It can be difficult to decide on the ideal vacation spot, but fortunately for you, we have all the information you need! In this article, we compare the two most well-known Caribbean islands, Aruba and the Bahamas, to determine which is significantly less expensive to visit.
What Is Aruba
Aruba is an amazing place full of natural beauty. Aruba is one of the most well-liked tropical destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why with its white sandy beaches, gorgeous crystalline waters, and vibrant fish.
Aruba is also the location of some magnificent Dutch colonial buildings. You might as well be in a tropical version of Amsterdam thanks to the pastel-colored houses, which stand in stunning contrast to the island’s natural surroundings. However, Aruba is more than its towns and beaches. It’s a truly unique place to explore, with cactus forests and enormous boulders dotting the dry landscape.
Compared to the Bahamas, Aruba is much more affordable to fly to. While a roundtrip ticket from Miami to the Bahamas costs $499, a ticket from New York City to Aruba only costs $269. Due to Aruba’s closer proximity to North America, there is a price difference. While it only takes one hour and eight minutes to travel from Aruba to Miami, it takes two hours and forty-five minutes to get from Aruba to Nassau.
In addition, Aruba has a much larger selection of inexpensive hotels than Nassau. In contrast to a two-bedroom hotel room in Nassau, a two-bedroom condo in Aruba can be rented for as little as $239 per night. Therefore, Aruba ought to be your first choice if you’re looking for a cheap location that’s close to important North American cities.
Is Aruba Expensive To Visit?
Although they don’t have to be, flights to Aruba can be pricey.
Flights to Aruba can be expensive, depending on whether you’re traveling alone or with a big family. From a US international airport, the average cost of a flight to Aruba is $380; if additional flights are required, the cost increases to $650 per person.
Knowing where and when to look is the key to discovering affordable flights to Aruba.
5 Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Aruba
1. Off-season travel is recommended. Flights (and lodging) will be expensive if you’re planning a weeklong vacation the week before Christmas. The cost of your trip will, however, naturally be less expensive if you go when it’s less convenient for other people to go.
Also think about staying from midweek to midweek. Weekends are more expensive for booking flights almost everywhere.
2. For access to deeply discounted flights, sign up for flight alerts. I obtained my discounted flights from FareDrop, which is my preferred flight alert service. I found flights to Aruba for over 40% off!
3. To save even more money, think about driving to a nearby airport. Would you drive three hours to save $500?
Check for flights at all airports that are close to you or somewhat close to you. I spent hundreds less on my flights to Turks and Caicos (link) because I drove a short distance!
4. The ideal day to travel can be determined using Google Flights. For instance, if you know you want to travel during a specific month, you can use Google Flights to look at every day of that month to see which days will cost you the least to fly.
5. To obtain free flights, use travel hacking strategies. You can book flights for nothing using a credit card or airline rewards points! You’ll spend fewer points on your flights and be able to travel more in the future if you combine that with FareDrop’s airfare alerts.
Is It Safe To Travel To Aruba?
Even though going to the Bahamas or Aruba has long been a popular option, the Caribbean offers a variety of other destinations. Aruba will actually be the least expensive Caribbean destination in 2022, per a NomadList study. The crime rate in Aruba is also one of the lowest in the Caribbean, in addition to other factors. This makes it a safe place to visit, even if you’re traveling alone. If you’re looking to save some money, the Caribbean is the place to be!
What Is Bahamas
The Bahamas is an archipelago of more than 700 islands. The clear blue waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, making it a popular vacation spot for people looking for sun, beaches, and warm ocean waters. The islands offer a variety of activities, such as water sports and landscape exploration. Luxury resorts and hotels are widely available for tourists to unwind in. The Bahamas are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a getaway with your significant other or your family.
The Bahamas’ peak season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April, is the ideal time to travel there. Even though temperatures on the islands are pleasant year-round, rarely dipping below 60 degrees, it’s important to Keep in mind that the Bahamas is a hurricane-prone region. As a result, from June 1 to November, hurricanes may be a factor. 30, which is the Atlantic hurricane season
Compared to Aruba, the Bahamas are much more affordable to visit. For instance, it costs $105 to fly from New York to the Bahamas, while it costs $1,580 to fly from Aruba to the Netherlands.
