Paiges 2 Travel: Aruba
To know me is to know that along with my love for all things fitness, I love to travel. I have often been asked by friends, family and the like about my trips and travel tips. Well, here you go!
If you've been thinking about taking a trip to Aruba, this IS your sign to book that trip. Aruba has been on my bucket list for years, so when my Line Sisters ( I LOVE MY DST) said they wanted to do a trip, it was a no-brainier. The island of Aruba is known for its beautiful beaches, amazing weather and happy vibes. So, here are few things you need to know when planning your next trip to Aruba.
Before Your Trip To Aruba:
If you are planning a trip to the beautiful island of Aruba there are a few things you need to know.
1. You will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours before your trip.
2. You will need to complete Aruba’s online ED Card Process.
This is an online form and will take about 10 minutes to complete. You can complete this form 72 hour before your trip. You will be asked to upload your COVID-19 results. If you do not have them while you are completing the form, screenshot or print out the results and be ready to present them during check-in and again when you arrive in Aruba.
3. You will also be required to purchase “insurance” for your trip. This insurance is required and used in the event you contract COVID-19. while on the island. It was only $15 and can be purchased when you complete Aruba’s ED Card.
4. Plan to get to the airport 2 to 2 1/2 hours in advance, as the gate for “checked luggage” closes ONE HOUR before departure. The woman behind me was not able to check-in because she arrived less than an hour out. Don't get caught slipping!
5. Check with your hotel/resort for airport transportation. Our resort did not offer transportation. I booked round trip transportation with El Tours. It was $20 round trip per person. Our drivers were on-time and super nice. I would suggest booking with them.
Where to stay:
For my five day, four night trip to Aruba, I stayed in the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino. I really enjoyed everything about this resort- the food, drinks, service, beach life and rooms were all really nice. This is not an all-inclusive resort.
What To Do On The Island:
What to do? Is that really a question? Lol. As mentioned, above Aruba is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing weather. With that said, if you wanted to just lay on the beach all day and take in the sun, you most definitely could. If you are looking to get into a little more while on your vacation here are some of the activities I did:
1.Aruba Champagne Breakfast and Lunch Cruise with Snorkeling-$85
Set sail and explore Aruba’s marine life on this excursion. For $85 you’ll get breakfast, open bar, lunch along with some pretty amazing vibes and sights .
If you decide to book this excursion, don’t expect a five star dining experience. Breakfast included danishes and pastries. Lunch was fried rice with potato salad.
Whew Chile, can I say I was so scared to do this. It ended up being super fun and another great way to see the beauty of the island. If you are going to try parasailing, I would suggest booking through: Delphi Watersports Aruba. The team was super nice and we were able to walk up and book.
3.Party:
Looking to check out the nightlife. There are a few places you can try. During my trip I only went to South Beach. Things started to get live around 10:30p and lasted until 1:00a. The drinks were BOMB!
4. Shopping
If you have a few extra dollars to spend, you can make your way to the Renaissance Mall and get some shopping in at Gucci, Zara and the Prada store.
Dinning:
There are few place you must check out during your next trip to Aruba including: Willem’s Dutch Pancakes , Gianni’s and King Churro.
Willem’s Dutch Pancakes is known best for its Dutch Pancakes. I got the De Wik (which came with strawberries, banana slices, blueberries and whipped cream) and a side of bacon and eggs.
I visited Giovanni’s my last night on the Island and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere, food and drinks all HIT!
If you have a sweet tooth, you HAVE to stop by King Churro! OMG!!! The Churro Sunday was sent straight from heaven. Be sure to stop by between the hours of 5p-10p.
Returning Back To The United States:
1.As of December 6, 2021 the United Stated requires a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of your return. The Hyatt offered a testing facility with PCR and Rapid Test on the resort. The PCR test will cost you $125 and the Rapid $50. I would suggest going with the Rapid, unless otherwise stated by your retiring airline.
Please make sure you check your personal information on the test results. If any of the information does not match your passport, you will not be allowed to check-in to your flight.
2.Please get to the airpot at least 3 HOURS in advance. I highly recommend three hours as you will have to check-in, go through TSA, Arub’s Customs line, and the United States’ Customs line before you get to your gate. You will also have to check your luggage twice.
Don’t get caught slipping!
Overall: BOOK A TRIP TO ARUBA YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! I had am amazing time and can’t wait to go back!
