What parts of PR are unsafe? Also, any apts to rent? I want to be able to cook here and there instead of making kids eat out every meal.

We've been to Aruba several times. We like it, but never love it. As PPs have said, there isn't a lot to see or do and it's not lush, but brown.

NP, and not to hijack, but when people respond can they also say which might be better for a toddler? We were considering both of those islands, and a couple others, to travel with our toddler next spring. It's looking like maybe Aruba is better with a toddler (and just do beach and pool?) and go to PR when the kids are older and we can do more sight seeing and activities?

We loved Puerto Rico, as did our 3 year old son. We went hiking at El Yunque, wandered around Old San Juan and got a great tour of the area from a can driver. We never felt unsafe and were told what areas to stay away from. Our son keeps asking when we can go back!

There is lots of good food in PR. One of our favorites is Pikayo. Chef Wilo Benet was on Top Chef.

We have done all the activities above with kids and they have had a great time in PR.

I would add in going to El Morro castle and in Old San Juan zip line park in Rio Grande.

we like the mix of city and country in PR. As a poster said above, there is not a whole lot to do in Aruba besides the beach and we are not the type that likes to sit on the beach all day.

Aruba is also a longer flight and more expensive from this area. Jet Blue just added a direct flight from DC to san juan.

Another vote for PR. But I am a history and activity buff.

As for safety...remember the two missing women from Aruba? My friend was there two weeks ago and there was more drama about another missing (tourist) woman, but she wasn't American, so I don't think it made the news.

Another vote for PR if you want to do more than just hang out at the beach. Caving, biolumiscent bay (you can kayak to it at night, but no swimming anymore), El Yunque, surfing, San Juan, all kind of activities. Rent a car and travel around the island, you won't be bored.

And I've been to and lived in developing nations (aka "third world" for the un-PC). PR is not it, but it's not Scandinavia, either.

If you just want a beach resort vacation where you hang out at the resort and don't do much else, go to Aruba. If you want more variety, sightseeing, etc., PR will be better for that.

Been to both before kids and with kids. Aruba is just resort/beach. Its nice and an easy vacation. PR has history, local food, el yunque forest, and still has nice resorts. Driving a jeep in vieques and swimming in the bioluminescent bay was wonderful. I would rent a car and go around PR.

been to both (without kids) and much preffered Puerto Rico. Aruba is quite arid, and there just didn't seem to be as much to do (I've only got a day or 2 of beach sitting in me.). Puerto Rico felt a lot more like an adventure with both cultural (Old San Juan, etc.) and natural (El Younge Nat'l forest, bioluminescent bays, amazing cave) activities.

I'm going to put in a plug for PR. Beautiful island, great resorts, Old San Juan is delightful and El Yunque Rain Forest is a great place that your kids will love. Beaches are gorgeous.

I've been several times and never felt unsafe.

I've never been to Aruba but I know it's very arid. PR is lush and green which I prefer to dry and brown.

Aruba is nice. Lots of resorts to choose from and there are tons of organized tours for snorkeling and other water sports, jeep tours around the island... and casinos. A really fantastic argentine grill there that I dream about still... El Gaucho

I've been to both several times. Aruba wins in every way possible!

I've heard the same things PP said about Puerto Rico. We looked into planning a trip there but everyone we knew who had been discouraged it.

I loved Aruba. Puerto Rico is basically a third world country, and I did not feel safe there. I wouldn't go back.
Aruba is safe and clean. There is no one asking if you want to buy drugs when you go downtown.
You can rent jeeps and do off roading on the desolate side of the island.
The beaches are beautiful and have great snorkeling.

Trying to plan spring break for Mar2013. We want to use Marriott points for our stay and AirTran miles for flights so we are trying to plan ahead. AirTran flys non-stop from BWI to both spots. Kids will be 11 and 9 when we go.
Which one will we enjoy more?
Looking for a nice resort, nice beach that we can swim on, good food, maybe some snorkeling, etc.