Aruba is a constituent part of the Netherlands, located in the Caribbean Sea about 18 miles north of the Paraguaná peninsula. We have lots of happy memories there, and we hope you’ll meet us there for our wedding!
What Should I pack?
Daytime temperatures in Aruba hover around 86 °F, and it doesn't cool off too much at night, so you'll want to pack light, breathable clothes. Of course you'll want swimsuits, too, and more sunscreen than you would expect or believe.
if You’re traveling from the U.S., you shouldn't need power adaptors.
Where to stay
Aruba is full of beautiful hotels and rental properties. So long as you choose one on the west coast of the island, you’ll be close to our venue and plenty of aruba’s beautiful beaches and attractions. You can have a look at our favorite hotels and other recommendations right here.
Do I need to exchange my money?
Almost everywhere in Aruba takes U.S. dollars. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it's a good idea to have some cash, especially if you just want to rent a beach chair or grab a quick drink. Taxis do not take credit cards.
Will I need a passport?
Yes! If you don't have one, we recommend getting started on that process right away. It can take some time to arrive! You will need to go through customs entering and exiting Aruba.
Getting Around
Aruba does not have Uber or other rideshare options, but it does have (cash only) taxis. It's a great idea to rent a car for your Aruba trip, as it makes getting around much easier. If you're driving a rental, make sure to download an offline map of Aruba. Avoid driving through Oranjestad if you see a cruiseship coming in, as that means a lot of foot traffic!
If you're planning to spend your trip mostly on the western side of the island, where the hotels and most popular beaches are, you may not need to rent a car, since things are walkable or a short taxi ride away. If you're exploring beyond that, you should consider getting one!
Health & Safety
Aruba's sunshine is beautiful, but powerful. Use a lot of reef-safe sunscreen at a solid SPF! Seriously, put on more than you think you'll need. Sunglasses and a hat are also a great idea. Your first day hitting the beach, you may want to limit your time in the direct sunshine. If you do get a burn, Aruba is famous for its aloe.
Aruba has cooling trade winds that mostly sweep the bugs away, but they do slow down a little in October, so we recommend bringing bug spray. Malaria is not a concern in Aruba, but getting itchy is!
Aruba's tap water is completely safe to drink. There are no hurricanes.
Traveling with disabilities
Aruba has different standards than the USA (of course!) but there are many hotels that are ADA compliant. If you or someone you're traveling with has special requirements, please check the hotel website or contact them directly to make sure you'll be all good. If you need special equipment and you don't want to haul it with you, Labco Medical leases out wheelchairs, walkers, respiratory equipment, and more. You can check out their offerings here.
Anything else to know?
Most people in aruba speak english, but brush up on your spanish if you want to! If you need more trip-planning information, check out the websites below.
