Before going to Aruba I read a few blogs about things to pack and what to expect...most were common sense typical beach things that could be taken and applied to any beach vacation. While it would probably be helpful for people that aren't able to go to the beach often, they definitely did not touch on a few that I think were needed. Now that I am back, I am going to give you the top 12 items you need to pack on your Aruba getaway.
Sunscreen. I know I know, this should be the most obvious, but I can't tell you how many times I have gotten to the beach and had to run to the closest mini mart and grab a bottle. Supergoop is one of my favorites because it is reef friendly and easy to rub in. I applied often and managed to get home with no sunburn and a nice vacation glow. I did go through a whole bottle on my own, so may sure to pack plenty! My husband decided he preferred spray and we went into a mini mart close to our hotel and they were charging $30 for a bottle of Coppertone!!! Let's just saw he dealt with having to rub in the lotion and somehow managed to survive. I will be more prepared next time with both lotion and spray.
Palm tree maxi dress. Obviously the palm tree part is my personal preference for an island getaway, but in all seriousness, a light flowy maxi dress was perfect for a night eating dinner on the beach. It was pretty humid there throughout the day so I can't imagine wearing something stuffy and stiff without being drenched in sweat.
Waterproof phone pouch. I wish I had taken one. I did not expect to be in the water as much as I was and it was probably healthy for me to have a little phone break BUT I AM A MILLENIAL AND I JUST CAN'T. I will be investing in one of these for my next adventure.
Passport Cover. Not a necessity but a cute accessory that also makes your life a little easier. It was my first time traveling out of the country in over 10 years and I just wish I had had one to be a bit more organized. This one comes in over 20 colors, a money sleeve, slots for cards, a space for your vaccination card, and a place for your boarding pass. I already had one ordered for my next trip before I got back home.
Cute Sunglasses. They have to be cute because once you get there you are going to want to take a million pictures in front of the crystal clear water. I like these because of the super dark lenses...great for people watching. IYKYK.
Waterproof Sandals. Where our hotel was located, the only way to get to some of the restaurants and nightlife was through the sand. Nothing I read prepared me for that and I took my tried and tired beach flip flops and then cute going out shoes. The going out shoes needed to stay at home and replaced with these cute Reef Water Vista Sandals. I had a black pair at home that I was kicking myself for not bringing because they would have been perfect for sandy nights out.
Rattan Bag. A cute bag to take out at night that is casual enough to set in the sand. Again, I just didn't realize how much we would actually be in the sand (even nice, nice restaurants). My leather bag was not happy with me by the end of the trip.
Wide Brim Floppy Hat. A hat is never a bad idea when you're out in the sun all day, but a hat with a cute saying on it is an even better idea. The only downside is packing these hats in your suitcase, but I promise you will not be the only one in the Aruba airport boarding your plane with one on. Lots of shops there have these with Aruba embroidered on them, so you may want to hold off until you get there for a souvenir you know you will use again!
Ruffled One Piece Swimsuit. A ruffled one piece is a great piece to have because it looks like a shirt. I threw mine on with a pair of jean shorts to go to a beach party and people were complementing how cute my top was - unknown to them that it was actually a bathing suit!
Flamingo anything. Every souvenir store has a TON of flamingo novelties. So much so that you think they would be at every turn around the island. They are actually only accessible on one private island, but I will get into that on another post. These flamingo earrings will surely get noticed and for a fraction of the price you would be paying while in Aruba.
Sarong. A versatile sarong is always good to have, especially if you going back and forth between the pool, beach and bar. I didn't pack one and I wish I had instead of throwing my towel around my waist every time I went into the beach bar for a drink.
Sand Cloud Towel. This extra large Sand Cloud towel is a thousand times better than the towels the resort will give you. They aren't bulky, dry fast, and are sand-free. This cute turtle design is perfect for a snorkeling excursion where you could actually see a real sea turtle!
Comments