Update-~-what-to-pack

I decided to repost this article since it is a VERY commonly asked question. I have made a few updates and added some more links with deals I am able to pass on to you at no extra cost. I do receive compensation for some of the items you purchase from my links, but it does not cost you anything extra. If you would like to read my affiliate disclaimer, it is at the bottom of the page.

For many of you it may be your first time visiting Aruba. Packing for your trip can be a very daunting task. Aruba is extremely diverse and you can make the trip as fancy or casual as you wish.
 

If you wish to have dinner at fancy restaurants and plan to frequent casinos or night spots, you will want to bring some dressier clothes. For men just a nice pair of shorts and a shirt with a collar works. (Long pants if you wish but not necessary. Most local men do wear long pants in the evenings.)

 

For women anything from nice shorts to skirts to sundresses will suffice. You will want to bear in mind that if you are going to be in the casinos for any length of time, they tend to keep the air conditioning on frigid, so a light cardigan or jacket would be a good idea.

 

If you want to keep things more casual and dine at more of the outdoor establishments you can certainly get away with shorts, T-shirts or tank tops. Of course swimsuits are a must, and you will see every style imaginable, so wear what makes you comfortable. Nudity is not allowed on the beaches in Aruba therefore be sure to bring plenty of swimwear.

 

Also, with that being said, it is frowned upon to wear your swimwear in public places outside of the beach or beach bars. So while walking around in town and shopping it is best to have some type of cover-up or regular clothing on over your swimwear. And the guys should not go shirtless.

 
 
 

The weather in Aruba is quite consistent. Daytime highs in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit and nighttime lows in the upper 70s Fahrenheit. There is almost always a constant breeze. Typically anywhere from 10 to 20 mph. The only exceptions to this are during the fall months if there is an active hurricane season to the north. Then the winds will die down on Aruba and it will feel more hot and humid than normal. Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt though, so have no fear! November and December are also considered the rainy season but most years the rains are short lived and you will not find it interrupting your vacation. I will say, if you tend to ‘chill’ easily in the evening you might wish to have a light cardigan or long sleeve shirt. If you are sunburned the breeze can feel cool. And speaking of that breeze, it’s really a ‘beach hair don’t care’ kind of attitude, so bringing a ton of hair tools and products is really a waste of your time and space. But be sure to bring those hair ties or headbands though!

 
 
 

Over my many years of traveling I have found it is best to bring clothes that are interchangeable so you can mix and match and wear things a couple times. I know that between casual wear, swimwear and evening wear, I am often changing three times a day, so anything you wear can likely be worn again. Just rearrange and change up your accessories and no one will notice, promise. We have done several 7-10 day vacations with just our roll aboard carry-on bags and personal item. (And still return home with items we never wore!) But by all means, check a bag if you must. Do keep in mind, if you are checking a bag and making multiple connections, there is always a chance your luggage will get lost or delayed. I definitely recommend packing at least 1 change of warm weather clothes, 1 swimsuit and one pair of sandals in your carry on, (and anything else you cannot live without for a day or two), just in case.

 
 
 

Here is a list of items that I recommend to bring for a one week stay.

 

Ladies:

 
  • 3- casual shorts

  • 3- nicer shorts or skirts

  • 3-6 mix of tanks from casual to nice

  • 2- shirts with sleeves (short or long or one of each)

  • 1- light cardigan (You will probably need it on the plane anyway.)

  • 1- Pair of jeans or dress pants (I just use the ones I wear on the plane)

  • 2-3 sun dresses (If you love wearing dresses more than not, add a couple more and leave the dress shorts behind.)

  • Undies for each day (Plus a couple extras in case you get stranded!)

  • Bras- your choice, but I would love to recommend a GREAT adhesive bra called Brassy Bra! Click here to see how they work and order today! They are strapless, backless and waterproof! Also, fun fact, the CEO and creator of this great product is my friend and lives right here on Aruba!! She has given me a special discount code just for you!

