Day Trips
Aruba's sister islands, Bonaire and Curaçao, may match Aruba when it comes to flawless weather but provide two very different Caribbean experiences all the same. Bonaire is a diver's haven – consistently ranked as the Caribbean's top dive spot – while Curaçao appeals to history and culture buffs with its capital, Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to 55 different cultures and high-caliber international cuisine of the sort you'd expect in cities like New York and San Francisco. Both are worth the visit. Despite their close proximity, there are no ferries from Aruba; instead, you'll have to book a quick flight on American Airlines (www.aa.com), BonairExpress (599/717-0808; www.bonairexpress.com), or The Dutch Antilles Express (599/717-0808; www.flydae.com). Most flights cost around $50-$80 each way and last 30 minutes.
$164+: Upscale Aruba beach resort; 50% off The Westin Resort, Aruba
$549+: Quick Aruba 3-nt package w/airfare; 20% off Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort
$542+: Aruba 6-nt vacation w/airfare from NY Travelocity
$449+: Aruba 5-nt beach getaways w/airfare CheapCaribbean.com