Aruba Ultimate Travel Guide

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Aruba is a small island country located in the southern Caribbean Sea. Part of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, & Curacao), Aruba is also one of the four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island of Aruba is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and warm climate, making it a popular tourist destination. Aruba is near and dear to my heart, because this is the destination that we chose to have our wedding at. The island offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, snorkeling, and hiking, as well as several cultural attractions, such as the Butterfly Farm, the California Lighthouse, and the Alto Vista Chapel. Aruba's economy is largely based on tourism and offshore banking, and its official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, a creole language spoken by the majority of the population.
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Best Time to Visit

Aruba can be visited any time of the year, but the best time to visit is from April to August. This is considered the low season for the island and you will be able to find might more reasonable pricing on hotels and airfare. The weather is consistent all year round and it is outside of the hurricane belt, so anytime you visit, you can expect great weather. It hardly ever rains on the island and the climate is quite dry and desert-like.

What to Expect

Language: The official language in Aruba is Papiamento and Dutch. English is spoken by everyone, and we never had a problem with any sort of language barrier.
Currency: The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Guilder (AWG), fixed to the US dollar at 1.80 AWG to 1 US dollar. US dollars are accepted throughout the Island.
Credit Cards and ATMs: You can use credit or debit cards almost anywhere in Aruba, and if not you will surely find an ATM within minutes while driving around the island or directly at your hotel. Keep some cash on you for smaller purchases. Be mindful of foreign transaction fees if your card has any. American Express is not widely accepted, but can be used at several places in Reykjavik so its worth it to try!
Plugs: In Aruba, the plugs are type A and B, the standard voltage is 120 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. Visitors from the United States will not need an adapter or converter.
Safety: There is a reason why Aruba sees so many repeat visitors year after year. Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean countries to visit. Violent crime rates are low compared to other islands in the Caribbean, making petty theft the main crime to be wary of when exploring.

TRAVEL GUIDES

  • Collage of travel scenes in Aruba including a flamingo, a lighthouse, a beach with people, and tropical scenery

    5 Perfect Days in Aruba: Your Ultimate Itinerary

    Planning a 5-day trip to Aruba? My detailed itinerary covers the best beaches, activities, and accommodations. Maximize your time in this Caribbean gem.

    READ MORE
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    Curacao Itinerary - Discover the Caribbean’s Hidden Gem

    My fiance and I went to Aruba to book our destination wedding and decided to spend half our time exploring an island we had both never been to before Curaçao. It is a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant culture. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Curaçao is the perfect place for you.

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  • Beach scene with rocky shoreline and a large rock formation in the ocean, overlaid with text that reads '3 Days in Maui'.

    3 Days in Vik, Iceland | Perfect Itinerary in Iceland’s Southern Coast

    Vík í Mýrdal is a remote seafront village in south Iceland. Read how to spend three magical days on Iceland’s less visited but most beautiful southern coast.

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BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

  • The phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis is only visible in complete darkness in the northernmost parts of the world. If you are visiting in the lucky months that the sunsets, you may just be so fortunate to see the lights.

    Visit the Natural Pool

    The phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis is only visible in complete darkness in the northernmost parts of the world. If you are visiting in the lucky months that the sunsets, you may just be so fortunate to see the lights.

  • A woman with blonde hair, wearing a white dress and sandals, standing on a sandy beach near the shoreline, looking at the ocean and large rock formations under a partly cloudy sky.

    Visit Arikok National Park

    The capital of Iceland and the most important city in the country, Reykjavik cannot be missed on your first trip to Iceland. Home to a rich history and fantastic restaurants, Reykjavik makes it worth it in our book to be more than just a stopover.

  • A weathered tree growing on a sandy beach with turquoise ocean waters and sailboats in the background, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

    See the Divi Tree on Palm Beach

    Reynisfjara is a world-famous black-sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland, just beside the small fishing village of Vik í Myrdal. Home to many famous movie sets such as Star Wars, this is one of the coolest places to visit in Iceland.

  • A tropical beach scene with a rocky shoreline, palm trees, lounge chairs with umbrellas, and two flamingos swimming in clear water under a partly cloudy sky.

    See the flamingos on Renaissance Island

    Diamond Beach is a great place to see Icelandic seals and is one of the best places in Iceland to spot orca whales. Across the street, you must also visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

  • A tall white lighthouse with small windows stands against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A woman dressed in a white dress and sandals walks nearby, with a few other people in the background, including a woman taking photos. The scene appears to be at a coastal location.

    Rent a car and see the California Lighthouse

    Carve out the better part of a day to make the trek around Iceland’s Golden Circle. Famous stops include Thingvellir National Park, the famous “Geysir”, and various epic waterfalls…oh and a really stinking good tomato themed restaurant.

  • Outdoor restaurant with people dining, palm trees, tiki hut and blue sky in the background during sunset.

    Dine along the water at Flying Fishbone or Barefoot

    The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of the 25 wonders of the world. It is a man-made lagoon rich with mineral waters located on a lava field. What makes it so magical? The water is actually heated by the lava fields creating a mystical fog that saturates the air as soon as it reaches the open icy sky. Talk about dreamy!

  • Rocky beach with footwear on rock, turquoise water, and people swimming and wading in the ocean.

    Check out the beaches around the island

    If you choose to rent a car, you will be able to see much more of the island. The best beaches along the island are Baby Beach, Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Arashi Beach, and Druif Beach.