore in my opinion as it is covered side to side with tents and chairs now and resorts built up around it. The Black Pearl is a great company to get in a sunset cruise with - and save room for the grilled cheese sandwiches at the end! The Flying Fish Bone is worth the drive - but make a reservation. Super safe, English is spoke most places and American money is accepted almost everywhere.
Thanks everyone for their input -- havent decided yet.
