Aruba, the tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, is famous for its stunning blonde beaches, windswept landscapes, and some of the most turquoise waters you can find. Known as “One Happy Island,” it’s a popular destination for vacationers looking for both relaxation and adventure. Having recently returned from this tropical paradise myself, there are definitely a few insights I wish I’d had before packing my bags. Let me take you through these revelations along with a dash of personal storytelling from my stay at the Marriott Aruba Resort.
#### 1. **Sunscreen is More Important Than You Think**
Yes, everyone knows to bring sunscreen to the beach. But in Aruba’s near-equatorial location, the sun is much stronger than what you might be used to. I learned this the hard way during a delightful day out snorkeling near Boca Catalina. Despite applying what I thought was a sufficient amount of SPF 50, I found myself lobster-red by the evening. The lesson? Apply liberally and often—reapplication is key after every couple of hours or after any water activity.
#### 2. **The Wind is Your Friend (and Foe)**
Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt but experiences trade winds that are constant and can be quite strong. Initially, these breezes feel like heaven given the island heat but they can also be deceptive—keeping you cool while your skin takes a beating from the sun (see above). Moreover, if you’re planning on having a fancy hairdo or wearing light hats and scarves, think again or secure them tightly! During our first night at Marriott’s beachfront dinner setup, my favorite hat took off on an unplanned journey towards the sea!
#### 3. **Local Currency vs US Dollars**
The local currency in Aruba is the Florin, but US dollars are widely accepted everywhere which makes transactions super convenient for American travelers like myself. However, knowing how it converts is important! Initially oblivious to conversion rates led me to either overestimate or underestimate costs in local terms during market shopping sessions in Oranjestad—the charming capital city.
#### 4. **Not Everything Is Walking Distance – Consider Transportation**
Looking at maps prior to our trip gave me the false impression that many attractions were within walking distance of our Marriott resort base—the allure of beautifully drawn tourist maps! In reality though, distances can be deceptive on an island where some roads are less pedestrian-friendly due to lack of sidewalks or public lighting post-sunset. Renting a car turned out to be invaluable for exploring hidden gems like Arikok National Park and distant beaches such as Baby Beach.
#### 5. **Explore Beyond Your Resort**
It’s tempting in Aruba to stick close to your resort given how well-equipped places like Marriott offer everything from casinos to multiple dining venues right on site. But there’s so much more! Experiencing local cuisine like freshly caught seafood at Zeerovers—a no-frills eatery where locals go—or catching live music and mingling with friendly locals in downtown Oranjestad added depth and flavor (literally) to our trip that resort life couldn’t match.
### Story Time: The Unexpected Adventure
One memorable afternoon involved what was supposed to be a simple excursion to visit Natural Bridge – an iconic yet collapsed natural formation on Aruba’s north coast. Armed with rented ATVs (highly recommend over cars for rugged terrains!), we set off expecting nothing more than picturesque views; what ensued was an impromptu rescue mission when we stumbled upon a couple whose vehicle had gotten stuck in sand just beside Baby Bridge—a smaller natural bridge nearby.
After much pushing and laughter—and covered head-to-toe in sand—we managed not only to help them free their vehicle but also made some wonderful new friends who invited us over for homemade pastechis (a must-try stuffed pastry) that evening! It capped off what started as a typical touristy day into one filled with genuine connection and unforgettable moments—a true testament to embracing spontaneity.
### Final Survival Tips:
– Stay hydrated: Always carry water with you; it’s easy to underestimate your intake when surrounded by ocean.
– Respect marine life: When snorkeling or diving around coral reefs.
– Be prepared for “Island Time”: Things may move slower than you’re used to back home—relax and go with it!
– Check events calendars: There might be festivals or cultural events worth experiencing during your stay.
Aruba truly offers more than just pretty beaches—it’s an island rich in culture and adventure waiting beyond every dune or wave crest if you’re ready for it!