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It's no wonder why Aruba is known as One Happy Island! Turquoise waters as far as the eye can see and some of the best sunsets I've ever experienced, up there with those in the Maldives (seriously!). Aruba is a special place and I hope that everyone can experience it at least once (though I can nearly guarantee your first time won't be your last).  It is easy to get to from majority of the US, outside of the hurricane belt, safe, friendly, and has incredible food & clean water - keeping it at the top of our list when we want a tropical vacation! 
It takes a lot for me to visit somewhere more than once, let alone more than that! We're coming up on double digits for Aruba and I still can never wait to go back! We’ve been for family vacations (with my family, with my husband’s family), just the two of us, and for our best friends’ wedding. We’ve stayed for varying lengths of time – from 3 nights to 7 nights and at different hotels each time! It is windy but the wind is welcomed, as without it you will be so so hot! 

How to get there

Aruba has direct flights from many US and Canadian cities including Miami, NYC, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, Newark, Baltimore, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis, Houston, Washington, Toronto, as well as many international destinations. 
You can also easily fly to and from Bonaire and Curacao.
When you arrive at the airport, it’s a quick, easy, & affordable taxi to hotels on Eagle or Palm Beach. Larry is our favorite driver and I'm happy to pass along his contact info!
ED card: Aruba requires all incoming travelers to have an approved embarkation-disembarkation (ED) card on arrival. This can be filled out up to 7 days prior to arrival. It is even required for minors and infants. I recommend you screenshot your approval in the event you do not have service in Aruba when you need to pull it up.

Where to stay

Where to stay really depends on what you want out of your trip and how long you’re going for. I prefer Palm Beach, since it’s walkable and where some of the best hotels are located. Eagle Beach is quieter & typically less crowded but very highly rated.
Bucuti & Tara ($$$): On Eagle Beach, known for romantic vibes and excellent service – not in the hustle and bustle of Palm Beach.
Ideal for: Adults-only; honeymooners; couples
Ritz Carlton ($$$$): If you’re looking for a quieter or more romantic experience on Palm Beach but outside of the hustle and bustle - the Ritz is on the end of Palm Beach on the opposite end of the Hilton.
Ideal for: Couples; honeymooners; families
Ask me about VIP perks like free breakfast, $100 resort credit,  room upgrade and more!
Boardwalk Boutique ($$): Tucked behind the Ritz (note: NOT on the beach, but does have access) and is known for top-notch service and exceptional cleanliness.
Ideal for: Couples; families with older children (min age 12**)
Ask me about VIP perks like free breakfast, resort credit,  room upgrade and more!
Hyatt Regency ($$$): My favorite hotel in Aruba based on location, modern rooms, adults-only pool, waterslide, and the casino! It is in the center of Palm Beach, with a super walkable spot close to a plethora of restaurants and bars. 
Ideal for: Couples; families; honeymooners; groups
Ask me about VIP perks like free breakfast, $100 resort credit,  room upgrade and more!
Marriott Stellaris ($$$): Located between Ritz & Hyatt (next door to Ritz and a several hotels away from Hyatt)  on Palm Beach with a lively pool and a casino!
Ideal for: Families; couples; groups
Ask me about VIP perks like free breakfast, $100 resort credit,  room upgrade and more!
Hilton ($$): Currently undergoing renovations. Located on the opposite end of Palm Beach next door to Barcelo and tucked back away from the beach. Several pools and a great family-friendly option! 
Holiday Inn ($$): On Palm Beach in a great location, but the pool area lacks any sort of privacy as it is right on the beach path where people typically walk through. If that’s not a dealbreaker, it’s a more affordable option in this area.
Renaissance ($$): If you have the time and patience, I recommend staying 1-2 nights here (but no more than that) to experience the flamingos at Renaissance Island & downtown Oranjested! Hotel guests have priority to see the flamingos and there is no charge. Guest passes are available for non-hotel guests but you risk a lack of availability – not to mention passes costs $100/person, potentially making a night at the hotel worth it. 

All-inclusive options ($$-$$$): While I don’t typically recommend all-inclusive in Aruba because the food on the island is SO good, Riu ($$$) and Barcelo ($$) are two options located in Palm Beach and Tamarijn ($$$) on Eagle Beach may be affordable enough that you can still eat out without spending more than if you did with one of the options above – especially if you are a big drinker! 

Pro-tip: Split your time between Palm Beach & Oranjested. You can experience restaurants/bars downtown and the Flamingos and then retreat to Palm Beach for the remainder of your stay!

When to visit

Literally any time of year! The best thing about Aruba is there is no bad time to visit. There’s always a breeze and it’s outside of the hurricane belt, making it a year round destination. It will be busier and slightly pricier during school breaks (Feb, Mar, April, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year).

Where to eat & drink

Aruba is known for outstanding food, so by no means is this list comprehensive. There is NO shortage of incredible restaurants, each favored for a different reason. Be sure to make reservations in advance! 
Here is our go-to list (NOT exhaustive):

Tasting menus: One of our favorite things to do when in Aruba is attend a chef’s table style restaurant. Not only is the food incredible, but the opportunity to meet and chat with like-minded individuals is the icing on the cake! Our fave is KOAL  but we also love Royal and weve heard amazing things about Senses and Ever!