Furthermore, the Bahamian dollar, which is used as currency in the Bahamas, has a lower value than the Dutch guilder. This means that compared to a trip to Aruba, the Bahamas will cost you less overall.
Are Bahamas Vacations Safe?
One of the safest places to visit in the near future is the Bahamas, without a doubt. The nation not only has little crime, but also a vibrant culture and a wide variety of things to do. It is a great location for anyone looking for a restful vacation or business opportunity because foreigners are especially welcome here. Furthermore, you can be certain that tourism will keep growing in the upcoming years due to the economy’s steady growth and ongoing infrastructure improvements.
Costs Of Living In Aruba And the Bahamas
The cost of living is always a crucial aspect to take into account when deciding on the best vacation spot. The cost of living is anticipated to increase in both Aruba and the Bahamas this year due to the high unemployment rate in the Bahamas and the inflation rate in Aruba. Consider relocating to Aruba if you’re looking for a less expensive choice this year! The overall cost of living will be lower than in the Bahamas because housing and food are much cheaper on the island.
Traveling To Aruba Or Bahamas Is Significantly Less Expensive
The answer is that both places are fairly inexpensive to travel to, with daily costs totaling about $150 each. However, those costs may differ significantly depending on what you want to do while visiting Aruba or the Bahamas. Aruba will likely cost more than the Bahamas if you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort experience. The Bahamas, on the other hand, might be a better choice if you’re looking for activities like diving and snorkeling that are not offered at all-inclusive resorts. All-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas can be expensive, so if you’re traveling with a big group, Aruba might be less expensive than the Bahamas.
The Bahamas and Aruba both have a lot to offer tourists, so it’s crucial to do some research before choosing which location is more affordable for you!
Aruba will have a significantly lower cost of living than the Bahamas in 2022. Therefore, why are you still waiting? Plan your ideal trip to the Caribbean paradise of Aruba right away!
Read More: Is Travelling A Hobby – Benefits of Travelling
Bahamas Vs Aruba – Which To Choose
Food
Aruba: The number of restaurants on the island may be limited, but it is not deficient. There are restaurants serving almost every cuisine, including Mexican, French, and Japanese. However, if you’re one of those tourists who enjoys trying the local cuisine, be prepared to detect a strong Dutch influence in the island’s cooking. Get ready for a lot of savory stew pots filled with meats like goat, citrusy snapper, fried fresh fish, or enormous wheels of ground beef and vegetable-stuffed gouda cheese. These dishes are all served with traditional funchi, which is similar to polenta, or pan bati, which is similar to bread pancakes. Try an Aruba Ariba, the fruity beverage that is the island’s national drink.
Bahamas: The traditional foods of the Bahamas may be more familiar to you than those from other Caribbean islands. Expect to find rice alongside shellfish like rock lobster, cracked conch, and fiery but vibrant fish stews. Additionally, you might encounter enigmatic dishes of soused meat.
Actvities
The activities that both islands have to offer, from snorkeling and diving to sipping cocktails on the beach and taking food or rum tours, could keep us seated here for days. Instead, we’ll focus on a few things that are particular to each island in case you’re itching to try one of them.
Aruba: Again, because of the island’s consistently prevailing trade winds, Aruba is the ideal location to practice your balance while kiteboarding or windsurfing. (The busiest month for this is July.) It also has the SS Antilla, one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean, which is easily accessible. Off Malmok Beach’s coast, there is a dive or snorkeling site. Land adventurers should visit the Arikok National Park, which occupies about a fifth of the island and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys hiking, history, rock bridges, or jarring ATV rides. While we don’t approve of you actually riding the animals, there is a small ostrich farm where you can learn about the largest living bird in the world.
Bahamas: The Bahamas, which are teeming with fish, may be the best destination for those seeking underwater adventures. Another thing to do is to take in the breathtaking beauty of the island cays, which are shallow sandy banks next to coral reefs. On Staniel Cay, the Thunderball Grotto is a fantastic half-day excursion. And don’t worry, landlubbers, you can travel to Freeport’s Lucayan National Park to explore the roughly 40 acres of mangroves, palm, and pine trees.
