Hey, you. You’re looking at a blog about what to wear on plane to Aruba. I travel a lot and I know what it’s like to be in the airport with nothing but your carry-on and your swimsuit. So I’m going to help you out by giving you some tips on what to wear on plane to Aruba so that you can look good, feel good, and maybe even meet someone new! I will also discuss the aruba packing list and what clothes to pack for Aruba. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional flier, dressing for the plane can be a challenge. You want to look stylish but also comfortable, and that’s not always an easy balance to achieve. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our tips for what to wear on plane to Aruba so that you can make the most of your time in the air and on land with confidence!

What to Wear on Plane to Aruba

When you’re traveling to Aruba, your outfit is going to be a big part of the experience. Whether you’re going for a day trip to the beach, or staying for an extended stay, what you wear can make or break your trip.

No matter what type of clothing you decide on, there are some things you should always keep in mind:

-Comfort. You’re going to be sitting on an airplane for hours at a time, so it’s important that every part of your outfit is comfortable and able to withstand sitting in awkward positions for long periods of time.

-Colorful/bright options are always better than plain ones. The more colorful and interesting your outfit is, the more likely people will remember you!

-The weather in Aruba can be unpredictable—make sure whatever clothes you choose are appropriate for both warm and cool temperatures!

Planes are typically kept cooler, so you’ll want to wear layers, like a tank top with a light sweater and thin jogger pants. We wouldn’t suggest wearing shorts unless you layer pants over them for the flight or bring a blanket.

Aruba packing list

So, you’ve booked a beach vacation to Aruba, and now it’s time to decide what to pack! The great news is that no matter the dates of your trip, you can expect temperatures of 80-90°F during the day. However, especially if it’s your first time visiting One Happy Island, you’ll want to ensure you bring all the essential items you’ll need during your getaway.

With this in mind, we’ve put together the ultimate Aruba vacation packing list to ensure nothing important gets left at home. For example, you may have already laid out bathing suits and sundresses, but did you pack an external battery, a portable cooler, or a reusable water bottle?

This complete Aruba packing list begins with important essential items, what to wear on the plane, and what to pack for the beach. Then, we cover what to wear during the day and how to dress for dinner in Aruba. After reviewing this guide, you should be prepared for a fantastic trip!

When preparing for Aruba, there are certain items that would be devastating to forget, like your passport, driver’s license, or credit card. With this in mind, let’s start our packing list with ten essentials. These ten things to remember to bring on vacation should be the first items you make sure to have in your suitcase, purse, or carry-on!

Passport
Traveling to Aruba is popular for American tourists looking for a sunny getaway. And while it’s true that you need a valid passport to travel to the island, there’s no need to worry about getting a visa. Americans can stay in Aruba as tourists for up to 30 days without any hassle.

Driver’s license
You’ll need a valid U.S. driver’s license when visiting Aruba because it’s the only way to rent a car on the island. While other transportation options are available, renting a vehicle offers much more flexibility and freedom.

For example, with your own set of wheels, you can explore the island at your own pace and make stops whenever and wherever you please. Taxis, Uber, or public buses can’t compete with this level of convenience!

You do NOT need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Aruba. However, most companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old.

Portable chargers and plug-in chargers

When contemplating what to bring to Aruba, people often overlook items they need to charge their devices. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll likely spend a lot of time outside, away from outlets. For this reason, we recommend packing a portable power bank.

This way, you can charge your phone while enjoying the pool or beach. Our favorite is the Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger. Additionally, make sure you pack all plug-in chargers for your devices, including a phone charger, camera charger, laptop charger, and possibly even an electric toothbrush charger.

Fortunately, if you’re American, you won’t need to worry about packing a converter or adapter; Aruba has the same voltage standard of 110V, and the plugs are almost always the same as those used in the United States (type A and B).

Cash in USD
It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case. Although I wouldn’t suggest walking around with large amounts of money, $100 or less broken into small bills would be helpful. Remember that U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Aruba, so there’s no need to exchange your money for Aruban florins.

Furthermore, if you need more cash, you can withdraw both dollars and florins from most of the ATMs on the island. Many Aruba hotels have an ATM either on the property or nearby.

Debit and/or credit card
Since you can withdraw cash from the ATMs in Aruba, it’s a good idea to bring your debit card along. Additionally, most establishments accept major credit cards. We suggest having a credit card in your wallet that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of the most popular options.

Windproof travel umbrella

Although Aruba doesn’t experience much rain (only about 18 inches annually), it does have a “rainy season” running from October to January. During this time of year, rain tends to fall in short and light bursts. However, sometimes heavy rainfall can seem to come out of nowhere! Therefore, you should include a windproof travel umbrella on your packing list for Aruba, just in case.

