Aruba Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Trip (Budget, Tips, & Recs)

Planning a trip to Aruba & looking for a balance of luxury, relaxation, and adventure, on a realistic budget? This guide has everything you'll need to help you plan your trip. From where to stay and eat, the best beaches, and things to do based on your interests.

Why? Reasons You Should Visit Aruba

• It rarely rains in Aruba. It's known to have 300+ days of sunshine a year!

• It's a very small island, so you can explore it within a few days.

• It's one of the safest Caribbean islands (solo travel approved)

• It's a great place to vacation whether you want relaxation, adventure, or both.

• You can have a luxurious experience on a budget

When? The Best Time of Year to Visit

Aruba is a year round destination.

• It's outside of the hurricane belt, so there's no hurricane season.

• The weather is in the 80s (Fahrenheit) year round.

• Peak season is from December to April.

• Off season is from May to August (cheaper prices, less crowds)

Where? Areas to Stay in Aruba

The best areas for tourists to stay in Aruba are:

• Noord: Several types of Airbnb & villa rentals, centrally located.

• Palm Beach: Luxury hotels, Night clubs, & beach clubs

• Eagle Beach: Boutique hotels, Beautiful beaches, Quieter area

• Oranjestad: Center city area, Nice hotels, & Shopping

How? Getting to Aruba & Getting Around

• Aruba's airport code is AUA

• If you're a U.S. citizen, you do need a passport, but no visa (as long as you're staying for less than 30 days)

• You have to complete their ED card online & pay a $20 fee for it. (they might ask for it, they might not)

• Heads up: Make sure to get to the airport on time when leaving Aruba, there are several checkpoints... but on the bright side, they have US pre-clearance, so you won't need to go through customs when you land back in the states.

• There are no Uber's in Aruba. You can rent a car, take taxis, or use the public bus. Some resorts in places like Palm & Eagle Beaches are in walkable areas though.

What? Top Rated Things To Do in Aruba

• Relaxation: See the flamingos & relax at Renaissance Island, Relax at Eagle Beach, Spa day at the Ritz Carlton, Renaissance Island, or Zoia Wellness.

• Luxury: Shop the designer stores like Louis Vuitton & Cartier near the Renaissance Hotel, Spend the day sipping cocktails at a beach club, Rent a private yacht, fine dining.

• Adventure: Submarines, Water sports, ATV/UTV riding in Aruba's desert, Hiking.

• Exploring: Arikok National Park (caves & natural pools), Helicopter tours.

Mount Hooiberg Hike

How to Budget for Aruba

Aruba can definitely be done on a budget, for a detailed breakdown of how much I spent, watch my "How Much I Spent in Aruba" video on TikTok or Instagram.

Expense	Average Daily Cost (USD)
Hotel/ Airbnb	$150–$400+
Meals	$20–$75
Activities	$50–$150
Transportation	$40/day (rental car) or $15 (bus)

Tips to Help You Save

• Visit during the off season (mid April to August)

• Book your excursions in advance

• Stay in an Airbnb over a hotel

• Rent a car instead of using taxis

• Go with a small group

Things to Know Before Visiting Aruba

• Don't worry about buying bottled water, Aruba's tap water is super safe and tasty.

• Book your day passes as early as possible because they run out quickly

• Aruban's are known to speak/ understand multiple languages: english, spanish, and dutch. You don't need to worry about translating.

• USD is accepted, but you may be charged in their local currency when you use your card.

My Aruba Experience

On the Cocolizo Yacht, via GetMyBoat

I spent 5 days in Aruba for my bachelorette trip in April. (and it was my 30th country!) I went with a group of 9 girls, so we stayed in a villa in the Noord area to save money and still have a luxurious stay. We used taxis to get around, but on our last day when half of the group left, I rented a car to explore the island at my own pace. The people in Aruba were very calm, friendly, and helpful. Here is my Aruba itinerary:

Day 1-

• Arrive at Airbnb

• Grocery run

• Pool time

• Girl's Night

Day 2-

• Brunch at Passions by the Beach

• Yacht day on the Cocolizo (Booked through GetMyBoat)

• Dinner at Fish House Island Bar

Day 3-

• Renaissance Island (To see the flamingos, have lunch, & relax on the beach)

• Shopping at Renaissance Mall

• Dinner at Azia

• Club/ Bar hopping in Palm Beach (Kai Libra, Fat Tuesday, Gusto, South Beach)

Day 4-

• Brunch at Dutch Pancake House

• Spa/ Relaxation day

• Dinner at LG Steakhouse (in Renaissance Hotel)

Day 5-

• Pick up rental car at AUA airport

• Check out of Airbnb

• Explore the island

  -Hooiberg hike

-Malmok Beach

-Arikok National Park

-Sand Dunes & Lighthouse

Feel free to check out my Aruba highlight on my instagram page, or my Aruba vlogs in my "Caribbean" playlist on TikTok to see more!