First time to Aruba
Excited about your upcoming visit and want to make sure to get the most of your first Aruba trip? Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
Get to know all about Aruba
A great starting point is to get to know all about Aruba. You will find handy tips about currency, drinking water, cellular use, you name it its there. Read more
Entry requirements for Aruba
We all like to keep the boring paperwork to a minimum, so just to clarify things about passports, visas and so on read on about entry requirements for Aruba. Read more
When is the best time to visit Aruba?
We often get asked "when's the best time to come"? Well, any time really! Find out the best time of year to visit Aruba (also budget-wise). Oh yes and you know that getting to Aruba involves flying, so prepare for that and be at your airport on time. You definitely do NOT want to miss your first flight to Aruba! A snack is also a good idea since the closest flights (from the US) are about three to four hours and we all know there's no banquet on the plane these days. A tip about leaving Aruba (not that you want to think about that yet) is that there is US pre-clearance, so you go through passport control in Aruba and once back in the US you don't have that hassle. Cool, right? Read more
Packing list tips
What should you pack? Sunscreen - that's it!! OK you will need a few other things. We've prepared a handy packing list. By far most places in Aruba are very casual, its unlikely you'll ever need a jacket or formal wear, unless you're traveling on business and even then its quite laid back. Read more
Find a place to stay
Depending on your budget and taste, there is a wide variety of accommodations from family run apartments, to sprawling beach resorts. Find your ideal accommodation. Once you arrive at your hotel, before throwing open those suitcases, make sure you like your room. If not, just ask for a change. Unless choc-a-bloc, most hotels will try to make sure you're really happy in your temporary home. Read more
Things to see and do while you are here.
So now the fun starts. Here are some suggestions (some people don't get past the first one on this list, but being your first time try to do some of the other stuff too!):
Hit the beach!
You're inevitably going to be hypnotized and drawn to the white sand and blue clear water. Don't resist it. Aruba has beaches of all shapes and sizes. Oh and remember that sunscreen! Aruba's sun is powerful, even if it is overcast you will get red without sunscreen.
Watch a sunset
Aruba's sunsets are spectacular. We even have a schedule of sunset times we drew up for those boys and girls who want to be romantic around that time. You can use it too :) A very nice way to enjoy the show is on a sunset sailing cruise.
Take a guided island tour
This is the best way to get to see the sights. There are plenty of really good day tours.
Do your own island discovery and get to see the sights
If you want to get out and about on your own, rent a 4x4 and it will get you pretty much anywhere. You'll be happy to know that Google Maps works pretty well if you have a smartphone and can help you get back if you're lost. But Aruba's not that big anyway. Here are some of the great sights you won't want to miss.
Go shopping
Ok guys this is where your trip budget goes out the window! There's shopping for everyone and all tastes.
Have a great meal at one of Aruba's fine restaurants
It's not like we need to suggest this really, but there are some places that have become icons in terms of dining out in Aruba. El Gaucho restaurant (think juicy steaks) and Driftwood (think fresh seafood) are two of these and are definitely ones for the list. That list is long though and you'll need more than two so take your pick here. Reservations are highly recommended!
We hope that this information will guarantee that your first visit to Aruba will not be your last! In fact many people love it so much they come back time and time again. We hope you will too!