I agree...research other islands. Aruba is kinda boring...beaches are overcrowded and not crystal clear. There was more shopping than culture. However, I thought they had the best food of any island I've visited! Incredible fish, and an amazing Acai bowl stand on the beach...I would go just for the food!

DR is more like an all-inclusive vibe....get yourself a good spot in the buffet line. Beaches aren't great.

What about USVI? St. John (most amazing, private, romantic beaches ever), BVI, or Puerto Rico for great beaches/culture combo or Cuba?

Honestly, listen when posters recommend checking out different island. You can do better than Aruba or DR!

I kinda want to end this by saying "you're welcome"...cause I feel so strongly that I'm right

Anonymous wrote:Trying to decide for our first anniversary. One of us is a beach bum, & the other loves the cultural, get on the bus, & venture out, type of person. Looking for feedback on both locations.

There's no culture in Aruba.

There's both plenty of culture and amazing beaches in Santo Domingo.

You choose

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As much as everyone is saying Aruba there is no culture there. If you are leaving this king for culture etc I would consider other islands.

This is very true. This link sums up the whole of the historic/cultural stuff:
https://www.visitaruba.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/

Also, I would note that the island is Aruba is most desert-like and not at all jungle/stereotypically tropical. There are gorgeous beaches, but the rest of the island is desert and cacti. Just something to keep in mind if you have a certain island type in mind.

I agree with this. I love Aruba and prefer it to DR, but I don't really venture much past the gorgeous beaches and nearby restaurants. We did go to the state park/rocky coast one day and it was fun but don't need to go back to it.

Go to Barbados or St. Kitts.

Anonymous wrote:As much as everyone is saying Aruba there is no culture there. If you are leaving this king for culture etc I would consider other islands.

This is very true. This link sums up the whole of the historic/cultural stuff:
https://www.visitaruba.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/

Also, I would note that the island is Aruba is most desert-like and not at all jungle/stereotypically tropical. There are gorgeous beaches, but the rest of the island is desert and cacti. Just something to keep in mind if you have a certain island type in mind.

As much as everyone is saying Aruba there is no culture there. If you are leaving this king for culture etc I would consider other islands.

Been to both and thought both were great, just different experiences.

We did an AI in DR which was wonderful because it was TOTAL relaxation. Lazed on a beach all day with drinks and food brought to us. Sometimes I'm in the mood for that.

Aruba has really pretty beaches (we stayed on Eagle Beach which I would say is nicer) but it was a condo so we were on our own for finding food and such. Not quite as relaxing.

Aruba is great. But rent a car, it is safe to drive yourself all over and way more fun than the arranged tours.

I have only been to Aruba for windsurfing. It's right in the middle of the trades -

I remember being on the plane and talking to the woman sitting next to me. She looked ready for a posh holiday (i looked like a scruffy windsurfer) I said "ready for some high winds!?!?!" she said "HUH?" and put her hand to her perfect coif.

Another thing i remember-

There was a problem with the flight out. We were bumped at the last minute, but our bags went on ahead. Mine was stuffed with windsurf and diving gear. We arrived a few hours late to the airport in Aruba (it wasn't that much later than originally scheduled) and my bag was gone. All my hard-earned gear.

Aruba

Been to both. Aruba and it’s not even close.

I think it's probably easier to "get on the bus and venture out" in Aruba.

I love Aruba, but I haven't been to DR in 20 years.

DR has a lot of All Inclusive resorts, Aruba doesn't.

I've been both places. I probably slightly prefer Aruba.

That said, there is some cultural stuff to do in Santo Domingo so DR might be a good mix for you both.

Trying to decide for our first anniversary. One of us is a beach bum, & the other loves the cultural, get on the bus, & venture out, type of person. Looking for feedback on both locations.