I've been going to Aruba for a number of years, and agree with most of your tips. Definitely do not go for all-inclusive! Too many great places to go! But when it comes to alcohol ... hard liquor ... the BEST way to save $$$ is to carry your own in your checked luggage. Hard liquor is very expensive in Aruba, no matter where you get it. Beer and wine ... not so bad. Also, an insulated travel tumbler is the way to go for your beverages. Ice lasts only moments in Aruba!
Absolutely! I could never fit that in my bag tho :( too many shoes hahaha but definitely better than spending almost $20 per drink at the bar! Get most for your money.
I've been to Aruba 6 times and am going again in August... I agree with your points... I've stayed in the High Rise, the Low rise, a time share, and rented a sprawling villa... never a bad experience... the restaurants are incredible, you can feel safe walking by yourself late at night or any time of day even away from the tourist areas, and I find having American Customs at the Aruba Airport is very convenient, I mean who wants to go through Customs after a flight when you just want to get home. Just grab your bags and walk out of the airport, nice. A couple of things I would add that people might not know.... everybody speaks English (their 3rd language), they take US Dollars everywhere, and all the beaches are public although on some beaches the chairs and palapas belong to the Hotels, you can still be on the beach. Thanks for the video.
I spent 3 months in Aruba. I went alone. I rented an airibnb on baby beach. Had my groceries delivered from Super Foods. I think my total cost including rt airfare from NY, was less than most people paid for 1 week at an all inclusive resort. Going again this winter!!
I’ve been to Aruba every year (sometimes twice per year) for 15 years and it is very safe, beautiful, friendly and can be affordable. I always rent an Airbnb. They have wonderful properties, complete with outdoor kitchens and pool. It’s nice going “home” after a long day at the beach, or on an island adventures. Aruba has wonderful restaurants, but their food trucks are phenomenal! Fresh, healthy, affordable food and they’re open late. There are many stunning beaches and actually, Palm beach is my least favorite. It is fun to shop in Palm beach, and the over water bars are a great time! But for swimming, my favorite beach is Eagle beach or Arashi beach. Boca Catalina and Tres Trapis are excellent snorkeling beaches and the SAME areas the catamaran tours go. Explore the island, the beaches, the food trucks all over Aruba. Don’t limit yourself to just Palm beach. And enjoy, enjoy, enjoy this paradise!
I really appreciate all of your 5 helpful tips! Like you, I am a planner and I’ve been doing a ton of research but you’re short 11 minute CZcams video was the most helpful information that was specific to what I was interested in! Thank you! Would love to know the restaurants that you recommend!
I’m from Canada and I did my homework and doing a non all-inclusive was not worth it. We will be staying at one but we are planning to eat out a few times. Thanks for your video ❣️
I love your video!!! This is all the tips I’ve told all of my clients about Aruba and how much I love Aruba because of alll of these reason. The one place we love to go to and do not prefer all inclusive because the island is sooo amazing with amazing food. We also prefer renting a car. So easy to drive around and explore the entire island . I’m definitely going to share your video to my clients that I book trips to Aruba for.
Sounds good. Also any recommendations on things to do Adults? Have you been to flaming Island? Any Night life? Day cruise booze cruise 🚤 ? Just explore the island 🏝️ since we have 7 days to enjoy
@@StephenOrmsby-xt1pw yup! If you see my vlog then it shows you everything we did! And our entire experience at flamingo island. The best thing to do in Aruba is to explore. There’s many different beaches and the food is insane. Trying out different restaurants, enjoying the different beaches, walking around the little neighborhoods. There’s shopping as well. All while relaxing … it’s the best vacation you’ll ever take. Where do you plan to stay?
We’re staying at the Marriott surf club Debating on getting a rental car to explore. I hear they have free parking at the Marriott. I will check out your other videos.
@@StephenOrmsby-xt1pw cabs get expensive so since you’re there for so long it might be nice to get a car to have the freedom to move around! In the meantime my favorite restaurants from my last trip were definitely Atardi, yemanja, elements at the bucati & tara, and Eduardo’s beach shack for lunch or breakfast! It’s a stand though so keep that in mind!
