Aruba Vs. Jamaica

I don't have much to say about Jamaica, but my sister and her H went to Aruba in January and loved it. They live in OC and did say that the fact that it was mostly desert (which is still kind of hard for me to wrap my head around, haha) made for a lot of familiar sights. They typically do Mexico for vacation, which they love, but said that they'd go to Aruba again if it weren't for the distance for them. They felt very safe and said it was clean. ETA: they did express the same sentiment about the culture, or lack thereof... it was a lot of ex-pats and American sports were playing the whole time in the bars haha

We are staying at Bucati and Tara in October and I'm so excited. I do think there is not as much to do in that island vs some others, it's more for relaxation.

We've been to Negril and enjoyed it, however it was a bit dicey being off the resort. Also it can be difficult to find much to eat if you don't like jerk seasoning. The caveat there is we were at a small boutique hotel, not a larger all inclusive. But we did eat off property several times and I just wasn't impressed. It's also very humid there. I had a friend who stayed at a nice AI in Ochos Rios and loved it.

No idea... but just going to leave this here:

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya

Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama

Key Largo, Montego,

baby why don't we go

I agree with Laura about Jamaica. How about Belize?

I've been to Jamaica and Aruba. I'd go to Aruba any day. I just liked the atmosphere better. Not sure what your budget is, but Turks and Caicos (sp?) is a nice vacation as well, with plenty to do off resort, and safe.

I love both places. But honestly secrets at. James/wild orchid is so beautiful that I would choose Jamaica. We had the same debate and that's where we are going

Eta: secrets is so tucked away that you will literally never see any of the prove try or the crime. It's like it's own island.