Camera & SD card
You’ll definitely want to bring a camera to capture your favorite moments on One Happy Island. We brought a Nikon D5600 to be able to take high-quality photos during my Aruba vacation. You’ll also want to double-check that your SD card is in your camera before leaving home for the airport!

We travel with a 128 GB memory card to ensure we have enough space for all of our family photos. For an Aruba trip, it’s also worth looking into buying an affordable underwater camera. This way, you can capture photos and videos during water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing.

Aloe vera
Plan to use strong sun protection during your entire time in Aruba, such as sunscreen, chapstick with SPF, and sun hats with UV protection. However, you’ll want a backup plan if you get a little burnt. For this reason, we always suggest packing aloe vera for an Aruba beach trip. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Mosquito repellent bracelets

Mosquitos do not pose as big of an issue in Aruba as on other Caribbean islands due to the consistent trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Nonetheless, if you usually struggle with mosquito bites, it’s advisable to bring some repellent. We recommend the mosquito repellent bracelets because they’re easy to wear, and many are waterproof!

Prescription medications
On your checklist of things to bring to Aruba, prescription medications should be at the top. Keep in mind that they should go in your carry-on bag and be kept in their original containers. U.S. health insurance isn’t accepted in Aruba, so you don’t want to forget any medications you might need!

What to wear on the plane to Aruba
Remember that although you’re traveling to a tropical destination, you may want to dress differently for the airport and your flight. Planes are typically kept cooler, so you’ll want to wear layers, like a tank top with a light sweater and thin jogger pants. We wouldn’t suggest wearing shorts unless you layer pants over them for the flight or bring a blanket.

Instead of wearing sandals on the plane, you’ll probably be more comfortable in sneakers. Tennis shoes take up more space in your suitcase anyway, so you’ll save a little room by wearing them. Additionally, you may want to carry any larger sun hats onto the plane, so they don’t get squished in your suitcase!

What to wear during the day in Aruba
Woman in cover up and flip flops rolling pink suitcase in front of turquoise water in Aruba
Man in bathing suit and top feeding the flamingos in Aruba

Daytime temperatures in Aruba tend to be around 84/88°F (29/31°C), so consider packing clothing that will be comfortable in this climate. If you’re planning to spend most of your time at the beach, you may want to focus more on coverups and sandals than actual daytime clothing. The Aruba dress code is very laid-back, so consider packing casual outfits you would wear in the summertime.

Light, breathable clothing

The key to dressing comfortably in Aruba is to bring light and breathable clothing. For example, linen is a great choice as far as fabric for hot weather conditions. You’ll also want to avoid wearing darker colors like black since they absorb more heat.

Regarding clothes to pack for women, sundresses, thin shorts, and tank tops/t-shirts all make great Aruba outfit ideas. Short-sleeve button-down shirts, t-shirts, and breathable shorts are ideal for men. Athletic shorts are a must for more casual days! As far as whether or not to bring pants, you won’t find many people wearing jeans in Aruba due to the heat.

Bathing suits

If you’re planning to spend one week in Aruba, I would pack around 3-4 bathing suits. For water activities, you’ll want swimsuits that are comfortable and fit well so that they don’t shift while you move! You’ll likely want to pack a one-piece swimsuit for this reason.

Men may wish to purchase swim trunks that can double as shorts to maximize packing space. Moreover, we suggest finding swimsuits that are quick-dry for the beach.

Cover-ups

Since you’ll probably be in your bathing suit most of the time in Aruba, you’ll also want to pack plenty of cover-ups. If you’d like to quickly walk up to a beach bar or restaurant and grab food and drinks, throwing on a cover-up is the best option!

With this in mind, we suggest packing at least three cover-ups or sarongs in your suitcase. If you don’t want to spend on cover-ups, just bring some comfy athletic shorts and t-shirts.

Sunglasses

Considering the island’s extremely high UV index, you’ll need at least one pair of sunglasses on your Aruba packing checklist. Ideally, your sunglasses should either be polarized or have some sort of UV protection. While you can find cheaper sunglasses that will do the trick, we tend to splurge for polarized Ray-Bans.

Sun hat

We’ve mentioned that the sun is intense on the island; however, the wind is also substantial. So, if you’re wondering what to take to Aruba, don’t forget a sun hat. When searching for a hat for your vacation, make sure that it sits securely on your head and won’t blow away. Hats that are adjustable and fitted are your best bet!

Comfortable sandals

When packing shoes for Aruba, you’ll want at least two pairs of sandals or flip-flops. We suggest bringing one pair of designated beach sandals that are bound to get sandy! Additionally, have a second pair of more formal sandals to wear to dinner. You may also want to consider bringing water shoes or hiking sandals if you know you’ll be doing lots of water activities.

