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We always get travel insurance when traveling abroad, and we always add the medical coverage too. It’s one of those things you hope you never need—but when you do, you’ll be very glad you have it. 👉  Click HERE to get a travel insurance quote ! Last May in Aruba, I ended up getting really sick during my trip and had to go to urgent care three times and the hospital once . Between the visits, medications, and tests, the bills added up to close to $1,000 . Thankfully, beca

One of the hardest parts of planning a trip to Aruba is figuring out how to fit everything in without feeling rushed. For this post, I’m sharing a few itinerary ideas to help you make the most of your time on the island. I’ve tried to group activities by area so you can cover the most ground without spending all day in the car, while also mixing in the things we actually do while we’re here and the spots we find the most fun. Doing all of this is easiest (and cheapest) with

One of the best ways to truly relax in Aruba is to do a little homework before  you arrive .  I get these questions all the time and even have an email I send to clients to help them feel prepared before their trip.  Since I’m asked so often, I figured — why not share it with everyone?  After spending six months out of the year in Aruba, I’ve learned what actually matters, what to pack, what to plan ahead, and what you can completely stop worrying about.  Think of this as yo

If you ask me where to grab a drink in Aruba, especially with your toes in the sand and/or a sunset involved, I will always  steer you toward a beach bar. Aruba does beach bars really well — laid-back, social, great music, solid drinks, and unbeatable views. These are my personal favorites, the ones I go back to over and over again. Bugaloe Beach in Bar Palm Beach My all-time favorite beach bar in Aruba is Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill — and yes, I’m very confident in that sta

Aruba Carnival is a month-long party filled with parades, music, and cultural celebrations from early January through mid-February. The season officially starts in November with build-up events, with most of the major festivities taking place from January 3 to February 16, 2026. A quick heads-up: Some of the Carnival parades in Aruba can be pretty long and they almost never start exactly on time—lol. Things tend to run on island time , so patience is key. Grab a drink, rel

Staying in a private vacation rental in Aruba can be a great alternative to a hotel or resort—especially for families or larger groups—and in many cases it’s much more budget-friendly. Villa Bahati: 5 bed/5.5 bath, pool That said, Aruba’s hotels are fantastic, and staying right on the beach with ocean views and resort amenities is an amazing experience for many travelers. Not everyone, however, has the same budget or wants to vacation the same way. Some people prioritize sp

A lot of people assume Aruba is packed with all-inclusive resorts—but it’s actually the opposite. There are far fewer AI's than most Caribbean destinations, and there’s a good reason for that. Aruba is extremely safe, very easy to get around, and in many areas totally walkable to bars, restaurants, beaches, and nightlife. On top of that, the food scene is incredible all over the island. Because of this, many travelers prefer to stay non–all-inclusive and explore. If you want

I’m a big carry-on-only traveler, but here’s something I learned the hard way: even carry-on bags should always have an ID tag —and ideally an AirTag . Recently, I flew home for Christmas and on the way back traveled from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Phoenix, Arizona . It was a smaller plane and a smaller airport, so because of the aircraft size, I had to valet check my carry-on at the gate —meaning it should come back to you plane-side. Well… the flight ended up getting canceled, a

Who doesn’t love a good happy hour—especially when it comes with ocean views, island vibes, and a cold drink in hand? Aruba has tons of great spots to grab discounted cocktails, beers, and bites, and some even have multiple  happy hours a day. Whether you’re looking for a chill beach bar, a fun night out in Palm Beach, or somewhere to catch sunset with a drink, I’ve got you covered. Here’s your ultimate guide to Happy Hours in Aruba! Palm Beach Happy Hours: Bugaloe Beach Bar,

We recently stayed at Harbor House Aruba   in Unit 202 from May 10–13 , and even though I was seriously under the weather , I was incredibly impressed with this property. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or in a small group, these units are perfect—and the location can’t be beat. The best part? You can rent Unit 202 , a 2-bedroom/1-bath condo, and/or  the attached Unit 202S , a large private studio with a bathroom. Rent one or combine both for extra space

Let me start by saying: getting sick on vacation is the worst . Getting violently ill in a foreign country? A nightmare. But—spoiler...

Hey there, Aruba lovers! 🌴 It’s that time again—I’m packing my bags and heading back to Aruba for a full month (yes, a whole month of...

🌟 Exciting times ahead at AUA! These upgrades are all about making your departure experience smoother and more efficient. Heading to...

Thinking of visiting Aruba and wondering what’s actually walkable  from your hotel? I got you! 👣 ☀️ I’ve started uploading Walking Tour Videos of Aruba to my YouTube channel , and they’re a total game changer—especially if you’ve never been to the island before. These videos give you a real-time look at what’s around in popular areas like Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, with more locations coming soon! Whether you want to scope out nearby restaurants, bars, beach access, hotel

Let’s talk about packing for Aruba —because if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably overpacked at least once (or, let’s be real, every time). Even when we stayed for two to three months , I still brought way too much, convinced I needed options . But after repacking untouched outfits at the end of each trip, I finally had a realization: this is dumb. So for this next trip, I had a come-to-Jesus moment with my suitcase, took a hard look at what I actually wear daily, an

Are you coming to Aruba on a cruise ship? Or maybe you’re staying at an Airbnb without a pool and need a place to cool off? No worries—I got you! Here’s a list of all the spots currently offering day passes in Aruba with a pool  so you can relax, sip a cocktail, and soak up the Caribbean sun in style!  Currently being offered on Resortpass.com  as of January 30, 2025: *Keep in mind, availability is based on occupancy at hotels, so certain times of the year, passes may not be

Aruba Carnival Schedule 2025 71st Edition  https://www.visitaruba.com/things-to-do/carnival/aruba-carnival-schedule/ Aruba’s Carnival 2025  is an explosion of color, music, and culture, celebrating the island’s rich heritage with weeks of parades, parties, and electrifying energy. This annual tradition, which dates back over 70 years, is the island’s biggest and most anticipated festival, bringing together locals and visitors for a nonstop celebration of joy and unity. Exp

Renaissance Island is a private paradise in Aruba that offers a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss. Home to the famous Flamingo Beach, this exclusive 40-acre island combines luxury, relaxation, and some of the most Instagram-worthy moments you’ll find anywhere on the island.  Imagine lounging on soft white sand while flamingos stroll past you or floating in crystal-clear waters surrounded by Aruba’s natural beauty.  Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying

Let me tell you about the best thing I’ve done on the island so far —a private chartered catamaran! This experience was nothing short of...

Aruba's Hands by Gaby This jewelry is absolutely stunning! Each piece is crafted from Murano glass in a vibrant array of colors, shapes, and sizes. She offers everything—rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more! I have a few of her rings, and I’m obsessed . You can catch her selling at a few different spots each week, so be sure to check her out! Her beautiful pieces are always on display at The Atelier  in the Paseo Herencia Mall. But if you’re looking for a lar