Aruba lacks some of the usual Caribbean calling cards - sweeping fields of sugar cane, a rich colonial history, flourishing rainforests - yet for travelers seeking a dose of sand, sea and sun, the island practically defines the Caribbean vacation. Just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, the arid, cactus-studded Dutch territory has won legions of repeat visitors by mastering the formula for an easy tropical getaway: broad, immaculate beaches, a bounty of restaurants, appealing entertainment and convenient air access. Furthermore, its location south of the hurricane belt makes Aruba an ideal destination during the summer and fall, when room rates are lowest.
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Dining out in Aruba is not cheap, but there are ways to economize. Rent an apartment or villa and cook some meals, and keep an eye out for restaurants' early-bird specials. At Tango Argentine Grill (297-586-8600), a three-course menu including prime sirloin or the catch of the day is $25 before 7 p.m., and the new French bistro Papillon (297-586-5400) serves a three-course early-bird menu for $30, including wine. 
Car rental is inexpensive, and buses connect main hotel areas to beaches, the capital of Oranjestad and the airport. Bus service is frequent and reliable, and fares are only $1.25.
The island's best hotel bargain is MVC Eagle Beach, originally built to accommodate Dutch marines' vacationing family members. It's now a casual, 19-room inn across the street from the beach. The two-story lodge features clean, simply decorated, air-conditioned rooms with TVs, minifridges and hair dryers. Three family units are comprised of two adjoining rooms with a connecting door. The restaurant serves affordable meals; there's a tennis court and a small pool that's ideal for children; and the sand is just a quick stroll away.
Palm Beach is Aruba's most famous stretch of sand, lined with high-rise hotels, many with sky-high rates to match. A half-mile north lies Aruba Beach Villas, a fine alternative. Though Malmok Beach, across the street, is studded with coral, the 31 apartments here are an excellent value. Standard units vary in size and are comfortably outfitted with a kitchen, air conditioning, cable TV and a barbecue grill; more-expensive ocean-facing units also have a deck. There's a small pool and a hot tub, and rates include continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, snorkeling equipment, kayaks and, in winter, use of windsurfing equipment.
Just inland from Palm Beach, Boardwalk Vacation Retreat is a 13-unit apartment complex set amid lush foliage at the edge of a residential community. Each of the one- and two-bedroom units is spacious, with an open kitchen, rattan furnishings, and TVs with DVD players. Most have a terrace with a hammock, teak furniture and a barbecue grill; two upstairs units near the pool have balconies. It's a three-minute walk to the sand, and guests are provided with beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers and snorkel gear. You'll also have access to the adjacent racquet club, tennis courts and fitness center.
Located in the hilly and remote residential community of Paradera, the family-owned, 17-unit Paradera Park Apartments caters to independent travelers. Although there's nearby bus service, you'll need a rental car for the 15-minute drive to the beach and restaurants. But what you give up in location you gain in savings, and the setting is peaceful, with a garden-wrapped pool next to a two-story collection of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Each has a small kitchen, free Wi-Fi and daily maid service.
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