Ultimate Packing List for Aruba: 39 Things You Need to Take
Looking for the ultimate packing list for Aruba? If you’re worrying about what to pack for Aruba, the hunt is over! Let me take you through everything you need to take on your Aruba trip.
What to take to Aruba
The Aruba dress code for tourists is: everything goes! Super short-shorts, midriffs out, and very low-cut tops are all fine. Dressed up to the nines, all fine! Hoodies and trackies, all fine!
If you’re wondering what to pack for Aruba, the answer in short is, whatever you like.
Absolute essentials for Aruba
1. – Your passport. And check your passport is valid for at least six months before your arrival date in Aruba.
2. – A valid visa. Depending on your nationality you can either get one before you go or apply on arrival. Make sure you check with your local embassy to check the Aruba visa laws for your country.
3. – Travel insurance. I actually have travel insurance with my bank, Nationwide. I pay £10 a month and get it included along with phone insurance and breakdown cover. Before I had this I used World Nomads for my travel insurance and would recommend them to anyone.
4. – Working debit and credit cards. Check with your bank that your cards will work in Aruba, and have $50/$100 stashed in your suitcase just in case. It also helps to know how to send money with debit card if you need to move funds before your trip.
Toiletries for Aruba
All the essentials for your packing list for Aruba.
5. Bug protection
Depending on when you visit, Aruba can be quite buggy, especially if you’re by water in the south. You need to make sure you take a good bug spray. Mosquitos are most active at dusk and around bare flesh. Spray yourself liberally and cover up as much as possible in peak times.
6. Sun cream
If you decide not to go with the mozzie and sun cream combo then make sure to pack a few different levels of sun cream coverage for your Aruba trip.
I like to start off with a strong SPF and work my way down. UltraSun sun cream is my go to, or whatever spray SPF I can get my hands on. It’s definitely better for coverage when you’re travelling solo.
7. First aid kit for Aruba
Make sure you include a first aid kit in your packing for Aruba. Get some paracetamol, some diarrhoea stuff, and bad stomach medicine too. If you do get ill it’s so much nicer to have this stuff on you. Any dodgy tummies are usually caused by a change in your normal diet, and should be ok. But always best to be on the safe side.
Stick some plasters in too. If you haven’t walked as far as you’re going to in Aruba, your feet might rub.
Also, throat lozenges and hand sanitiser are a good idea to put in too.
8. Hair care in Aruba
The humidity in Aruba can get pretty crazy, meaning your hair might be frazzled. Make sure you take a good conditioner, and some moisturising serum too.
It will help to add protein into your hair. Otherwise, do a hair mask before you go and when you come back, just for some extra moisture and strength.
More cosmetics for your Aruba packing list
9. Toothbrush and toothpaste
10. Shampoo and conditioner
11. Tweezers
12. Micellar water and cotton wool
13. Moisturiser
14. Cotton buds
15. Shower gel
16. Contact lenses
17. Deodorant
18. Razor
19. Toiletry bag
I love the hanging see-through toiletries bags so you can see exactly what you have when you’re packing for Aruba.
What to wear in Aruba
As I said, Aruba culture is super chill – here’s a few ideas for what to bring to Aruba in your suitcase.
20. If you’re staying somewhere fancy in Aruba you should pack some sort of fancy wear for evenings too, so you can feel dressed up to go out. Check out my list of the best places to stay in Aruba here.
21. Breathable cotton shorts, tshirts, skirts and dresses.
22. Vest tops to go with shorts.
23. Comfortable trainers. Seeing as you’re on holiday in ArubaI’m sure you’ll want to walk around a bit. Make sure you’re not moaning all the way and opt for comfort. Good for any hikes you plan on doing!
24. Flip flops. It’s hot in Aruba, especially in the south and especially in the summer! You’ll definitely want your flip flops for all those Aruba beaches too.
25. Headwear. Pack either a hat or scarf to wear on your head under the hot sun. If you’re going out on boats at all you’ll want some sort of protection against the elements.
26. Swimming stuff. You can wear bikinis or swimsuits at the beach areas of Aruba, and in the shops and cafes around.
27. Beach cover ups. Kaftans and flowy dresses are a great idea for the beach, especially if you want to be a bit more comfortable when you’re in bars and