The island of Aruba has consistently been one of the top tourist destinations in the Caribbean. In fact, the Aruba Tourism Authority reported around 1.2 million stayover visitor arrivals in 2023. This strong patronage is largely due to the wide variety of sights and activities that the island offers its visitors.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, a unique cultural tour, a mouthwatering gastronomic experience, or simply some downtime to relax and unwind, Aruba has something for every kind of traveler. This versatility encouraged many tourists to choose longer stays and to seek accommodations that allow for more flexibility, which, in turn, led to a booming vacation rental market on the island.
Perhaps you’ve been eyeing Aruba for your next getaway trip and have decided that a vacation rental is the perfect accommodation type to get the most out of the stay. Before you start browsing for Aruba vacation packages, however, here are some tips to help you choose the right vacation rental to stay in depending on your travel style and preferences.
5 Tips for Choosing a Vacation Rental in Aruba Based on Your Travel Style
For Beach Lovers and Sunseekers
Aruba is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world such as Eagle Beach, which was voted as one of the top beaches in the Caribbean at the 2024 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, and Palm Beach, which offers a great selection of water sports for visitors to try out. If you’re the type of traveler who looks forward to visiting the beach in every destination, then you’ll find no shortage of choices in Aruba.
Thus, when booking a vacation rental, make sure to pick a property located close to the beach of your choice. A great location would be somewhere around Noord, which also offers great access to Arashi Beach and Malmok Beach in addition to Eagle Beach and Palm Beach to give you more choices. If you’re still unsure which beaches to visit, you may also contact a local vacation rental agency and ask for recommendations before you book with them. Given their familiarity with local beaches, they can better advise you on which properties will put you close to the best beaches on the island.
For Adventure Enthusiasts
If your travel style involves always seeking new adventures, then Aruba also has a lot of outdoor activities for you to try out, some of which include bird watching at the Bubali Bird Sanctuary or going on a hike at Arikok National Park to enjoy its natural beauty. To better accommodate your adventure plans, make sure to choose a vacation rental that’s close to your planned places to visit to cut back on travel time.
Moreover, if you’re traveling as a group and all of you are planning to bring along equipment, such as hiking gear or diving equipment for water sports, check with the host or vacation rental agency first to ensure that there’s enough storage space in the property for your bulkier baggage.
For Cultural Explorers
For travelers looking for a cultural experience, choosing a vacation rental in neighborhoods with historical sites, local art galleries, and cultural attractions is their best bet. If you want to explore Aruba’s art scene, for instance, then a good choice would be a rental property near San Nicolas.
Also known as Aruba’s Sunrise City, San Nicolas is famous for its sprawling street murals and historic buildings that offer a glimpse of the island’s rich history. The city also has plenty of bars and restaurants for you to try out Aruba’s unique flavors.
Local vacation rental agencies can be plenty helpful on this matter as they can direct you to hidden gems on the island and inform you if there are any upcoming events to watch out for such as music festivals. In addition, consider choosing a vacation rental that’s close to restaurants, markets, and other local establishments. Not only is this convenient, but this can also offer more opportunities for you to interact with locals and immerse in the island’s culture.
For Budget-Conscious Travelers
If your main goal is to travel on a budget without compromising the quality of your Aruba experience, then one way to save money is to find great deals on your vacation rental. Avoid booking from global travel websites as they often charge additional fees or markups on top of your actual rental cost. Instead, cut the middleman by going directly to a local rental agency.
Local agencies offer transparent pricing and exclusive deals, allowing you to save more on your vacation rental expenses. Moreover, if you’re in need of other services such as a car rental or tour guide, they can also provide you with recommendations to make sure you’ll be getting fair prices.
Get inspired:
For Family and Group Travelers
When you’re traveling with a large number of people, your first concern when choosing a vacation rental should always be whether the property can comfortably accommodate everyone. Be sure to check the rental property’s listing to see if it has enough rooms and bathrooms for your group.
Take into account other amenities you may need as well, such as a fully stocked kitchen or a large dining room. If your group has kids, you may also consider looking into vacation rentals that have a kid’s pool or play area for them to enjoy.
For Couples and Honeymooners
Aruba is the perfect place for couples and honeymooners to spend quality time together, whether that involves sharing a romantic dinner by the beach or going on a sunset cruise. To enhance your experience, choose a vacation rental with private, stunning views of the island, allowing you to savor a more intimate and memorable stay. Also inquire with a local vacation rental agency that may be able to recommend accommodations that come with special amenities, such as a private pool or jacuzzi for you and your partner to enjoy.
Whatever travel style you may have, you’ll find that there’s always something for you to do in Aruba. Just make sure to choose a vacation rental that meets your specific needs and requirements to avoid any stress during your stay. Let this article be your guide to booking the best Aruba vacation rental to guarantee a fun and relaxing vacation.