Aruba is Taking 30 Per Cent Off - Family Beach Vacation On a Budget

Looking to book a last minute holiday vacation or guarantee a bit of sunshine and warmth before the chill of February sets in? Now is the time to visit Aruba, where the average winter temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and where good airfares (check out JetBlue Flight Deals) and resorts who are willing to negotiate rates can make this a family vacation on a budget.

The following Aruba family hotels and resorts are offering hot winter discounts available until January 3, 2010, unless otherwise noted in the hotel desciption.  Family Travel Forum has explored Aruba Beyond the Hotels and, with hopes that you can enjoy some family fun in the sun, recommends the following deals:

The Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa (800/333-3333) has a 2010 Winter Special, offering travelers the opportunity to escape the winter cold and save up to 40% off regular rates plus value-added rewards through January 10, 2010. It's not an all-inclusive resort so pricing is guided by your appetite for the many on-site activities: Boot Camp Fitness classes, movie nights, Family Wii Challenges, volleyball, bingo, beach time and spa all call to guests of any age. Special sale rates begin at $269/N for travel between Jan. 3-31, 2010, rising to $285/N between Feb. 1- April 10, 2010. Guests who stay five nights will receive a $150 beverage credit and those who stay six nights or more will receive a $200 credit. Also, kids 5 years of age and under eat breakfast for free per one paying adult; children 12 years of age and under eat dinner for free per one paying adult at the resort’s most family-friendly restaurant, Laguna, nestled alongside a fresh water lagoon amidst lush tropical foliage.

The four diamond Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (800/223-6388 or 888/PARADISE) is offering a Relaunch Rate package -- that's 30% off -- to celebrate their recently completed $50 million renovation. Act now; this discount is only good until December 18, 2009. This Marriott is not an all-inclusive, but there's tons to do for you and the kids. The Bon Bini Kids Program runs from 9am-4pm Sunday to Friday; kids can participate in seashell hunting, as well as beach and video games, while you get pampered at the Balinese-style Mandara Spa. Or, after spending the day by the lagoon style pool or children's pool, you can utilize the hotels' babysitting services and have an elegant dinner. The 400-plus room resort prides itself on having the most spacious accommodations in all of Aruba and now they're even better.  So while the premises are practically brand new, take advantage of this family vacation offer to entertain the whole family with the resort's non-stop activities. Be sure that the promotional code NEW appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call 800/223-6388 and tell them you want something "ZZ1"

The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba is also giving the gift of family beach vacation savings, offering a 30% discount on resort stays from December 18, 2009 to January 3, 2010, truly the peak season. Savings are available in all room categories, except Lanai rooms and suites, so you'll have to cozy up with the kids. A minimum 4N stay is required and promo code "130" must be provided at the time of booking in order to receive the discount. The booking window is between October 12 and December 30, 2009, so you have a little leeway to discuss this out with the family budget keeper. For reservations and more information, check out their site, talk with your travel agent, or call 800-HOLIDAY.

The Occidental Grand Aruba is offering all-inclusive rates of up to 20% off during the holidays. Between December 24-January 3, 2010, rates begin at $357 per person. We've stayed at a lot of Occidental Hotels & Resorts, and a vacation here really means unlimited meals and snacks, free-flowing drinks and plenty of sports to choose from. Their supervised Kids Clubs for ages 4 and up and daily entertainment are also part of the package, as well as nightly shows and live entertainment that are fun for kids to see too. For more information you can visit their website or make reservations by calling 800/858-2258.

The Westin Resort Aruba (877/822-2222 or 011/297 586 4466) has added new á la carte dinner options to their Classic All-Inclusive Experience Package, which features accommodations; 3 meals a day; a $25 credit towards dining at Blossoms; wine, beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages by the glass; non-motorized water sports and access to the fitness center. At the Kid's Club, children 4- to 12-years-old can make new friends while experiencing local food tasting, sandcastle building, or iguana feeding.  Nightly rates start at $389 per room, based on double occupancy. Children ages 4-12 can be added to the room and board plan for an additional daily charge of $50/day each. Hungry Teens ages 13 through 17 can be added for $75/N. Rates are valid on travel now through December 18, 2009. For reservations or more information, visit their website or call call 877/782-0149 and ask for the rate plan "Classic."

The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is helping vacation early birds with a special booking rate for the holidays of 30% off room rates, too. Travel between now and December 20, 2009 for the biggest savings because prices go way up for Christmas and New Years. On 40-acre Renaissance Island, your days could be filled with stunning private beaches, cleansing spa treatments, and rounds of championship golf. And with these savings, you can stay a day longer and enjoy all that Aruba has to offer. For information and reservations, visit their site or call 800/421-8188; use promotional code MVA when booking. Although there are 556 rooms and suites to choose from, the Renaissance Ocean Suites are ideal for families and include a pull-out sofabed and a Jacuzzi. If the kids are tired of hanging out with you, they'll love the activities available at the Patamingo Kid's Club. While they are otherwise occupied you can fill your time with more adult-oriented entertainment, like a massage at Spa Cove. At night, you can reconvene at one of the five resort restaurants or enjoy some family entertainment.

For more information on what else the island of Aruba can offer you and your family this winter, visit Aruba tourism or contact the Tourism Authority at 800/TO-ARUBA.