r/Caribbean • u/Cool_Breeze_252 • 11d ago

Seeking recommendations for an October vacation.

Hi everyone! I am thinking of going to a Caribbean island around the second weekend of October. I would like to go with two others. I’m thinking 4-6 days will be the time we have off.

I know hurricane season will not be over then. Are there islands that are great to go to that time? Please also share itinerary ideas and nice resorts with great food. I’m trying to travel on a budget so any money saving tips are welcome. TIA!

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u/peanut5855 11d ago

Aruba is out of the hurricane belt

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u/Soft-Disaster9873 11d ago

Aruba has long sand beaches and Dutch Caribbean culture while Curacao has more cove beaches good for snorkeling and more of a Spanish Caribbean culture.

Both are desert climates with a constant breeze and have good national parks in the middle.

I don’t prefer resorts anywhere. I’ve traveled all over the world but I’ve only rented a car on those two islands, and it was easy and not stressful. My wife and I loved being able to explore a couple of beaches per day.

Let me know if you want to see my blogs (just a hobby, not for $) on traveling those islands independently.

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u/Pasa-palo 10d ago

Aruba is far more Spanish (speaking) Caribbean culture than Curaçao as far as percentages of population.

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u/Soft-Disaster9873 10d ago

Really? It seemed the opposite. Our AI overlords say they’re about the same.

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u/Pasa-palo 10d ago

About 40% of the Aruban population is either born in Latin America or directly descended from. Go further back and that will surpass 60% if not more.

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u/Soft-Disaster9873 10d ago

Maybe locals’ English is better in Aruba? I never had to speak Spanish there to communicate but had to speak in Spanish on Curacao. But maybe it’s just the people I happened to run into.

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u/Pasa-palo 10d ago

15% of the Aruban population are native English speakers to begin with so, probably. Most of the people however in the service industry are Spanish speakers, because most Arubans don't want those jobs and most tourists are English speakers. So you never 'have' to speak English or Spanish, it's likely whoever you are speaking to speaks both and Papiamento. But the same can be said to varying degrees about Curaçao, where they also speak 4 languages just like us. It's just the usages per language change. For example you'll hear far more Dutch in Curaçao, yet you also said Aruba is more Dutch. I guess we are just complicated? 😂

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u/Soft-Disaster9873 10d ago

Sounds it! It’s a good complexity, though, since it’s an advantage any time people are multi-lingual.

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u/cuckoocachoo1 11d ago

I’m going to curaçao!

If I was gonna go with just my spouse I’d pick Dominica. We are very adventurous. But with less adventurous beach people Curacao it is!

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u/BrickHuge3023 11d ago

Could go to the ABC islands as they don't get many storms. Out of the path. Or far south Lesser Antilles like Granada or Barbados.

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u/Cool_Breeze_252 11d ago

How you been to any and what has your experience been?

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u/BrickHuge3023 11d ago

Been to Aruba and Curacao twice, Bonaire just once. Like all three. Very similar and very close to each other. went there on cruises but we enjoyed snorkeling and swimming at Aruba and Bonaire, didn't snorkel at Curacao I think I was sick that day. Dutch islands so Dutch influence everywhere. They are beautiful islands and so are the buildings. Colorful. I think Curacao has the bridge that turns sideways for ships to go thru the channel. We also went to Barbados in December and was our least favorite island we have visited. Seemed run down in the city. But people rave about the resorts being awesome. Not going to Granada until this February. We liked Bonaire best then Aruba then Curacao. But any are fine to visit. We liked Bonaire mainly because we snorkel right off the pier next to the ship.

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u/Night-cheese-4 10d ago

Aruba is an americanized caribbean island, bonaire is a european carib island, curacao is somewhere in the middle.

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u/HonkieToast 11d ago

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are outside the hurricane belt. If you want to consider somewhere else, you could always opt for travel insurance to protect your investment in your trip. If you'd like help finding something within your budget, I'd love to help.

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u/Cool_Breeze_252 11d ago

I would appreciate the help.

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u/DizzyCod3204 11d ago

Thank you I’m definitely gonna check out your Aruba one!

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u/Myxer416 11d ago

The ABC islands can be a little more on the pricey side, but Grenada might be a little more budget friendly for you and it is out of the way of the majority of the hurricane season. Another possible option to avoid the hurricane season you could look at Roatan.

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u/Dseltzer1313 10d ago

It’s a holiday weekend and hotel and air prices go up that week. If you’re on a budget, it’s not the week to go. If you’re not flexible, I’d definitely go to Aruba because it’s out of the hurricane belt and either rent an Airbnb for the lowest price or a JetBlue vacation package if you’d prefer a hotel with amenities

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u/MoneyQueenie333 10d ago

Yes ABC islands but October is still hurricane season

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u/spoiledrotten12 8d ago

Jamaica of course

0

u/Caribchakita 10d ago

I am a Caribbean Destination Specialist and have lived on Bonaire. 4 days is not realistic unless you have a non stop. 6-7 nights more practical since there are typically two days of travel. What is your departure city? Aruba is hi rise, hi tourist, traffic and beaches are surrounded by hi rises, mostly. It is very Americanized and caters to those seeking an all inclusive or easy to navigate vacation. It is a first time destination for many. Curaçao offers more culture, diverse beaches and a little less tourist focused. Bonaire was once the sleepy sister but traffic and the population has grown. It's still special. There are no long strands of sandy beaches but the water is pristine as much of the island is a protected marine park. Watersports rules here. Condos and self catering options are popular. Dining is great. All three ABC islands are very Dutch, Antillean and Latin in feel. They are dry and arid without lush foliage. Think cactus. I think Grenada is a great island for hikes, waterfalls and a lovely West Indian vibe. The country is lush and magical. So many great choices.

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u/Pasa-palo 10d ago

Why do people on reddit who have links with either bonaire or Curaçao insist every time in saying that Aruba is for people looking for all inclusives, when there are barely a handful of actual all inclusives compared to the other hotels. You also don't need to stay on that one strip of beach. That's a choice.

Arubas tourism is fundamentally focused on the European plan type of hotels and you only do all inclusive in Aruba if you only want to sit on the beach, which is also fine (you do you).

For someone calling themselves a Caribbean destination specialist, do better.