Looking for some information on Aruba. Some friends want to go there next year and we would like some information about the island. They have a time share there. Is it an expensive island as far as dining go? How are the beaches? How is the shopping? Any other info would be helpful.

Visit Aruba BB and TA for current info, great beaches, dining in all price ranges, large supermarkets, casinos, Good public transport, high rise and low rise resorts, some things more expensive than SXM, pre-clearence to US, more....

Aruba is much more Americanized than SXM. Overall, more 'homogenized', cleaner, less petty crime. There is very little Dutch influence, and of course, no French influence, like you have on SXM. Aruba has a lot of huge hotels, although I prefer the low rise hotel district, which has HUGE expanses of sand and more space to spread out your chair on the sand. Lots of American chain restaurants. The climate is much drier than SXM, and generally it's very windy. Groceries, car rental and alcohol are more expensive. There is great public transportation by means of busses that are clean, safe, DEPENDABLE, and relatively inexpensive. For shopping, there's your standard stuff, not anything that you can't find, cheaper, on SXM.

Aruba is a very nice and friendly island to visit. It is exactly what Carol said and more. Been a few times and really enjoyed it. Lots of good restaurants, some expensive, some not so. We stayed at the Bucuti and loved it there. Rent a car and explore the island, don't miss Baby beach. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

You can find French and Dutch restaurants these days,Cafe Rembrandt, Dutch Pancake House, Papillon...maybe others.

French and Dutch restaurants, yes, but no French influence at all in Aruba.. For those who love the French feel, it's hard to beat French SXM..

Thank you for the information Our friends have a time share there so i don't really know where we would be staying.

What is the name of the timeshare?