Thanks for the heads up!! We are going to the same resort! New subscriber for sure! Grew up in Jersey and I had a pretty good scene you were from NY the second I heard you start speaking! 😆😆. Thanks again.
Great tips. I leave in 3 weeks for my 11th anniversary with my husband and Def throwing my tumbler in my bag. We are also not doing all Inclusive. We want to dine out every night and walk around. It’s a rare occasion to get a date night so we are going to live it up lol Neve knew about customs so will def keep this in mind. I love to dress up so I will prob still do that for pics lol. Again- date night is rare. Off subject- but I’m so curious about your perfume names in the back? I’m such a perfume junky
I’m so jealous have the best time!!!! Also thank you for watching 😍 my perfumes are: Dior addict, chai epice (from urban I think), bubble I got from a bridesmaid gift and stash SJP unspoken !
It’s completely up to you. I have found, in my experience, the food quality at all inclusives are not the best. However, since Aruba is known for their food and is sooo safe I believe it’s worth not doing an all inclusive and explore and eat from all of the local spots!! The food in Aruba is BEYOND amazing. I suggest just purchasing bottles of alcohol duty free and make your own drinks in a tumblr and cruise around haha
Thank you! We took cabs but they were like $40 each way so very expensive. Wouldn’t hurt to rent a car! I’d compare prices and see how often you plan to leave the resort and how much is walkable !
Great Vlog! Quick question, I am going to an all inclusive but still want to try some of these dope restaurants. What were your top 3. Also is it safe to bring your fine jewelry to wear?
Thank you so much! My top 3 are yemanja, Atardi, and elements. However I haven’t been to many! I didn’t expect Aruba to be as safe as it was. I got such amazing vibes when I was there that I did feel safe leaving my things out (even pricey things). The stellaris has a great staff but can’t speak to everywhere else! Also can’t speak for the airport lol but I felt safe to bring those things at the resort I stayed at!
I booked Renaissance all-inclusive only because it came highly recommended. If not there what non-all-inclusive do you suggest? My hubby loves all-inclusive and I need a good option to suggest. Thank you for the tips.
I stayed at the Marriott stellaris and loved it! I loved the location as well. I’ve heard amazing things about the ritz Carlton and Hyatt as well. Those are also not all inclusive. I know a lot of people enjoy the renaissance too just that you have to take a boat to the beach and it’s very close to the airport so you see and hear planes very often. But if that doesn’t bother you then you’re good!
It truly depends on the time of year and even the date you’re departing ! But for when I went which was end of august I needed an extra hour to an hour and a half.
Hello & "Thank You" for the great tips! Once you returned to the US were you able to bypass all entry (Border & Customs) "slow lines" since you said US Customs checked you in Aruba?
I have a travel guide on my channel as well just got back from Aruba on my honeymoon!! It was my 3rd time and my husband's 1st! We're def going back :)
Thanks for your video . interesting Trips - I did an all inclusive on my first visit to Aruba .. I did not regret it.. simply I did not want to watch every Nickle and Dine" I spend my vacation! Note: Food and Alcohol are very expensive in Aruba ..
Soooo what I gather is you felt leery about Aruba because they have black ppl, but felt safe in St Barts because it was white. Got it!!! Yes, I am black. Yes we notice when ppl say things of this nature. No, it’s not pulling a race card, it’s just our truth. I will stick with following black travel bloggers who travel all over the world as well. Best wishes to you though. ✌🏾 🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴
I actually bought portable blender .. yo take to the beach.. so I can make Mt own 15 dollar daquris and colads .. On your next video .. you should have pictures.. makes a better impression
I plan on going for my 16th birthday in oct/nov. I’m so excited! Any nice restaurants you know of or activities. I’ve gathered a few but I’m interested if you know any more :)!