Safety
Aruba: A fair amount of negative safety press has been directed at Aruba. Natalee Holloway, a teenager from the United States, vanished in 2005. The case has never been solved, and her body has never been located. Tourists avoided Aruba for many years. But in reality, Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s safest islands right now. It has a low level of crime or little cause for concern, according to Numbeo, and both a low crime rating of 25.37 and an overall safety rating of 74.63.
Bahamas: The government hasn’t provided detailed crime statistics for the Bahamas since July 2013, according to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). The Bahamas have a crime rating of 66.03 and a safety rating of 33.97, according to Numbeo, with theft constituting the majority of crimes. Despite this, countless numbers of people travel to the islands without incident.
Bahamas Vs Aruba – Which To Choose
Food
Aruba: The number of restaurants on the island may be limited, but it is not deficient. There are restaurants serving almost every cuisine, including Mexican, French, and Japanese. However, if you’re one of those tourists who enjoys trying the local cuisine, be prepared to detect a strong Dutch influence in the island’s cooking. Get ready for a lot of savory stew pots filled with meats like goat, citrusy snapper, fried fresh fish, or enormous wheels of ground beef and vegetable-stuffed gouda cheese. These dishes are all served with traditional funchi, which is similar to polenta, or pan bati, which is similar to bread pancakes. Try an Aruba Ariba, the fruity beverage that is the island’s national drink.
Bahamas: The traditional foods of the Bahamas may be more familiar to you than those from other Caribbean islands. Expect to find rice alongside shellfish like rock lobster, cracked conch, and fiery but vibrant fish stews. Additionally, you might encounter enigmatic dishes of soused meat.
Actvities
The activities that both islands have to offer, from snorkeling and diving to sipping cocktails on the beach and taking food or rum tours, could keep us seated here for days. Instead, we’ll focus on a few things that are particular to each island in case you’re itching to try one of them.
Aruba: Again, because of the island’s consistently prevailing trade winds, Aruba is the ideal location to practice your balance while kiteboarding or windsurfing. (The busiest month for this is July.) It also has the SS Antilla, one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean, which is easily accessible. Off Malmok Beach’s coast, there is a dive or snorkeling site. Land adventurers should visit the Arikok National Park, which occupies about a fifth of the island and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys hiking, history, rock bridges, or jarring ATV rides. While we don’t approve of you actually riding the animals, there is a small ostrich farm where you can learn about the largest living bird in the world.
Bahamas: The Bahamas, which are teeming with fish, may be the best destination for those seeking underwater adventures. Another thing to do is to take in the breathtaking beauty of the island cays, which are shallow sandy banks next to coral reefs. On Staniel Cay, the Thunderball Grotto is a fantastic half-day excursion. And don’t worry, landlubbers, you can travel to Freeport’s Lucayan National Park to explore the roughly 40 acres of mangroves, palm, and pine trees.
Safety
Aruba: A fair amount of negative safety press has been directed at Aruba. Natalee Holloway, a teenager from the United States, vanished in 2005. The case has never been solved, and her body has never been located. Tourists avoided Aruba for many years. But in reality, Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s safest islands right now. It has a low level of crime or little cause for concern, according to Numbeo, and both a low crime rating of 25.37 and an overall safety rating of 74.63.
Bahamas: The government hasn’t provided detailed crime statistics for the Bahamas since July 2013, according to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). The Bahamas have a crime rating of 66.03 and a safety rating of 33.97, according to Numbeo, with theft constituting the majority of crimes. Despite this, countless numbers of people travel to the islands without incident.
Conclusion
Clearly, each Island has its own distinctive experiences to offer, so the choice of which to visit will ultimately depend on the traveler’s expectations. Visit the Bahamas for one-of-a-kind experiences, Barbados for delectable cuisine, Aruba for less hurricane worry and incredible shipwreck diving, and Barbados for delicious food.