Eduardo's: Located on the beach in Palm Beach, Eduardo's has you covered for healthier options! The best smoothies, smoothie bowls, Poke bowls, AND coffee! 
The Bread Basket: Perfect stop for a quick and affordable breakfast or lunch on Palm Beach - right in front of the Hilton! 
Brutto: Incredible fusion food and walking distance from most of the Palm Beach hotels – definitely top 3! Our favorite menu items are the brussel sprouts, Korean fried cauliflower, soup dumplings, Oso Maki, & Hat Trick but you can’t go wrong with anything. If they bring back to Don Julio tacos – these are a must! 
Bugaloe: Outstanding views as it’s on the edge of a pier literally over the ocean! Come for the view at sunset, stay for the karaoke or live music.
Moomba Beach: Fun beach bar with incredible bartenders who will remember not 
only your name but your drink of choice and live music most nights of the week! 
Apotek: Speakeasy in Oranjestad with craft cocktails. Make a reservation!
Lima: Absolutely incredible food & service– not to be missed! 
Oak: Always excellent service and food! 
Anno 1877: French flair!
Wilhelmina: Beautiful and food is always delicious! 
Ocean Z: Beautiful patio, creative drinks, impeccable service! Get the tiramisu! 
Azar: Food is great, ambiance 10/10 and if you like espresso martinis – get the Salted Caramel! 
Lola Taqueria: bottomless mimosa brunch with live music - yes please! My rec: the huevos rancheros!! 
Barefoot: Toes in the sand dining with wonderful service! 
Atardi: Toes in the sand dining at the Marriott Stellaris so walkable from many Palm Beach hotels!
Faro Blanco: The views are sunset are unmatched!  
Bohemian: The food can be hit or miss, but I definitely recommend for drinks and vibes! And it's walkable from many of the Palm Beach hotels! 
Giannis: Not my favorite but the cheese wheel experience is worth it at least once!

Sushi fan?! Ritz & Marriott Stellaris have great sushi & Poke bowls! 

What to do

Besides for lounge by the pool and swim in the sea of course!
Many of the hotels will have palapas and cabanas to reserve. Also if you’re staying at Barcelo or Hyatt, you can borrow a float to use in the ocean which is so relaxing and refreshing! 

Beach day: You have no shortage of options for beaches in Aruba. Palm Beach is the most touristy - where the high-rise hotels are and and walking distance to restaurants and nightlife. Eagle Beach is very highly rated, quieter in comparison to Palm Beach, and a popular nesting place for turtles. The mangrove trees provide just the right amount of shade. Arashi Beach is another nesting place for turtles and close to the California Lighthouse. Baby Beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches - with shallow baby blue water free of boaters, making it an ideal snorkeling destination.  
UTV/ATV tour: There are several options but we have used both Rockabeach and ABC Tours. This is a great way to see many of the island’s highlights including Arikok National Park in a fun and adventurous way! 
Jolly Pirate: Fun for all ages – this is a boozy cruise Pirate ship with a rope swing and snorkel gear! They have a morning, afternoon, and sunset option!
Catamaran: More laid back than the Jolly Pirate but still has plentiful rum punch on board and an option to snorkel! We used De Palm but Red Sail is another great options! There is also an option for a luxury wine and dinner sail! 
Baby beach: You may get to see this on your ATV/UTV tour, but if not it is definitely worth a trip! 
Arikok National Park: Another main highlight of the UTV/ATV tours! Think natural pools, natural bridges - absolutely worth a visit one way or another! 
California Lighthouse: This may be another stop on your tour but if not, you’ll see it if you have dinner at Faro Blanco!
Alto Vista Winery: Take a tour! 
Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus: A fun night out on the town with complimentary shots & special pricing on drinks & food!
Other honorable mentions: Swim with turtles, visit the Butterfly Garden, go to the Ostrich farm, volunteer at the Dog shelter!
Renaissance Island (Flamingo Beach): If you're not staying at the Renaissance,  you can purchase day pass tickets for $100/person, but they are subject to availability as priority is given to hotel guests. Some may consider staying at the Renaissance for a night or two in lieu of paying guest passes for multiple people.

FAQs

Currency: You do not need to exchange dollars to the Aruban florin. Dollars are commonly used and credit cards are widely accepted! 
Cell-phone service: Verizon customers will have the option to use the TravelPass ($10/day) to have regular cell-phone service. If you plan to rely on wi-fi, it is readily available at resorts and most restaurants/bars.
Best time to visit: If you want to avoid crowds, consider late Spring and early Fall. Weather-wise, Aruba is perfect year-round. 
Transportation: Taxis are rate-controlled from the airport, so you needn't worry about getting scammed. Many of the resorts will set up transportation for you if you prefer that. We use Larry every time we return and recommend him to everyone - happy to pass along his info! 
Who should go: Literally anyone and everyone! Aruba is great for honeymooners, couples, families, solo travelers, friends, weddings - you name it! 

Aruba Arriba!