The Simple Aruba Travel Guide : One Happy Island
We traveled to Aruba for 5 days and it was the perfect length. We live in Philadelphia and prefer straight flights, so we used the Corporate Blackcar Service to take us from Philadelphia to JFK airport. It was a straight ride, a clean car, and just excellent service. I plan to use this company again. We flew JetBlue, which was extremely reasonably priced, with Wi-Fi, snacks, and charging stations on the flight.
IMPORTANT: All visitors are required to complete Aruba’s Embarkation/Disembarkation Card prior to arrival, which is the country’s digitized customs and immigration process. This is required for each person infants, and children included. The online ED card is linked below. Be sure to have this card available prior to arrival at the airport as you will be unable to board without it. Aruba's Online Mandatory ED Card
Where to Stay in Aruba
We stayed at an all-inclusive resort in Palm Beach
Resort: Barcelo’ Aruba
I booked directly through the site which allowed me to gain loyalty points.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort in Palm Beach, I highly suggest Barcelo’ Aruba which is a family-friendly resort without the bombarding of children everywhere. This resort was equipped with 5 restaurants -Italian, Japanese, Seafood, Mexican, and a daily buffet that served breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Daily activities in the pool and on the beach each night, along with nightly performances in the lobby bar and a nightly show in the ballroom. They also offer the Royal Level which is an upgraded luxury portion of the resort.
Things to do in Aruba
Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition
Explore Aruba on a certified submarine
View the underwater reef and marine creatures
Dive to depths of 130 feet
UTV Tour- Fofoti Tours
Exciting and adventurous tour of Aruba by UTV
Opportunity to Cliff Dive
Stop at some of Aruba's most important points Natural bridge, lighthouse, etc
Flyboarding
30-minute experience in the air or in the water depending on your balance.
Sunset Cruise
2–3-hour cruise on the beautiful waters of Aruba
Snacks and open bar provided
All excursions can be booked via linked above for tour suggestions. The Viator website, allows you to see a list of even more exciting excursions that are happening during your time of travel.
Aruba Night Life
Dance Clubs
@7 Club Lounge
Gusto Night Club Aruba
Bars & Lounges
Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill Aruba
Sopranos Piano Bar
Blue Bar
Azia Restaurant & Lounge
Casinos
The Casino at the Hilton
Excelsior Casino
Must-Have Items for Aruba
Cash for Tips and Taxi
Sunglasses
Mosquito Repellent
Lip Balm
Sneakers/Walking Shoes
Water shoes
How to get around
Our resort was right on a strip that contained bars, restaurants, a marketplace, and little shops. So, we literally could walk out of the resort and cross the street for a somewhat downtown vibe. To get around we used taxis which were readily available throughout the island. They were on reserve at our hotel and in town, they are taxi stops like bus stops where you go and await a taxi. The maximum we paid for a taxi was to and from the airport which was about $35 US dollars and about a 15–20-minute drive.
Aruba Airport Notes:
If you are traveling from Aruba to the United States, you go through immigration at the Aruba airport prior to boarding the flight. As of October 2022, they are not accepting mobile passports. The security and immigration lines only have about two scanners so please give yourself ample time to get through security to be able to board your flight on time.
Overall, this was a great trip and Aruba has now become one of my favorite islands. The weather during October was perfect for me, not super-hot and with just enough sun to tan if you want or to avoid if you choose.
If you made it to the end, of this blog article I appreciate you for reading it!!! Feel free to leave any comments and I will respond as soon as possible. Are you planning a trip to Aruba soon?