Sneakers

When thinking of what to pack for Aruba, you may not immediately think of sneakers. However, in our opinion, it’s always worth bringing one pair of tennis shoes in your suitcase.

In fact, you may even want to wear them on the plane to save room in your checked bag or carry-on. Keep in mind that you’ll be required to wear tennis shoes if you participate in activities like off-roading in Arikok National Park or horseback riding.

A trip to Aruba will involve plenty of time spent on the beach. Therefore, you’ll want to double-check that you pack all these vacation necessities in your suitcase! If you happen to forget any of these items, you will be able to buy them in stores around Aruba. However, they’ll likely be more expensive on the island than they would be at home.

Coral reef-safe sunscreen

Beginning in 2020, Aruba instituted a ban on suntan lotions that include oxybenzone–a chemical that contributes to coral reef deterioration. So, when you’re stocking up on supplies for your trip, be sure to purchase reef-safe sunscreen. Due to the high UV index in Aruba, it’s best to go with sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher.

Chapstick with SPF

People often remember to put sunscreen on but forget to protect their lips! We highly recommend packing chapstick that has at least SPF 30 and is reef-safe. Aruba is both sunny and windy, so chapstick is a necessary item when hitting the beach.

Reusable water bottle

Did you know that you can drink tap water in Aruba? This fact makes it a lot easier to stay hydrated in the heat. With this in mind, you’ll definitely want to bring a reusable water bottle you can carry to the beach! An insulated bottle is an excellent way to keep your water cool while sunbathing.

Waterproof phone case

Since you’ll be spending most of your time by the water, it’s 100% worth investing in a waterproof phone case. Whether you’re at the pool, the beach, or even visiting Renaissance Aruba Resort to see the flamingos, you don’t want to risk dropping your unprotected phone in the water.

Beach bag

You won’t be able to carry all your beach essentials without a beach bag! While you may be tempted to grab whatever tote or backpack you have lying around, it’s best to buy a sand-free or packable option. This way, you won’t find yourself carrying around unwanted sand, and your bag will fit into your luggage.

Sand-free beach towel

A sand-free beach towel is one of the best items you can buy for the beach in Aruba. We all know how annoying it can be to come home from the beach and find sand in random places for days! So, why not invest in a sand-free towel? They’re incredibly affordable, so it’s worth packing 2-3 for a week on the island.

Portable cooler

Some Airbnbs and hotels have portable coolers for guests to use. However, you might not want to take the chance of not having a cooler for the beach! If you have the extra room, we’d recommend packing a collapsible cooler in your suitcase.

Kindle
If you’re an avid reader, one of the best ways to save room in your suitcase is to bring a Kindle instead of physical books. With a Kindle, you won’t be limited in space at all! Due to the lighting at the beach, the best option is the Kindle Paperwhite. This e-reader has a sharper screen and is waterproof. If you’d like a premium option, check out the Kindle Oasis.

What to wear in the evening in Aruba

As far as what to wear in Aruba at night, evening wear on the island is very laid-back. So, don’t feel like you need to pack anything particularly formal. For women, maxi dresses with a light cardigan and comfortable sandals are your best bet. Due to the tropical climate, it’s recommendable to stick to light fabrics like linen and silk. If you prefer wearing pants, stick to linen wide leg or palazzo pants.

For men, slacks with a belt, a thin button-down shirt, and a pair of comfortable loafers will do! A light jacket is one of the most important things to bring to Aruba for evenings.

Additional important items
Aleve, Tylenol, or other pain relief
Hand wipes
Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
Makeup
Face wash
Band-aids and other first-aid supplies
Cortisone cream
Brush or comb
Sleep mask
Makeup remover
Glasses
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
Moisturizer
Hair ties
Socks
Razor
Contact lenses

Other items to consider
Scanned copies of important items
The U.S. Department of State recommends carrying a scanned copy of the information page on your passport. This way, if you misplace your passport, it’s easier to obtain a replacement. If you’d prefer not to pack a physical copy, you can also send the scan as a photo attachment to your e-mail in case of an emergency. You’ll also want a copy of your travel insurance!

