Barbados. Safer.,

Anonymous wrote:Does Barbados have google public transportation, or do you typically rent a car? Are taxis/Ubers reliable and safe there?

There are public buses (as well as private minibuses). Lots of reliable taxis— and they are used to offering tours as well. We had a great half day tour from Terrvette Taxis and Tours (a husband-wife team— Terry and Yvette).

We didn’t rent a car but you could (altho driving is on the left there).

Does Barbados have google public transportation, or do you typically rent a car? Are taxis/Ubers reliable and safe there?

I liked Grand Cayman. Safe, good snorkeling/diving and pretty but expensive. There’s not much to do in Aruba and the food scene is not good. I’ve never been to Barbados but I’ve heard good things.

Go in debt and hit St. Barts. You will thank me later.

I’ve been to all three multiple times. They all have fantastic beaches and snorkeling. I think if I was forced to rank them, I’d say 1. Barbados, 2. Aruba and 3. Cayman Islands.

Barbados just has so much to see and do. Amazing diving/snorkeling. Gorgeous beaches (one for every day of the year). Visiting caves, botanical gardens, animal reserves, wild monkeys running around everywhere (especially up in the more mountainous areas). It also has great shopping, restaurants, bars. It has upscale areas (wealthy Brits have second homes there like Mick Jagger). But it also has more down to earth local areas (see Oistens Fish fry). Again, something for everyone.

Aruba is also awesome. I love Eagle beach (less windy than Palm beach imo). It has great shopping, restaurants, etc… it feels very safe and has lots of US tourists (Barbados has lots of Brits as a former British colony). I’d say for a relaxing, low activity vacation, Aruba is the way to go. There is way less to do than Barbados, but if you only care about beaches/water sports, then you can’t go wrong.

I’ve been to Cayman Islands a long time ago. It is great for diving/snorkeling. I remember there were lots of upscale US tourists but as far as I can remember, there was not a ton to see and do (besides water-based activities).

I’ve been to Aruba and Grand Cayman. I’d say both are perfect if you mainly want to hang out on the beach/at a pool, and like a variety of restaurants including Americanized ones. They both are “easy” islands and get a lot of cruise ship traffic. Neither has a lot to do other than water activities, esp if you don’t scuba dive (I don’t either). Both are flat and not super scenic islands other than the gorgeous sea. I enjoyed both the same amount, so I’d go with the waterfront option.

Anonymous wrote:Looking to get away next spring. Two adults and two teens for 5 nights.
We can afford a beachfront resort in Aruba or Barbados. In Grand Cayman we would not be beachfront.

We snorkel a bit, but don’t scuba dive.

Not much to do in Aruba. If you go do not return on the weekends. The airport is sh#t show for departures starting on Friday.

Grand Cayman.
Aruba got boring.
Bonaire better if you are avid snorkelers

Did you look at oceanfront condos in Grand Cayman? They are less expensive than a resort. There are a bunch of nice condos on Seven Mile Beach.

What resort did you price out in Barbados?

Aruba is typically the least expensive.

Be sure to factor in air travel—both the cost and the hassle factor (if you can’t find a direct flight).

If you're considering Aruba, I would say also to look into Curacao. Lodging is cheaper (thought flights can be more expensive) and there's a lot to do that isn't beach-based.

We were debating similar choices and ended up picking Barbados. We haven't gone on the trip yet but I liked Barbados bc we can easily stay beach front and there's a bunch of activities for people who may not want all beach all the time. I'm sure the other options would be great too though.

Do Aruba or Barbados. I've not been to Barbados but have been to both GC and Aruba. IMO GC is not worth the extra cost and being ocean front would be so much better.

Bump

Looking to get away next spring. Two adults and two teens for 5 nights.
We can afford a beachfront resort in Aruba or Barbados. In Grand Cayman we would not be beachfront.

We snorkel a bit, but don’t scuba dive.