I am a full-time traveling registered nurse, fitness enthusiast, and nutrition expert. Every morning I wake up intending to bring awareness of the importance of health and spiritual wellness, especially to the traveling community. At Messy Bun Traveler, we promote travel that allows the traveler to either kick-start, maintain, or enhance a healthy lifestyle. So whether you're someone who travels for business, travels for pleasure, or new to travel and looking for health advice while on the road, this blog is for you!
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Are you heading to Aruba for some fun in the sun? Then you’ve come to the right place! This blog post lists a comprehensive packing guide and outfit styling tips for Aruba, one of my favorite tropical destinations!
Aruba is the perfect destination for a sun-soaked beach vacation! With consistently warm temperatures ranging from 80-90°F, you can expect endless relaxation and exploration on One Happy Island.
But before you jet off, make sure to pack all the must-have essentials for your ultimate getaway. Whether it’s your first time here or your tenth, I’ve got you covered with a packing list that’ll make your vacation a breeze (and stylish!).
If you’re heading to Aruba, you will most likely spend most of your time in the sun or the water. Keeping that in mind, you don’t need much! Many outfits and swimwear can be mixed and matched to keep you stylish but not weighing you or your luggage down! Other things to consider when packing for Aruba are:
Money, credit cards, debit or ATM card. I recommend limiting your debit/ATM card use to a minimum, as transaction fees in Aruba can be quite expensive!
Passport & Driver’s License. You’ll need your driver’s license if you plan on renting a vehicle while on the island- which is the method of transportation I recommend. I LOVE this super cute passport & cardholder!
Travel insurance documents. One of the best things you can do for the safety and security of your belongings is to purchase travel insurance! I always travel with World Nomads to every destination.
Copies of all prescription medications. If you take a lot of prescription medications, it’s recommended to travel with them in the original bottle, especially if they’re lifesaving and you’d need someone else to fetch them for you quickly! If you’re taking preventative medications or vitamins, I recommend this travel-size pill organizer on Amazon!
Contact card. In emergencies, it’s always a good idea to always keep a contact card on you. Typically, they’ll include an emergency contact number back home, a list of your current medications, and the name of your physician back home.
Boarding passes. These you can print out at the airport or download them onto your mobile phone!
First-Aid Kit. You should NEVER travel without one! I always pack my own first aid kit, but here are first aid kits on Amazon that are TSA approved!
Travel Medications. Heartburn, antidiarrheals, and Tylenol, to name a few. To see my full list of must-have medications while traveling, click here.
Swimwear. You’ll most likely be lounging by the pool or at the beach in Aruba, so be sure to pack plenty of bikinis!
Activewear. If you plan on hiking or visiting Arikok Natural Park, you’re going to want to bring some activewear.
Jumpsuits. I’ve become OBSESSED with jumpsuits! They’re super comfortable and loungey but still stylish!
Rompers. Rompers are fun, lightweight, and breathable. Perfect for that warm Aruban sun!
Sundress. If you plan on going out at night, a sundress is essential! I also recommend bringing a light kaftan or sweater, as the evenings get chilly with the breeze!
Flowy Skirts. These are just oh-so-fun!
Sunscreen. With Aruba being only 12 degrees away from the equator, that sun is intense! Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen and constantly reapplying throughout the day!
Mosquito repellent. Believe it or not, mosquitoes are very active in Aruba, especially if you plan on hiking near water.
Aloe Vera. After being in the sun all day, you will want some soothing aloe vera to calm your skin down and prevent further burning.
Moisturizer. My all-time favorite moisturizer is Aquaphor. I started using it when my dermatologist recommended using it while I was on Accutane. It’s great for eczema, dry and flakey skin, and sunburnt lips. Even though I’m no longer taking Accutane, I still use Aquaphor on a regular basis. Also, a fun fact, pediatricians prescribe this ointment to all the newborns in the hospital suffering from dry, cracked skin. This stuff is a lifesaver! You can purchase a travel-sized container, or a large tub and pack it into these cute little travel-sized containers!
Chapstick with SPF. Remember, your lips can get sunburnt too!
Comfortable walking shoes. If you plan on doing a lot of exploring, I recommend comfortable tennis shoes or hiking shoes as the roads and trails in Aruba are mostly dirt and rocky terrain. I’ve been wearing the Brook’s Ghost line for years and they are a game-changer! I wear my Brook’s Ghost for work when I’m on my feet for 12 hours a day, running, hiking, HIIT workouts and more!
Flip flops. Here are some cute flip flops to wear at the beach!
Sandals. If you plan on dressing up a little bit nicer for perhaps a nice dinner or evening out, bring some sandals that are both comfortable and stylish.
Water shoes. Some of the beaches can be rocky and uncomfortable to walk on. I recommend wearing water shoes so you don’t tear up your feet! Or even worse, slip and fall on a slick rock!
Beach Tote. These are cute travel bags that act as handbags for the beach. These are my go-to for beach days!
Swimsuit Cover-Up. I wear this one!
Sun hat. Like I previously mentioned, the sun here is HOT! For your protection and to prevent developing sunspots later, bring a hat with you to the beach and on your day of exploring! You’ll see these everywhere in Aruba!
Sunglasses. It never hurts to pack a couple of pairs of these. Especially if you tend to lose them! My sunglasses were a lifesaver!
Quick Drying Towel. I take these towels with me everywhere I go! They’re a must-have and Aruba is no exception! when you’re going to the beach or swimming multiple days throughout your trip, it’s essential to have a towel that is quick-drying so it doesn’t dampen your other clothes and even give them that disgusting mildew smell!
Noise-canceling headphones. Noise-canceling headphones are a good idea to bring on a long-haul flight.
Gopro camera. I sooooooo wish I didn’t forget to bring my Gopro during my stay here! I brought my entire Gopro accessory kit, but the one thing I forgot was the actual Gopro camera itself! That’s what happens when I stick it on the charger a few hours before my flight and then rush out the door! Don’t make the same mistake I did. You’re going to want this camera for snorkeling and diving to see an awesome shipwreck! So make sure to put it on your packing guide for Aruba!
Phone charger. No explanation needed.
External/portable battery. This portable battery has been my LIFESAVER on every trip I’ve been on! It’s small and easy to store, yet it can charge my phone up to THREE times before it itself needs a charge. These are great to have when you’re out and about all day and don’t get a chance to head to the hotel for a charge.
I am a full-time traveling registered nurse, fitness enthusiast, and plant-based nutrition expert. Every morning I wake up intending to bring awareness of the importance of health and spiritual wellness, especially to the traveling community. This blog is designed to bring you travel and health advice while sprinkling in some fun life stories.
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