Aw happy birthday!! I have another video on my channel that shows all the restaurants I went to! I think you’ll love yemanja and I hear moomba beach is fun! Elements and Atardi are definitely romantic. Go check out that video! Hope it helps!! 🤍🤍
I’m sure every season varies (plus which days your travel) but I wish I got there an extra 45 min to an hour earlier than I did! And I believe I got there about 2 hours before :/
I've stayed at Marriott Stellaris before, what is offered extra on the Trade Winds floor? They don't honor High Platinum status thru the Marriott rewards program. Disagree with that!
What I enjoyed was for a small fee I got unlimited snacks, beverages including beer, breakfast, light lunch and dinner appetizers, alcohol and there was a bartender to make us our own drinks, desserts, priority check in with champagne greeting and a space to enjoy all these things with out crowds of people. Their lounge is big and kept very clean! And it’s 1 fee and we were 2 people so we found it to help off set the cost of us constantly scrounging for food and wasting money here and there. Less planning. More enjoying!
No crime???? Tell that to Natalee Holloway’s family as she disappeared during a senior trip to Aruba in 2005. She was never found! That said it’s still a safer destination than many other locations in the Caribbean and Central America.
It 100% depends on your location. I know palm beach is walking distance to a lot! I didn’t rent a car but depending on where the restaurants were the cabs were a bit costly. Cabs were $20-$30 one way. If you plan well I think you can do with out it. I didn’t wish I had a car when I was there and I don’t regret not getting one!
I didn’t have the opportunity to explore the island other than shop and visit flamingo beach island!! Totally recommend. It’s all in my other Aruba video!
I've been going to Aruba for a number of years, and agree with most of your tips. Definitely do not go for all-inclusive! Too many great places to go! But when it comes to alcohol ... hard liquor ... the BEST way to save $$$ is to carry your own in your checked luggage. Hard liquor is very expensive in Aruba, no matter where you get it. Beer and wine ... not so bad. Also, an insulated travel tumbler is the way to go for your beverages. Ice lasts only moments in Aruba!
Absolutely! I could never fit that in my bag tho :( too many shoes hahaha but definitely better than spending almost $20 per drink at the bar! Get most for your money.
I've been to Aruba 6 times and am going again in August... I agree with your points... I've stayed in the High Rise, the Low rise, a time share, and rented a sprawling villa... never a bad experience... the restaurants are incredible, you can feel safe walking by yourself late at night or any time of day even away from the tourist areas, and I find having American Customs at the Aruba Airport is very convenient, I mean who wants to go through Customs after a flight when you just want to get home. Just grab your bags and walk out of the airport, nice.
A couple of things I would add that people might not know.... everybody speaks English (their 3rd language), they take US Dollars everywhere, and all the beaches are public although on some beaches the chairs and palapas belong to the Hotels, you can still be on the beach. Thanks for the video.
I spent 3 months in Aruba. I went alone. I rented an airibnb on baby beach. Had my groceries delivered from Super Foods. I think my total cost including rt airfare from NY, was less than most people paid for 1 week at an all inclusive resort. Going again this winter!!
That sounds amazing! I hope I can do that too one day!
3 months to spare on an Island? Damn!! You're defending 🙄 on higher tax bracket than most
I’m planning on doing that as well, but probably not for 3 years. Maybe 1.
I’ve been to Aruba every year (sometimes twice per year) for 15 years and it is very safe, beautiful, friendly and can be affordable. I always rent an Airbnb. They have wonderful properties, complete with outdoor kitchens and pool. It’s nice going “home” after a long day at the beach, or on an island adventures. Aruba has wonderful restaurants, but their food trucks are phenomenal! Fresh, healthy, affordable food and they’re open late. There are many stunning beaches and actually, Palm beach is my least favorite. It is fun to shop in Palm beach, and the over water bars are a great time! But for swimming, my favorite beach is Eagle beach or Arashi beach. Boca Catalina and Tres Trapis are excellent snorkeling beaches and the SAME areas the catamaran tours go. Explore the island, the beaches, the food trucks all over Aruba. Don’t limit yourself to just Palm beach. And enjoy, enjoy, enjoy this paradise!
Are there good rentals near Palm Beach?
