By Stephanie Shemin Feingold
Aruba is a great destination because it is very safe and the weather is consistent and not affected by hurricanes. The beaches are amazing! I’ve been going for years and have some great tips that will make your trip more affordable and more enjoyable.
- Supermarkets: Super Food Plaza is massive and has everything, but mostly Dutch brands. They are known for their excellent bakery and freshly baked breads, as well as the gruyere cheese. Kong Hing is another store which is not as big but has everything, including American brands. The produce there is not great though. Ling and Sons is also a great option that I visit often and carries American brands. Ling’s and Super Food are a few blocks apart. Stock up here so you can save money on restaurant dining!
- Souvenirs: One of the few souvenir options I love is at the “I Love Aruba” store. They make hats and shirts with the Aruba logo and a sports team (i.e. Aruba + Pats, Celtics). They come out great! I avoid shopping in town which has shops that cater to the cruise ships and carry the usual high end, duty free products.
- Sunscreen: Pack extra. It costs a fortune in Aruba.
- Clothing: Aruba is casual so there’s no need to overpack. Bathing suits all day. Some people dress up a bit in the evenings in casual sundresses and polo shirts.
- Resorts: We have a timeshare at Costa Linda Beach Resort and love the ambiance and the amazing beach. Many people stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort, but the beach can get extremely crowded during the holidays. If you’re traveling without kids, an amazing option is the adults-only Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. You can even just stop by there for dinner or drinks.
- Transportation: You can take taxis anywhere but you have to call for them and deal with the wait. We always rent a car and car seats to make it easier.
Travel research can be overwhelming and there are a lot of places to spend your money, but hopefully the tips above will help you stick to a more reasonable budget!