Create a budget for your dream vacation: trip to Aruba cost
How much does a trip to Aruba cost? A trip to Aruba may seem unaffordable, but it doesn’t have to be. The Caribbean islands are famous for luxurious and expensive tourist plans. However, if you prepare your vacation in advance and stick to your budget, you will be able to enjoy the many wonderful experiences Aruba has to offer: beautiful beaches, multicultural cuisine, unforgettable landscapes, fun water activities, lovely roads and so much more.
In this article we give you all the tips you need to create a reasonable budget for your dream vacation in Aruba. The goal is a budget that fits your means but does not deprive you of enjoyment. Let’s dive into it!
What should you consider when creating a budget for your trip to Aruba?
How do you create an intelligent budget for your trip? All travel experts recommend creating an itinerary! With it, you will not only make the most of your time at the destination, you will also be able to work out approximately how much you will spend on your vacation.
Try to make your itinerary as detailed as possible. What kind of comforts do you want? How many days will the trip last? What activities will you do? Then decide how much you are willing to spend each day, and do not exceed that number.
There are several basic elements you must take into account when creating any travel budget:
- Airplane tickets. The cost of plane tickets from your place of origin to Aruba’s airport. If there are no direct flights, consider any additional flights you need to take to get to Oranjestad, the capital of the island.
- Accommodation. In Aruba you can stay in resort hotels, cheap hotels, hostels, rooms and apartments on Airbnb, and even Couchsurfing.
- Inland transportation. Any means of transportation you take on the island. There is public transportation, such as buses and taxis, and there is also a wide range of car rental options. Of course, we recommend renting a car, especially if your goal is to get to know the entire island or travel between its towns.
- Food. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also any snack you need during the day.
- Tourist attractions and entertainment. Research what you want to visit (museums, concerts, restaurants, beaches, snorkeling, viewpoints) and plan your activities in Aruba day by day.
- Other expenses. Travel insurance, health insurance, passport, visa, souvenirs, shopping and so on.
- Emergencies. It is very important to set aside some money in case of the unexpected. All in all, Aruba is a very safe island; however, losing your belongings or having an accident can happen. That’s why an amount for emergencies can be a lifesaver.
To create your total budget, add up what you are willing to spend on each of these seven items. You will get a fairly accurate estimate of what you will spend on your dream vacation.
How much does a trip to Aruba cost?
The first thing you should know is that the currency in Aruba is the Aruban florin (AWG). One United States dollar is equal to 1.80 AWG, so the cost of your trip will depend on the exchange rate of your country’s currency to Aruban florins. Keep that in mind!
Moreover, the cost of your trip to Aruba will mainly depend on the kind of trip you want and are willing to pay for. A luxurious honeymoon? A family vacation? A backpacker’s adventure? In Aruba there are options for both luxury seekers and backpackers, so there is no single cost for a trip to Aruba. Below are some average costs for the main elements of your travel budget:
Airplane tickets
The cost of plane tickets naturally depends on your place of origin, the dates of your trip, and whether you travel in high or low season. We recommend checking flights to Aruba with your preferred airline or on websites such as Kayak or Skyscanner.
Accommodation
The average cost of resort and luxury hotels can range from 700 to 1,200 AWG per night or higher. Two- and three-star hotels and hostels start at 150 AWG a night in Oranjestad, but get closer to 200 AWG near the beach resort areas. On Airbnb you can find rooms and apartments for 80 to 200 AWG per night.
Inland transportation
The most expensive option is of course taxis, which don’t have meters, as rates are set by the government. A taxi from the airport can cost 50–100 AWG.
The public bus in Aruba is Arubus. A return ticket costs 8.75 AWG, and an unlimited day pass 17.50 AWG. This option is great if you travel on your own, but not so thrifty if you travel with your family or group.
There are also car rental options, depending on the model and the number of days. You can look up the best car rental option for you on Optima’s website. In Aruba you won’t need an International Driving Permit to rent a car. However, you must be at least 21 and have had your license for two years.
Food
A seafood restaurant meal in Palm Beach can cost approximately 30 AWG, and a fast food combo meal around 17 AWG. A beer can cost around 8–9 AWG, a latte or cappuccino around 6 AWG, and bottled water around 2–3 AWG. We recommend cooking your own food if you want to save money: a week’s worth of groceries costs around 130 AWG.
Some tips to make your trip to Aruba cheaper
Here is some advice for a reasonable budget for your dream vacation that won’t bankrupt you:
- Travel off season: the summer and winter holiday seasons are the most expensive times to visit. Try visiting Aruba in September, October, April or May.
- Look for a place to stay with a kitchen, so you can prepare most of your meals. Shop at supermarkets, try local food and avoid fancy restaurants. Also bring your own food to the beach.
- Book accommodation and transportation online and in advance!
And last but not least: rent a car! Taxis or tours can be very expensive; they can cost up to 100 AWG per person! You will save a lot of money if you rent a car, and you will have the comfort and freedom to go wherever you want on the island. You could visit places like Eagle Beach or the California Lighthouse any time you want. You will not regret it! At Optima we have affordable options for you to enjoy your dream vacation, driving along the coast of this marvelous Caribbean island while you take care of your wallet. Aruba also welcomes budget travelers!