Making the decision of which Caribbean destination to visit for your next trip can be a difficult one.
Both Aruba and the Bahamas have plenty of unique attributes that make them wonderful holiday spots, but which is way cheaper to travel to Aruba or Bahamas?
In this article, we will compare the two islands and provide an honest comparison of the cost of flights, accommodation, and dining options so you can make the best decision for your budget. Read on and let’s explore the differences between Aruba and the Bahamas.
About Aruba And Bahamas
Aruba and The Bahamas are two separate countries located in the Caribbean. Aruba is an island country located in the southern Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela. It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Bahamas is an island country located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Florida, United States. It is an independent country within the Commonwealth of Nations.
Let’s look at each of these countries separately and the various factors that evolve around them when taking travel into consideration
Factors To Consider That Influence Cost When traveling to Aruba
Weather
Aruba has a warm and sunny tropical climate year-round, with an average temperature of around 80-90°F (27-32°C). The island experiences little variation in temperature throughout the year, making it a great destination for those looking to escape cold weather. The dry season is from January to September, and the rainy season is from October to December. The island is also relatively protected from hurricanes, thanks to its location outside of the hurricane belt.
Currency
The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. The exchange rate is 1.79 AWG to 1 USD.
Language
The official language of Aruba is Dutch, but the majority of the population speaks Papiamento, a creole language. English is also widely spoken and understood.
Food
Aruban cuisine is a blend of Caribbean, South American, and Dutch influences. Some popular dishes include keshi yena, a dish made with chicken or beef, and stoba, a stew made with goat or beef. Seafood is also widely available, with fish such as mahi-mahi and snapper being popular. Prices for food can vary depending on the type of establishment. A meal at a casual restaurant can cost around $15 to $25, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can cost $30 or more.
Transportation
Taxis, buses, and rental cars are available for getting around the island, but many visitors choose to rent a scooter or bike. There are also a number of tour companies that offer organized excursions around the island.
Activities
Aruba offers a wide variety of activities for visitors, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. There are also several golf courses, horseback riding, and off-road safari tours. Prices for activities can vary depending on the activity and the company offering it.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options available on the island, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury resorts. Prices can vary greatly depending on the time of year and the location of the accommodation.
Overall, Aruba is a safe and welcoming destination with plenty to see and do. It’s a great destination for those looking to relax on the beach, explore the island’s culture, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Possible Factors That Influence Cost To consider When traveling to the Bahamas
Weather
The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida. The weather is generally warm and sunny, with an average temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) year-round. The rainy season is from May to October, with most of the rainfall occurring in September and October.
Food
The cost of food in the Bahamas can vary depending on where you go and what you choose to eat. Eating at local restaurants or street vendors will be less expensive than dining at high-end resorts. Local cuisine includes seafood, conch dishes, and Bahamian-style peas and rice. Prices for meals can range from $5 to $20 for local food, and more for international cuisine.
Currency
It’s important to note that the currency used in the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. So, US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in most tourist areas, but it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand.
Activities
The Bahamas is a popular destination for tourism, known for its beaches and clear blue waters. The most popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The major tourist destinations are Nassau and Freeport, but many visitors also enjoy the more secluded Out Islands. It’s also important to note that visitors are required to have a valid passport and fill out a health declaration form prior to entering the country.
Which Is Way Cheaper To Travel To Aruba Or the Bahamas
- Airfare to Aruba is generally cheaper than to the Bahamas.
- Accommodations in Aruba are often less expensive than in the Bahamas.
- Food and drink prices in Aruba tend to be lower than in the Bahamas.
- Car rental rates in Aruba are usually cheaper than in the Bahamas.
- Excursion and tour prices in Aruba are often less expensive than in the Bahamas.
- The cost of transportation within Aruba is generally cheaper than in the Bahamas.
- Souvenirs and gifts in Aruba are typically less expensive than in the Bahamas.
- The overall cost of living in Aruba is usually lower than in the Bahamas.
- The price of activities like snorkeling and diving is often cheaper in Aruba than in the Bahamas.
- Aruba has a lower sales tax than the Bahamas, which can make purchases cheaper.
With all the factors listed for each of the regions, your mode of transportation, and the specific location within Aruba or the Bahamas that you plan to visit. In general, the Bahamas tend to be more expensive due to the cost of flights and accommodations, while Aruba can be less expensive.
It’s recommended to compare prices for flights, accommodations, and activities at different times of the year and for different locations in both destinations to determine which one is cheaper for your specific travel plans.
Summary
Both Aruba and the Bahamas are popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean, but the overall cost of a trip can vary depending on various factors such as travel dates, location, type of accommodation, and activities.
In general, Aruba tends to be less expensive than the Bahamas, with lower prices for accommodations and food. However, the cost of airfare to the Bahamas can be less expensive than to Aruba.
Additionally, some of the more remote and exclusive destinations in the Bahamas can be more expensive than those in Aruba.
It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of travel can fluctuate depending on the time of year, and it’s always best to compare prices for specific dates and locations before making a decision.