Are you heading to Aruba for some fun in the sun? Then you’ve come to the right place! Listed in this article is a comprehensive packing guide to Aruba, one of my favorite tropical destinations of all time!

Included are the basics as well as a list of health, safety, and first-aid related items that you should not travel to Aruba without!

If you’re heading to Aruba, you’re most likely going to spend most of your time out in the sun or in 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!

With that being said, below is my complete healthy travel packing guide for your next Aruba vacation!

The Essentials:

1. Money, credit cards, debit or ATM card. My recommendation, try to limit your debit/ATM card use to a minimum as transaction fees in Aruba can be quite expensive!
2. 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!
3. Travel insurance documents. One of the best things you can do for your safety and security of your belongings is purchase travel insurance! I always travel with World Nomads on every destination.
4. 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 quickly fetch them for you! If you’re just taking preventative medications or vitamins, I recommend this travel-size pill organizer on Amazon!
5. Contact card. In case of emergencies, it’s always a good idea to keep a contact card on you at all times. Typically, they’ll include an emergency contact number back home, a list of your current medications, and the name of your physician back home.
6. Boarding passes. These you can print out in the airport or download them onto your mobile phone!

See also:

• Travel Safety Advice You Should Actually Follow

First Aid & OTC Remedies:

1. First-Aid Kit. You should NEVER travel without one! I always pack my own first aid kit, but here’s a first aid kit on Amazon that is nurse approved!
2. Travel Medications. Heartburn, antidiarrheals, and Tylenol just to name a few. To see my full list of must-have medications while traveling, click here. Also for certain individuals, make sure to bring your Insulin, inhalers, and/or EpiPen. These should be on your checklist!

Clothing:

1. Swimwear. You’ll most likely be lounging by the pool or at the beach in Aruba, so be sure to pack plenty of bikinis!
2. Activewear. If you plan on doing any hiking or visiting Arikok Natural Park, you’re going to want to bring some activewear.
3. Jumpsuits. I’ve become OBSESSED with jumpsuits! They’re super comfortable, loungey, but still stylish!
4. Rompers. Rompers are fun, lightweight and breathable. Perfect for that warm Aruban sun!
5. Sundress. If you plan on going out at night, a sundress is essential! I recommend also bringing a light kaftan or sweater as the evenings do get chilly with the breeze!

Skincare & Cosmetic:

1. 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!
2. Mosquito repellent. Believe it or not, mosquitoes are very active in Aruba, especially if you plan on hiking near water.
3. Aloe Vera. After being in the sun all day, you’re going to want some soothing aloe vera to calm your skin down and prevent any further burning.
4. Moisturizer. My all-time favorite moisturizer is Aquaphor. I first 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 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 size tub and pack it into these cute little travel-sized containers!
5. Chapstick with SPF. Remember, your lips can get sunburnt too!

See also:

• How to Avoid Pesky Mosquitoes This Summer
• 12 Essential Skincare Tips While Traveling

Footwear:

1. 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!
2. Flip flops. Here are some cute flip flops to wear at the beach!
3. 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.
4. 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!

Accessories:

1. Beach Tote. These are cute travel bags that act as handbags for the beach. These are my go-to for beach days!
2. Swimsuit Cover-Up. I wear this one!
3. 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!
4. Sunglasses. It never hurts to pack a couple of pairs of these. Especially if you tend to lose them! My sunglasses were a lifesaver!
5. Quick Drying Towel. Dustin and I take these towels with us everywhere we 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!

Electronics:

1. Noise-canceling headphones. Noise-canceling headphones are a good idea to bring on a long-haul flight.
2. 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!
3. Phone charger. No explanation needed.
4. 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.

And there you have it! This is my complete packing guide for Aruba! I hope you have a wonderful time and be sure to take lots of pictures!

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The Messy Bun Traveler is a travel lifestyle health & wellness blog that provides great advice for staying healthy on the go. If you’d like to receive exclusive info as well as weekly post updates, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter!