6 Tips for a More Affordable Aruba Family Vacation

You may be surprised to discover it isn’t hard to take an affordable Aruba family vacation. With its convenient location in the Caribbean, Aruba is a great destination for U.S. families to visit because it’s very safe, beautiful, and fun. Plus, the beaches are beautiful and the weather is amazing. Of course, traveling as a family isn’t always cheap, and that’s what often deters a lot of parents from visiting Aruba. However, it’s actually pretty easy to take an affordable Aruba family vacation. From where you’ll be staying to food options and transportation, I have some great tips for other parents based on my own experiences visiting Aruba. Stay tuned for 6 Tips For A More Affordable Aruba Family Vacation!

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Head to the Supermarket

One of the best ways to save money while staying in Aruba is by visiting the supermarket as often as you can. Super Food Plaza is a good option around Aruba – it’s massive and has everything, but mostly Dutch brands. They are known for their excellent bakery and freshly baked bread, as well as the gruyere cheese. Kong Hing is another smaller store with American brands, though the produce is subpar. Ling and Sons is also a great option that carries American brands. Ling’s and Super Food are a few blocks apart. Stock up here so you can save money on restaurant dining! This is one of my biggest tips for taking an affordable Aruba family vacation.

Stock Up on Souveniers

Souvenirs are another fantastic way to save money in Aruba. Assuming you’ll want to bring mementos home from your family vacation, there are a few places you can visit that won’t break the bank. One of the few souvenir options I love is the “I Love Aruba” store. They make hats and shirts with the Aruba logo and a sports team (i.e. Aruba + Patriots, Celtics). They come out great! Kids will definitely find a few things they love here, and parents might too. I avoid shopping in town which has shops that cater to cruise ships and carry the usual high-end, duty-free products. This is another surefire way to ensure an affordable Aruba family vacation.

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Pack Extra Sunscreen

Staying protected with sunscreen is essential when vacationing in the Caribbean. If you plan on visiting the beach often (which you should!), you may even be going through multiple tubes of it. Even if you don’t think you need much sunscreen, pack extra anyway. It costs a fortune in Aruba and will require you to go out of the way to a supermarket or souvenir shop that hikes the price up. Your best bet is to bring any sunscreen, aloe sun gel, or other cosmetic products you need with you. (Don’t forget the protective clothing!) It’ll save you a ton of time and money too. This is a great tip for your next affordable Aruba family vacation.

See some of the best shorelines on the island when you visit the Best Beaches In Aruba For Families!

Don’t Bring Too Much Clothing

Packing the right items is a must when visiting Aruba with kids. Since the island is casual, there’s no need to overpack a lot of clothes. (This applies to adults and children!) You’ll likely be wearing bathing suits all day, so you can probably save on your suitcase if you pack light and only bring a carry-on. Of course, don’t forget to pack a few more dressy options too, just in case you want to eat at an upscale restaurant. Some people dress up a bit in the evenings in casual sundresses and polo shirts.

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Stay at an Affordable Resort

Where you’ll stay in Aruba depends on your budget. Since it’s a Caribbean island, it has a lot of tourist infrastructure, including all-inclusive hotels. This is usually a popular option with families with young kids, but it can get expensive. Timeshares are another popular option and may be the most affordable choice for families who visit Aruba often. We have a timeshare at Costa Linda Beach Resort and love the ambiance and the amazing beach. Our kids always have a great time!

Many people stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort, but the beach can get extremely crowded during the holidays. Other great options are the Barcelo Aruba, Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club, or The Holiday Inn, Aruba – Beach Resort and Casino. If you’re traveling without kids, an amazing option is the adults-only Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. You can even stop by for dinner or drinks during your vacation!

Looking for a resort to stay in Aruba with kids? Check out our list of the 7 Best Family Resorts In Aruba!

Arrange Transportation Ahead of Time

Transportation in Aruba can be an issue if you want to visit multiple sights around the island. You can take taxis anywhere, but you’ll have to call for them, deal with the wait, and then they can definitely add up. When traveling to Aruba with kids, we always rent a car and car seats to make it easier.

The car seats are not the high-end brands you’re probably familiar with, but they do the job for the time being. I was always most comfortable with the booster seats. This is one of the best ways to take an affordable Aruba family vacation. Call a week ahead of travel to confirm your rental and car seats to avoid hassle at the airport!

Planning an Aruba itinerary? Check out these 12 Things To Do In Aruba With Kids!

Happy Travels!

We hope you liked this article on 6 Tips For A More Affordable Aruba Family Vacation! Travel research can be overwhelming and there are a lot of places to spend your money, but hopefully, the tips above will help you plan an affordable Aruba family vacation! Enjoy the Caribbean with your kids!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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