Looking for an island who has the same vibe as Aruba (vacation, caribbean)

[tarragon]

We are trying to plan a vacation with our college age son over the Christmas break. The last one we took was Aruba. We had so much fun there. It was both relaxing and fun activities.
In the evening, we enjoyed walking along the shore and choosing a place to dine listen to music with people dancing.

Any suggestions on some place new that is similar? We've been to Grand Cayman, St. Kitts, Maui and Aruba, which we loved these places but they weren't like Aruba.

Thanks.

[Jkgourmet]

Barbados.

[BD1978]

A second vote for Barbados, although full disclosure we haven't visited yet and are visiting next month. We too loved Aruba and I did lots of research looking for Caribbean islands with a similar vibe, and Barbados fit the bill. Again, I haven't been there yet, but we'll be there 7 weeks from now.

[HansProof]

If you liked Aruba so much might as well go to its neighbor island Curacao which I think is actually better.


I've been all over the Caribbean and that said, I would seriously consider Puerto Vallarta or Cabo, Mexico.

[Roadking2003]

Originally Posted by HansProof

If you liked Aruba so much might as well go to its neighbor island Curacao which I think is actually better.


I've been all over the Caribbean and that said, I would seriously consider Puerto Vallarta or Cabo, Mexico.

We go to Mexico every year. We prefer PV.

We've been to Aruba and I would choose PV over Aruba.

[cityandmore]

I've heard great things about Barbados as a similar option in the Caribbean. Have you given any thought to maybe checking out Curacao as well since it's right next to Aruba? I've heard it has a laidback island vibe similar to Aruba but with its own unique Dutch influences. Might be worth looking into as part of your Christmas plans this year.