@@antoniofred4536 Yes 👍🏽 Search Noord, Aruba. Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Arashi Beach are all quickly accessible from Noord.
I really appreciate all of your 5 helpful tips! Like you, I am a planner and I’ve been doing a ton of research but you’re short 11 minute CZcams video was the most helpful information that was specific to what I was interested in! Thank you! Would love to know the restaurants that you recommend!
Oh my goodness thank you so much!! So happy I was able to help!!
Thank you Steph! We are headed to Aruba in 3 weeks!! This was very helpful. Thanks for sharing. :)
So happy I could help!! Have the best time !! I am insanely jealous!
Thanks for all of the tips! Leaving tomorrow!
So jealous!! Have the best time!!
@@jetsetsteff thank you!!
This was so helpful I’m going to Aruba for the first time with my daughter as a surprise! I’m excited 😊 thank you!
I’m jealous! You’re the best mom for that haha enjoy! So happy I could help :)
I’m from Canada and I did my homework and doing a non all-inclusive was not worth it.
We will be staying at one but we are planning to eat out a few times. Thanks for your video ❣️
Happy you found something that worked for you :) have the best time and thanks for watching!!
Awsome video we will be going there next month thanks for the tips 😀
Thank you so much! Have the best trip ever :)
Let me said this I have been to Aruba many, many times. You can get dressed up if you so choose. Aruba has eateries in every price range.
I agree!
I love your video!!! This is all the tips I’ve told all of my clients about Aruba and how much I love Aruba because of alll of these reason. The one place we love to go to and do not prefer all inclusive because the island is sooo amazing with amazing food. We also prefer renting a car. So easy to drive around and explore the entire island .
I’m definitely going to share your video to my clients that I book trips to Aruba for.
Aww amazing thank you for your feedback! I truly appreciate that!
I’m going in august thank you for making this video!!!
You’re very welcome! Have the best time! Super jealous!
Im also going in August! Omg cant wait🥰🥰
I agree with you 💯on all your tips. Definitely agree with eating at different places.
Awesome! Thank you so much for watching🤍
Thank you! I really needed to know about "what to wear!"
So happy I could help!! Enjoy your trip :)
what are your top 5 restaurants in Aruba 2024 edition . Heading there in October
I am heading there in August so I can let you know an updated list then! 😍
Sounds good. Also any recommendations on things to do Adults? Have you been to flaming Island? Any Night life? Day cruise booze cruise 🚤 ? Just explore the island 🏝️ since we have 7 days to enjoy
@@StephenOrmsby-xt1pw yup! If you see my vlog then it shows you everything we did! And our entire experience at flamingo island. The best thing to do in Aruba is to explore. There’s many different beaches and the food is insane. Trying out different restaurants, enjoying the different beaches, walking around the little neighborhoods. There’s shopping as well. All while relaxing … it’s the best vacation you’ll ever take. Where do you plan to stay?
We’re staying at the Marriott surf club
Debating on getting a rental car to explore. I hear they have free parking at the Marriott. I will check out your other videos.
@@StephenOrmsby-xt1pw cabs get expensive so since you’re there for so long it might be nice to get a car to have the freedom to move around!
In the meantime my favorite restaurants from my last trip were definitely Atardi, yemanja, elements at the bucati & tara, and Eduardo’s beach shack for lunch or breakfast! It’s a stand though so keep that in mind!
Thanks for the heads up!! We are going to the same resort! New subscriber for sure! Grew up in Jersey and I had a pretty good scene you were from NY the second I heard you start speaking! 😆😆. Thanks again.
Thank you for subscribing !!! Means the world. Yup born and raised Bklyn girl right here haha of course have the best time!!
Great tips. I leave in 3 weeks for my 11th anniversary with my husband and Def throwing my tumbler in my bag. We are also not doing all
Inclusive. We want to dine out every night and walk around. It’s a rare occasion to get a date night so we are going to live it up lol
Neve knew about customs so will def keep this in mind.
I love to dress up so I will prob still do that for pics lol. Again- date night is rare.
