For my first itinerary post, I decided to pick Aruba. We have not been to Aruba yet. This blog post is an example of an itinerary I have in stock just in case there was an opportunity in which the flight loads looked good to get to Aruba. It will be the first of many sample itineraries I plan on uploading to the blog as a resource for on-the-fly changes in travel plans.

Sometimes the intended destination doesn’t work out, but having a backup plan (or several backup plans) can save your trip. I’m hoping this can be a resource for this purpose. Details are based on traveling from the United States and are current to the post’s date. Travel as if you will return! Pick a few activities of interest and be flexible depending on your mood for the best experience. It is ill-advised to try to do every adventure on the itinerary. 

Upon arrival in Aruba, you must have:

• A United States passport valid for the duration of your stay
• A completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card); 3 days in advance, a little less than $30 each
• A return or onward ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your accommodations and food expenses during your stay

Transportation 

• Rent a car (drive on the right side of the road like in the USA)

Driving rules to note 

• 4X4 recommended 
• Don’t turn right on red 
• Lots of one-ways 
• Pass on the left 
• Km per hour both on car and signs, not mph
• Dial 100 if in an accident, call the rental company and insurance 
• Gas stations have attendants, pay inside, gas sold in liters
• All gas stations prices are the same

*Whole island is only 20mi long 

Activities

• Bubali Bird Sanctuary, binoculars at dusk
• Atv tours $90+ pp
• Casibari (rock formation) 
• Bushiribana gold mine (ruins)
• Palm beach plaza (shopping)
• Renaissance market
• Wilhelmina park (statues) 
• Aloe factory, free
• Renaissance Island, if staying at the first hotel listed, flamingos here
• Donkey sanctuary, bring apples and carrots, free (donations encouraged)
• Arikok National Park $15, kids free, natural bridge

Beaches

• Eagle Beach
• Palm Beach
• Baby Beach
• Boca Prins Beach (not swimming at this one)
• Arashi Beach (snorkel)

Oranjestad

• Capital exploring
• Free street car
• Shopping
• Snacks
• Iguanas

Some Options for Lodging 

(found with reviews and online recommendations)

• Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort for flamingo Beach (depends on dates and rates expensive, about $450 a night)
• RH Boutique Hotel about $185, no view, residential area
• Holiday Inn Resort $430, some complaints of datedness in reviews 
• Courtyard by Marriott $290

*Generally speaking, hotels are expensive in Aruba 

(Check out my post on booking hotels)

Other Information

• Dutch is the country’s primary language, and most locals also speak English 
• USD widely accepted 
• More expensive in winter

*Budget note- Food and lodging are pricey

Eats

• Seafood/fresh catch, lionfish 
• Stobas (stews)
• Keri Keri
• Lobster, shrimp, prawns
• Ayacas
• Pan bat (similar to pancake)
• Ceviche 
• Soups
• Keshi Yana (stuffed cheese)
• Dutch pancake 

Restaurants 

• Papiamento $$$
• Barefoot $$$
• The West Deck $-$$
• Windows on Aruba $$$
• Driftwood $-$$

*post contains affiliate links

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