"Thanksgiving in Aruba" Top 5 Page for this destination Aruba by cruisingbug

Aruba Travel Guide: 1,205 reviews and 2,142 photos

A Caribbean Desert

We spent 10 days in Aruba over Thanksgiving. It was a quite different landscape than we expected - much more desert and cactus, not very lush. We also arrived just before a weeklong, island-wide blackout, which is probably one of the reasons we'd pass on Aruba next time around.
However, we did find plenty to keep us busy - horseback riding, ATVing, parasailing, and just going to the beach. The island is pretty sophisticated, with first-rate hotels, restaurants and casinos, along with the requisite Carlos and Charlie's in downtown Oranjestad.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Plenty of activities; outside the hurricane belt
Cons:Dry and windy
In a nutshell:Worth at least one visit!

Last visit to Aruba: Nov 2002
Intro Written Apr 22, 2004
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Reviews (17)

Beaches in Aruba Things to Do (3)

The main attraction for coming to Aruba would have to be the beaches. Lying outside the hurricane belt, Aruba is a... more travel advice

Lobby Stained Glass Window, La Cabana, Aruba - Aruba

Activity Central in Aruba Hotels (1)

We only stayed one night at La Cabana, at the end of our trip. We wished we had been there the whole time, instead of at... more travel advice

Divi Divi Tree Favorites (1)

The divi divi is the symbol of Aruba and its constant tradewinds. This one was on Eagle Beach, near the low-rise... more travel advice

Blackout in Aruba Nightlife (2)

Not so much nightlife as lack thereof. When the power goes out on Aruba (which they claimed was a rarity) it goes out... more travel advice

Comments (8)

Sininen Feb 26, 2007 at 9:12 AM Report Abuse

Hello Kendra! I've never thought of taking a cruise, but after having read some of your pages I am beginning to think that it might actually be fun! Happy birthday from Finland!
Stellaluna Aug 15, 2006 at 2:24 PM Report Abuse

Hubby and I enjoyed Aruba in Aug. 2005. We visited a lot of the same places. I don't think Natural Bridge will be missed. It was such a disappointment even when it was still there. =)
VeronicaG Jan 29, 2006 at 8:22 AM Report Abuse

Nice tips on Arub, Kendra--being hurricane free is a plus!
kidblu Aug 30, 2005 at 5:00 PM Report Abuse

Thank you for your wonderful insights, suggestions and photos!
Paul2001 Feb 26, 2005 at 5:47 PM Report Abuse

Very good page. A co-worker flies down this Monday to Aruba. I see by his page that he will have a great time providing that there are no blackouts.
dsantosh May 17, 2004 at 6:21 AM Report Abuse

Kendra, agreat page, nice tips and albums.
kazander May 5, 2004 at 12:34 PM Report Abuse

It's been years since I've been to Aruba, thanks for reminding me of things I've seen and showing me things I didn't:)
islanderz84 Apr 30, 2004 at 11:16 AM Report Abuse

Hi, I am a native Aruban, and I was not on the island when the black-out happened. But I would like to say, that black-outs involvinng the whole island are indeed rare, and to your bad luck it happened during your vacation.