Aruba travel guide book

What Clothes to Pack for Aruba

Aruba is very laid back so smart casual is the usual theme.
Clothing in lightweight natural fabrics i.e. linen, silk and cotton will work best.
Essentials include t-shirts or camisoles, a sarong and shorts during the day as most people spend their time on the beach or visiting the markets.
And don’t forget a sunhat and sunglasses.
After sun and sunscreen is very expensive so bring plenty with you (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection).
Mosquitoescan be a problem, so take insect/mosquito repellent and cover up with long sleeves and pants when you can, particularly in the evenings if you are outdoors. Avoid wearing any scent or perfume.
It is a good idea to keep your swimwear for the beach, beach bars and hotel pools.
The nights can be a little cooler and a sweater, pashmina or wrap is worth popping in your case.
Be aware that it is illegal to have army/combat type clothing or print.
There are the usual hotel laundry facilities but the climate is such that everything dries overnight.
Aruba swimwear

Pack for the weather
June, July, August, September, October and November is officially the rainy season, although it tends to start earlier these days. Although called the rainy season you do still get lots of sunshine, but it is interrupted by deluges of rain which last for up to 30 minutes at a time. As it’s tropical though, you’ll dry off quickly. You may like to take a light raincoat or travel umbrella.
Make sure you check out an accurate 6-day forecast before you head off. It will give you a great idea on what you need to pack.
Shoes to pack for Aruba
As for shoes… one evening pair, one beach pair and one pair of light walking sandals/shoes are all you need – we love Hotter shoes, they’re really comfy and look great too.
We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range too – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.
Clothing tips for women
At night it all smartens up for eating out. Ladies tend to wear short summer sundresses. Take a wrap or light cardigan as just after a downpour it cools very quickly, but only temporarily.
A pashmina will be very versatile and will dress up any outfit, as well as providing cover from the sun or a chilly breeze.
A cover-up is a must-have item for the pool and beach.
An eye-catching jewelry scarf is a versatile way to smarten up an evening outfit.
wear a cover up on the beach in Aruba

A cover-up is perfect for throwing over your swimsuit at the beach or pool.

Clothing tips for men
If you’re looking for versatile and stylish beachwear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.
At night it all smartens up for eating out. Men wear long pants and short-sleeved shirts (no t-shirts)
Check out How to style an effortless resort wardrobe for men it will give you plenty of extra tips and outline what you should pack for your trip to Aruba.
Also, check out this easy to follow Men’s Beach Capsule Wardrobe it will give you plenty of tips on how to pack for a beach vacation.
how to dress in aruba men

Tip tip for men: relaxed linen shirts are perfect for wearing to bars and restaurants in the evening, roll up the cuffs for a vacation vibe.

Travel essentials for Aruba
A lightweight day sack or beach bag will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials.
Tap water is safe to drink, but if you tend to buy bottled water consider carrying a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle – fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step up voltage converter if your devices are not designed for local voltage (120V).
If you’re aiming to travel with just carry-on baggage, try the CabinMax soft-sided rucksack – it’s light, roomy and has plenty of pockets to keep your stuff organized.
Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Aloe products and lotions are popular buys – but remember you will need to pack any liquids in checked-in luggage.

Check out the complete Aruba Packing list including top tips on what not to pack:

What to pack for Aruba
What to pack for Aruba, Complete Aruba packing list

What I Wore In Aruba

I spent a week in Aruba over New Years and wanted to share what I packed and wore on the trip for those of you looking for warm sunny vacation outfit inspiration!

I wasn’t planning on doing posts on the trip so I don’t have pics of most of what I wore but I did get some snaps of a few things and the rest I’ll put in boutique widgets for easy shopping. I’ll put a full packing list at the end of the post.

Bathing Suits & Cover-Ups

For a 7 day trip I packed 3 bathing suits and 3 cover-up outfits since my goal was to spend time on the beach every day.

Dinner & Evening Out Outfits

I brought mainly jeans and cute tops for casual dinners but I like to have a couple dresses to choose from for going to nicer places. Most of the clothes I brought aren’t available now so I’ll link similar items in the boutiques below.

My Entire Packing List

• 3 Dresses
• 4 Go-Out Tops
• 4 Jackets/Sweaters: White Blazer, Black Cardigan, Windbreaker Jacket, Lightweight Sweatshirt (Hoodie)
• 2 Pair of Jeans: 1 White Skinny + Medium Wash Blue Jeans
• 5 Short Sleeve Tee Shirts (2 worn on travel days)
• 3 Pairs of Shorts: 1 Denim cutoff, 1 White Cotton, 1 Black Linen
• 3 Bathing Suits: 2 Tankinis, 1 Bikini
• 2 Beach Cover Ups: Linen Pants, White Dress
• 2 Workout outfits (crop leggings, peds, tank top)
• 4 Pairs of Shoes: Sneakers for travel & workouts, Flipflops for beach, Platform Espadrilles & Black Strappy Sandals for evening
• Bras: 1 Regular Bra, 1 Racer Back Bra, 1 Strapless Bra, 2 Sports Bras
• 3 Handbags/Totes: 1 RFID Wristlet, 1 Crossbody Purse, 1 Beach Tote
• Accessories: Large Brim Hat, Baseball Hat, Sunglasses, Belt, 3 Necklaces, 2 Pair Earrings