Enter arubaislander at check out for 20% off your order.

 
  • 4-5 swimsuits- I also like to mix and match tops and bottoms for a different look everyday with only a few suits.

  • 1-2 swimsuit coverups

  • Sleepwear (everyone is different)

  • 2- sandals

  • 1- dress shoe or sandal

  • 1- sneaker (if you plan to walk or hike) Don’t forget the socks!

  • 1- pair of water shoes if you plan to explore or snorkel – Use code FEB10OFF for 10% off your order.

  • Some mix and match, casual jewelry.

  • Makeup-optional

 
 

Gents:

 
  • 3- casual shorts

  • 2-3 nicer shorts

  • 6- shirts (A combo of tank tops and T-shirts.)

  • 1-2 shirts with collar (Short or long sleeve.) Of course, if you plan to dine at fine restaurants and go to the casinos every night might need a few more.

  • 1- pair of long pants, totally optional

  • Undies for each day

  • 4- swim trunks (Or speedos if that is your thing.)

  • Sleepwear – up to you

  • 2- pair of shoes (sandals or other)

  • 1- pair of sneakers (if you plan to walk or hike) Don’t forget the socks!

  • 1- pair of water shoes if you plan to explore or snorkel – Use code FEB10OFF for 10% off your order.

  • Jewelry optional

 
 
 
 

Both:

 
  • Necessary toiletries (If you are doing carryon only, all of your liquids must fit in bottles 3.4oz or smaller which must all fit in 1 quart sized ziploc bag per person.)

 
 
  • If you bring sunscreen from home just make sure it is “Reef Safe”. Aruba has banned all sunscreens that contain ‘oxybenzone’. A great locally made sunscreen from Aruba Aloe can be found here: They also carry a line of shampoo, conditioner and other products and can be bought once you arrive or ordered online and delivered to your accommodations. But if you wish to bring your own check out Sun Bum here (for travel sizes) or here (for full sizes). Or Ocean Potion fits the criteria as well. If you prefer to cover up, have a look at these UV protective shirts.

 
 

Some other helpful things to bring:

 
  • Sunglasses – you cannot beat a nice pair of Costa sunglasses specifically made for use on the ocean or beach. By using the link provided, you will get free carbon neutral shipping.

  • Towel clips (for keeping your towel attached to your chair in the wind) ok these are adorable

  • Insulated mug (for keeping those drinks cold in the heat) LOVE my YETI!

  • Beer bottle koozies (If you drink the local beer they are small, so unless you have smaller ones maybe wait to buy when you arrive. They make a nice souvenir and easy to pack for your return home.

  • Reusable straws (Aruba has banned plastic therefore only paper straws are given out. And let me tell you, they do not hold up well.) Our fav’s: I like metal and he likes silicone so this set covers us both and then some!!

  • A dry bag if you plan to be on the water with your electronics. This style would be perfect for your days on the beach.

  • Beach chair safe bag (for leaving your wallet or phones at your beach chair while taking a dip).

  • Reusable grocery bags (grocery stores make you provide your own or you can buy one at the market to take home as a souvenir). Can also double as a beach bag.

  • Travel sized bug spray.

  • Baseball hat or large brimmed hat.

  • A small first aide kit is never a bad idea.

  • We love music so we always travel with a small Bluetooth speaker. And it’s waterproof!

  • An underwater camera if you are an avid snorkeler or diver.

  • Chargers for your devices, a portable one is also nice to keep the tunes going at the beach. We love this portable charger.

And of course, remember your passport and paperwork! I have a step by step guide for filling out your ED Card for entry to Aruba. Get the details HERE.

 
 
 

Also, if you would like to drop your email on my contact page, I would be happy to send you a free copy of my list of ‘Useful tips & hints’ for traveling to Aruba.

 

Don’t worry, I do not sell my email list to anyone.

 
 
 
 
 

BON BINI!! WELCOME TO ARUBA!!

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