Off subject- but I’m so curious about your perfume names in the back? I’m such a perfume junky
I’m so jealous have the best time!!!! Also thank you for watching 😍 my perfumes are: Dior addict, chai epice (from urban I think), bubble I got from a bridesmaid gift and stash SJP unspoken !
@@jetsetsteff thank you 😊
Cool I’m going this weekend 👏🏾🎈💕
That’s so awesome! I’m so jealous hahah have fun!
there is no crime is big capp
Yes please on the restaurants because I'm going there in June 2022.
Have a great trip! The restraints I went to are all in my other Aruba video! Go check it out!!
@@jetsetsteff thanks beautiful it's greatly appreciated and after that my next destination will be Maldives 🇲🇻.
Excellent tips!! That last one too about customs!!
Thank you!!! And thank you so much for watching!
And the all inclusive info cause we wanted to go that route but maybe not now
It’s completely up to you. I have found, in my experience, the food quality at all inclusives are not the best. However, since Aruba is known for their food and is sooo safe I believe it’s worth not doing an all inclusive and explore and eat from all of the local spots!! The food in Aruba is BEYOND amazing. I suggest just purchasing bottles of alcohol duty free and make your own drinks in a tumblr and cruise around haha
Thanks for the tip!! ❤️
Very welcome :)
I'm going soon,good common sense tips...
Awesome tips especially #5. Thank you so much.
You’re welcome!! Yeah would’ve been a huge life saver if I knew that ahead of time!
@@jetsetsteff But it saves you a lot of time in the US, especially if you have a connecting flight.
@@randolacle definitely!
Great tips, thanks. How about getting around Aruba? Is it better to rent a car, take cabs, public transportation?
Thank you! We took cabs but they were like $40 each way so very expensive. Wouldn’t hurt to rent a car! I’d compare prices and see how often you plan to leave the resort and how much is walkable !
@@jetsetsteff - thanks
Great Vlog! Quick question, I am going to an all inclusive but still want to try some of these dope restaurants. What were your top 3. Also is it safe to bring your fine jewelry to wear?
Thank you so much! My top 3 are yemanja, Atardi, and elements. However I haven’t been to many! I didn’t expect Aruba to be as safe as it was. I got such amazing vibes when I was there that I did feel safe leaving my things out (even pricey things). The stellaris has a great staff but can’t speak to everywhere else! Also can’t speak for the airport lol but I felt safe to bring those things at the resort I stayed at!
I booked Renaissance all-inclusive only because it came highly recommended. If not there what non-all-inclusive do you suggest? My hubby loves all-inclusive and I need a good option to suggest. Thank you for the tips.
I stayed at the Marriott stellaris and loved it! I loved the location as well. I’ve heard amazing things about the ritz Carlton and Hyatt as well. Those are also not all inclusive. I know a lot of people enjoy the renaissance too just that you have to take a boat to the beach and it’s very close to the airport so you see and hear planes very often. But if that doesn’t bother you then you’re good!
didn't know about the customs thing. thanks!
You’re welcome! Happy I was able to help! And warn you haha
Thanks for the tips! How early would you recommend arriving at the airport when departing due to customs?
It truly depends on the time of year and even the date you’re departing ! But for when I went which was end of august I needed an extra hour to an hour and a half.
Hello & "Thank You" for the great tips! Once you returned to the US were you able to bypass all entry (Border & Customs) "slow lines" since you said US Customs checked you in Aruba?
Yes! Was so easy once we were back in the US!
Thank you, Girl.
Didn't know about going thru US Customs IN Aruba.
Out of the Norm.
Like your content.
I'm Subscribed. 👍
Thank you so much for subscribing ! I know right who would’ve thought ???
Us customs in Aruba, Do they accommodate global entry? To bypass the lines?
YUP!
Do you know if employment is decent there? I've been told there's not much to do
I have a travel guide on my channel as well just got back from Aruba on my honeymoon!! It was my 3rd time and my husband's 1st! We're def going back :)
Awesome!!
