Some people say Aruba is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be costly for you – because in my opinion you can experience Aruba on a budget if you wanted to.

You just need the right tips to save money in Aruba.

With the following tips you can save yourself a few hundred dollars or more guaranteed!

How To Visit Aruba on a Budget

So what are the different ways you can save money in Aruba?

Here are my top recommendations….

Pick The Right Season To Visit Aruba

You can save a lot of bucks if you travel during the low season, because you get better prices for airfare and accommodation.

Low season starts around May and ends in November.

December is high season.

Prices for airfare and accommodation go sky high during the high season, because a lot of people want to escape the cold winter weather and the airlines and hotels know this, so they raise their prices.

So how do you get a better price on airfare?

There are different ways you can do this….

• Search for flights that depart on weekdays rather than weekends
• Consider flight layovers, it takes longer to reach paradise, but you save money.
• Check for last minute offers
• Try different airlines to find better deals
• Search for rates incognito online and reset your browsers history.
• Check airfare rates constantly, even if it means waking up during the night.
• Use travel points if you have them saved

Finding a place to stay in Aruba

Now that you’ve found the best price for your flight, it’s time to find a place to stay.

Finding an inexpensive accommodation is the way to go – if you’re visiting Aruba on a budget.

Here’s a few tips for finding a cheap place to stay….

• skip all inclusive packages & rent a timeshare
• follow hotels on social media, and lookout for their deals and sales.
• rent a beach house
• check AirBnB.com & VRBO.com to rent from locals.

The price for accommodation in Aruba is based on location.

If you’re close to the beach, expect to pay more money – the more inland you find a place to stay, the more money you will save in Aruba.

How To Save Money When You’re Actually In Aruba

Now that you’ve got two of the most important things covered (airfare & accommodation) – what can you do so you don’t go over your budget while you’re on the island?

Most of your money will go to transportation, food, drinks, entertainment and some tips – if you’re generous.

Transportation

There are three ways you can get transportation in Aruba, you can either take the bus, catch a taxi or rent a car – you can also walk or ask for lift, but no thanks 🙂

Picking the cheapest way to get around the island, depends on the duration of your vacation, the location of the place you’re staying, and what you actually want to do in Aruba.

If you’re staying near the hotel area and don’t plan on leaving your resort for either going to the beach or visiting a few restaurants, you’re better off taking the bus or a taxi.

The bus fare in Aruba is really inexpensive (less than $5.00, good for 2 rides).

Taxi’s can be really expensive – up to $15.00 or more per ride, depending where you’re going.

If you plan to explore the island and still want to save money – renting a car is the way to go!

Renting a car will cost you around $40.00 a day during low season, and about $50.00 during high season.

If you want to rent a car, click here to request a quote directly from me.

Eating in Aruba on a Budget

Aruba is known for the best restaurants in the Caribbean, but you’re not going to save money if you eat out everyday (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

You can save money by buying groceries at the supermarket in Aruba (at superfood – if you’re staying at the hotel area), or at any other local supermarket if you’re staying inland.

The key to saving money on food is to find a place to stay that has a kitchenette – everything you need to prepare your breakfast and lunch.

You can save money to spend on dinners at restaurants during the night.

Here’s a few other tips to save money on food and drinks….

• Pack food in your luggage, granola bars and your favorite treats
• Look out for restaurants with early bird dinners
• Check for discount coupons in flyers on Aruba
• Go to happy hours for drinks
• Buy alcohol at the supermarket
• Buy a reusable water bottle, and fill with tap water in Aruba.
  

Having Fun in Aruba on a Budget

Aruba has plenty of things to do, however most activities you need to pay for.

For example, if you want to see the pink flamingos on a private island or visit a water park it’s about $100.00 per person, but you might find that expensive.

If you want to explore the island on a budget you have two options – book a tour to take you sightseeing, which is around $70.00 per person or more – the more expensive choice, if you’re with a big group.

Or you can rent a car for less than $60.00 a day and explore the island yourself, which is more economic than going on a tour.

Here’s a list of fun-activities that are free or inexpensive that you can visit on your own.

• climb California lighthouse (around $8.00 per person)
• visit alto vista chapel
• bushiribana gold mine
• natural bridge
• natural pool (only accessible with jeep)
• Snorkel at mangel halto, baby beach, tres trapi, boca catalina
• Butterfly farm
• National park arikok
• Philip’s animal garden
• Lourdes Grotto
• Visit the downtown area (museums, walking tours, ride electric tram)
• Tour around aloe factory
• Bird sanctuary & donkey sanctuary
• Bon Bini Festival
• National Park Arikok
• If you enjoy fishing, share a boat with someone else to split the costs
• Visit a private beach

There’s definitely more things you could do in Aruba that are very inexpensive, this is just a tip for what’s available….


Conclusion For Aruba on a Budget

Getting the best price on airfare and accommodation in Aruba is important if you’re on a budget. To get the best price on airfare, check the prices online 24/7 – to find the best deals.

If you don’t know where to find discounts or the best price on your everyday expenses, you can quickly go over your vacation budget.

Pick up flyers that offer discounts at the airport for different activities on the island.

When you enter the local supermarket, check out the flyers for deals on groceries at the moment.

Eating out at popular restaurants sounds delicious but it can be costly if you’re on a budget. Cooking some of your own meals, and save a few bucks to spend in restaurants that you’ve looking forward to try.

If you follow my recommendations you will be sure to save yourself some serious cash during your trip.

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