I just returned from a relaxing solo getaway to Aruba and it couldn’t have been easier. Aruba’s easygoing vibe coupled with the friendliness of its locals make it an ideal destination for solo travel. Here are some tips for traveling solo in Aruba that allowed me to really unplug and enjoy my time there.

• Choose Your Accommodations Wisely. It’s important to select a hotel that offers security and privacy as well as casual opportunities for guests to socialize. I chose The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel as it was a small, family-owned property of individual casitas with a colorful and charming aesthetic. I stayed in the Coco Casita, which had a separate living area, private patio with hammock, and a mini kitchen fully stocked with supplies. When I arrived, a bottle of wine, complimentary snacks, and a hand-written note were waiting for me. The Boardwalk’s access to lovely Palm Beach with shady palapas and bar/food service provided by the neighboring Ritz Carlton Hotel made for an easy breezy experience. The Boardwalk’s mobile app could be used to make spa appointments, reserve beach palapas, order room-service, and even access my room.
  
  
  
  
• Pack Light. While the urge to bring every sundress and swimsuit you own is tempting, it is so important to bring only carry-on luggage if possible. You will avoid lost luggage stress and breeze through customs more easily. Aruba is a very casual island so all you really need are a couple of swimsuits, a coverup, and casual dresses for evening.
  
  
  
  
• Pick Seats Mindfully. When booking your flights be sure to reserve a seat closer to the front of the plane to avoid having the airline check your bag. This happened to me on my flight from Miami as my seat was in the rear of the plane and there was no more storage available in the overhead bins.
  
• Invest in an AirTag. If you don’t heed the above and decide to check your luggage (or the airline requires you to) be sure to have an air tag inside your bag so you can locate it in the event that it is lost.
  
• Take a Tour. A great way to see the sites and meet new people, Isla Aruba Tours offers private small-group adventure trips to experience Aruba in a more personalized, intimate way. I highly recommend the Natural Pools, Caves, and Baby Beach Tour to visit Arikok National Park and the Beach and Snorkeling Private Tour that visits Mangel Halto Beach.
  
  
  
• Hire a Driver for the Week. This is another option for exploring the island if driving in unfamiliar places is anxiety-provoking. Ask the hotel for recommendations on reliable drivers. A word about taxis – during my stay in Aruba the rates individual drivers charged were all over the place. A ten minute drive cost me $9 one day and $30 the next, as the fares in Aruba are determined by location not distance. If you plan to use taxis while on the island bring ample cash.
  
  
  
• Dine at Off-Times. To avoid walking around alone at night, go to dinner early or take a late lunch. The Boardwalk’s on-site restaurant, Eduardo’s Beach Shack, serves food from 8 am to 5 pm daily. Its healthy plant-based offerings include all-day breakfast, smoothies, acai bowls, burgers, and fish sandwiches. To experience the incredible Aruba sunsets, grab a waterside table at the Ritz Carlton or the Marriott across the street from the Boardwalk. The Ritz sushi bar is to die for.
  
  
  

For questions about solo travel to the island of Aruba or to book your next island escape, contact me at mymermaidsoul.com.