Be honest - is Aruba nice or run down similar to Myrtle Beach? Is Antigua nicer?
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Anonymous
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Is Aruba a nice place to visit or is it more run down, old, sort of like a Myrtle Beach?
This would be something we save for, I’m looking for a nice island to visit - safe, scenic, not run of the mill run down beach sort of situation. I’ve heard Antigua is far better but I am only a day or two into researching both. |
Anonymous
| Aruba is very upscale and Eagle Beach is one of the best I’ve been to. However, Aruba is arid so you might look at photos to see if the landscape is the type you like. |
Anonymous
| We prefer Barbuda to Antigua. Same country. |
Anonymous
| Antigua's population is slightly larger than Rockville. It's just not that big. Consider that if you need any services like a proper hospital, etc. |
Anonymous
| If you're willing to go as far as Aruba, look into Curacao. It's got pretty diverse features, nice beaches and off the beach snorkeling, and isn't nearly as touristy as Aruba, with its own culture and and cuisine. The local artists are fantastic. |
Anonymous
This is PP who posted about Eagle Beach. Curaçao is also lovely but I didn’t find it much less touristy, just that is probably has more character. You really can’t go wrong with either. It depends on what you’re looking for. |
Anonymous
| Go to Anguilla. |
Anonymous
| We liked Aruba but the climate is dry. It’s not a lush tropical island, if that’s what you’re going for. |
Anonymous
| Aruba is very touristy, but I wouldn't call it run down. Of course, places where locals eat, shop, and live are not fancy - Aruba's economy is highly dependent on tourism and locals are generally not wealthy. But as a visitor, Aruba does not have a Myrtle Beach/Jersey Shore/Ocean City vibe at all. There are lots of upscale resorts and restaurants. It is a very easy place to travel - everyone speak English, American dollars are accepted everywhere, it feels very safe, but it is not much of a "cultural" experience. |
Anonymous
| For a first Caribbean trip, Aruba is perfect in every way. |
Anonymous
| I loved Aruba - American groceries stores, many beaches, etc. it is very deserty. We rented a car, toured the island and several different beaches for 5 days - $9 in gas. |
Anonymous
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Aruba doesn't do it for me. I'd just go to Miami beach or another really pretty gulf side beach. I've never really understood the appeal of Aruba - it's just a lot of beaches?
If you are seeking wow beaches and a peaceful ambiance - not that Aruba can't be but it lacks a certain...character? - Antigua is waaaaaay better. Comparing other islands to Antigua is different but this is just Aruba v. Antigua. But I am also someone who favors wow beaches or something that has character even if not Turks/Tahiti beaches 
I'll tell you St. Lucia is great as is Costa Rica. Just more fun. Aruba is basically just beaches. |
Anonymous
Its the overall vibe in Aruba, the most swimmable ocean, mix of shopping, nightlife, food … its all in one. |
Anonymous
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I also don’t get the dislike of Aruba. Stunning beaches, easy to navigate by car. Cool landscapes. Friendly locals.
Only drawback is the long flight and prices are increasing (but where isn’t.) |
Anonymous
Agree! |