Thanks for your video . interesting Trips - I did an all inclusive on my first visit to Aruba .. I did not regret it.. simply I did not want to watch every Nickle and Dine" I spend my vacation! Note: Food and Alcohol are very expensive in Aruba ..
You’re welcome!!
Soooo what I gather is you felt leery about Aruba because they have black ppl, but felt safe in St Barts because it was white. Got it!!! Yes, I am
black. Yes we notice when ppl say things of this nature. No, it’s not pulling a race card, it’s just our truth. I will stick with following black travel bloggers who travel all over the world as well. Best wishes to you though. ✌🏾
🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴
I’m going in two weeks, all 8 of us have monogrammed insulated tumblers.
LOVE THAT! Have the best time!
I actually bought portable blender .. yo take to the beach.. so I can make Mt own 15 dollar daquris and colads ..
On your next video .. you should have pictures.. makes a better impression
Omg that’s so smart! You’re so right … thank you for the feedback. Will for sure do that next time! :)
Ahh! Good to know
From Pennsylvania USA and in Aruba for the first time as I write this. Nothing here to dislike, right? After all it's meant to attract tourists
Have a great time!
@@jetsetsteff Leaving today
Had a GREAT GREAT time !
I want to come back to magical ARUBA !
THANK YOU !
Would you say it’s a good birthday vibe?
Oh yeahhhh !! If I could spend my birthday in Aruba I would. Weather is always great, food is beyond amazing, so much to explore!
Hey do you have to be vaccinated to go if your coming from the US? I know I will need a covid test
I don’t believe so! Just need to be tested :)
Thanks
You’re welcome!
I plan on going for my 16th birthday in oct/nov. I’m so excited! Any nice restaurants you know of or activities. I’ve gathered a few but I’m interested if you know any more :)!
Aw happy birthday!! I have another video on my channel that shows all the restaurants I went to! I think you’ll love yemanja and I hear moomba beach is fun! Elements and Atardi are definitely romantic. Go check out that video! Hope it helps!! 🤍🤍
@@jetsetsteff Thank You!! I will watch it!!
Great advice on the all inclusive. You don't hear many people discuss if its really worth it. Traveling there for my honeymoon.
Have the best time!
So how far in advance before the flight should we get to the airport?
I’m sure every season varies (plus which days your travel) but I wish I got there an extra 45 min to an hour earlier than I did! And I believe I got there about 2 hours before :/
@@jetsetsteff wow! Ok thank you for the heads up!
I've stayed at Marriott Stellaris before, what is offered extra on the Trade Winds floor? They don't honor High Platinum status thru the Marriott rewards program. Disagree with that!
What I enjoyed was for a small fee I got unlimited snacks, beverages including beer, breakfast, light lunch and dinner appetizers, alcohol and there was a bartender to make us our own drinks, desserts, priority check in with champagne greeting and a space to enjoy all these things with out crowds of people. Their lounge is big and kept very clean! And it’s 1 fee and we were 2 people so we found it to help off set the cost of us constantly scrounging for food and wasting money here and there. Less planning. More enjoying!
VERY accurate!!!
TY! 🤍
No crime???? Tell that to Natalee Holloway’s family as she disappeared during a senior trip to Aruba in 2005.
She was never found!
That said it’s still a safer destination than many other locations in the Caribbean and Central America.
Do you think renting a car is necessary?
It 100% depends on your location. I know palm beach is walking distance to a lot! I didn’t rent a car but depending on where the restaurants were the cabs were a bit costly. Cabs were $20-$30 one way. If you plan well I think you can do with out it. I didn’t wish I had a car when I was there and I don’t regret not getting one!
Which marriott did u stay at
The Marriott Aruba stellaris !
Excursions ?
I didn’t have the opportunity to explore the island other than shop and visit flamingo beach island!! Totally recommend. It’s all in my other Aruba video!
Hey do not know the story of the Natalee that was murder over there
Im sorry but I think you talk too much and give very little Helpful information
I’m sorry you feel this way…what information were you hoping to hear that I didn’t provide ?
She have her opinion. There are plenty of other reviews to read. Or, you could do your own research.