Aruba..what clothes to pack?

I've never been to the Caribbean and I know obviously it's going to be hot there but how is it at night? We're going in April.
I've started doing some shopping and I know obviously that I needed some tank tops, skrts, etc. but I'm not sure if I should bring a pair of pants or two for night....or is it too hot for them? Also, how fancy do I need to dress for dinner at different restaurents? I got a book that said it had dress code info for different restaurants but it doesn't!
I should add that I'm always cold so even if it is in the lower 70's or something at night that would be good to know!

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

I went in June, late june into July and it was HOT! NO pants. what restaurants did you want to go too? we went to many. If you are going to Le Dome or Chez Mathilde (sp) you MUST be dressed up- men dress shirt tie and slacks and women cocktail dress. those 2 are very fancy, BEAUTIFUL, FANTASTIC food but $$$$$. well worth it though and its your HM you have to splurge .Both of those restaurants gave us gifts for being on our HM, le dome a beautiful candle and Chez a bottle of their famous champagne, let me know where you are going and I will let you know. Flying Fishbone was resort casual meaning a skirt, summer dress, men collard shirts, dress shorts, as most of them were.

at night lets see by the beach yes it did get a bit breezy and Im always cold too so I had a light cardigan but found myself putting it on, taking it off.

I would go into arubas website and check what the average temp is for april. I will check for you too and post it.

Average High 87
Average Low 78
Warmest ever 93
Coldest ever 72
Average dew point 73
Wet days 7

Message edited 1/28/2006 10:32:30 PM.

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

Thanks! That's really helpful to know. Now we both know what we need to buy/bring.

We were thinking of maybe trying Le Dome and definitely Flying Fishbone. Also we're next door to the Manchebo which has the French Steakhouse which I read at Tripadvisor.com is very good and very reasonable. I researched our HM so I know where *I* want to eat but FH is only really getting into it now so he's reading our book and we're talking as he reads about what restaurants to go to Someone (you?) advised me to make reservations 1 month before we go for the restaurants. Do you think that seems right or should we do it sooner?..it will be right after Easter, the week of Spring break for lots of people in the U.S.!
thanks again for all the info!

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

I think 1 month is fine but I would call them 2 months prior and ask if they take reservations that early in advance. I made mine 1 month in advance and then they tell you that as soon as you get on the island to call, ( call from the hotel, should be no charge for local calls) and reconfirm your reservations. Also make sure you tell them you are on your HM and also ask your hotel if they participate in whats called- "One Cool Honeymoon"- you get special discounts and gifts to a lot of restaurants, stores, excursions, rentals. Your hotel will give you a card either with your picture or signature to show at all participating places. We got some really nice gifts from restaurants. Its great to do a ton of research before you go, it makes getting around and "knowing" the island so much easier! good luck and if you have any questions dont hesitate to FM me too. If you are renting a car or jeep let me know, I know of a hidden snorkeling beach that I def rec, we called it our beach when we were there. some times other people would come but for the most part we were there by ourselves and its a great area to snorkel just hang out. you can bring lunch for picnic too if you wanted.

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

ive just started research on aruba... you ladies know A LOT more than i do.. i looked into the "Cool Honeymoon" card, as well as De Palm Tours (sunset dinner sail, snorkel) as well as the AGA card with participating resturants.. we were thinking of doing a 3 night card and then going to nicer rest. the other nights.. do you think that is a good idea?? i heard rest. are really expensive..

the hotel im looking at (bucuti) offers a cont. breakfast.. we are on our own for lunch and dinner - which scares me b/c it might be pricey... but i dont want to be stuck at an all inclusive..

as for clothes - it always gets a little chilly on those islands at night (aside from the sun you get alll day) - a little sweater is good..

any info you can give to a beginner here, would be greatly appreciated..

thanks..

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

It always hot! So a nice dress, or a nice tank top and jeans. Bring a light sweater and a sweat shirt. You might get cold in the air conditioning.

Message edited 1/29/2006 2:25:40 PM.

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

I have learned from my honeymoon experience .....we have an Aruba timeshare so we will be going back every year.

I packed way too many clothes. I packed 5 shorts/capris, 2 skirts, 2 dresses, 1 tee shirt, 5 tanks for a 7 day hm

well I ended up wearing primarily my swimsuit/sarong all day...then showering and put on a dress or a capri/halter top for dinner

next year, Im only packing a duffle bag's worth of clothes

keep in mind that if packing light is more your style, you can always wash your clothes one day and that would cut down on your packing


weather wise- Im a girl who was wrapped in a towel in Cancun last year when it was 88 out....but in Aruba it is so hot but the breeze makes it feel just warm and delicious! at night, I was fine wearing tanks...however the AC in my room was FREEZING- I wish I packed flannel PJ's instead of HM lingerie

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

girlygrl, yes, I would love to know about your private beach! I'm a water wuss but still want to try snorkling and either way a secluded spot sounds great.

AlliNMatt-- you know, I keep forgetting about the AC. I will definitely bring a sweatshirt.

JPC: ooh, good point about what to wear to sleep in..I will have to bring lingerie AND warmer stuff tho lol

What you said was way too much is along the lines of what I was gonna pack! I will have to re-evaluate. I *always* pack too much even if it's just for an overnight trip or something.

maryb, the bucuti is where we're staying. If you're worried about food, there's a pizza place across the street, & the Manchebo has a restaurant next door it's supposed to be really good and reasonable..they have a five course dinner for $40 or something and an early-bird dinner for $20, I think. The restaurant at the bucuti has gotten mixed reviews but the sense I get is it's fine for sandwiches at lunch...it's not bad, just more like eating at TGIFridays or something. Also, people have told me to go to the grocery store there and stock up on lunch meat, bread, granola bars, etc. so you can have that in you're room for lunch (if you stay in a Tara Suite at the bucuti don't forget you'll have your own fridge!)

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

Hi, ok the private beach. On your way to the lighthouse you will see an open cove, drive slow on that strip its way before you reach the turn sign to follow the road for the lighthouse, as you are going you will see an open cove, some cars may allready be there parked but you cant see the beach unless you tilt and lift up in your seat in the car, you may even see some people snorkeling b/c that is where the pirate ship and the catamarans take you to snorkel. across the street are homes, beautiful ones too. when you see a barge in the water that is rotting you are not to far from that open cove, keep going. the house across the street has a hummer at least they did last year and a beautiful gated home. bring a picnic and your snorkel gear and lots of suntan lotion!!! I took pics I have to find them to give you a better idea of what you are looking for, it sounds harder than it is to find but its sooooo simple as you will see there arent too many opening and coves on that strip /road up to the lighthouse, once you see that sign and turn to go up to the lighthouse turn around you passed it, once you go that far its all dunes . I will FM you with the pics as soon as I find them.

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

thanks for the private beach info btw!!

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

OMG This thread is wonderful.. Im on Victorias Secret all the time ordering stuff for my honeymoon- WHICH IS IN AUGUST!!

I ALWAYS overpack, no matter where I go. I like to have alot of choices on what to wear. Besides that, I tend to change my clothes a gazillion times a day, but I agree. I think during the day the only thing I'm going to really need is a bikini & a sarong!!!

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

oh, I am SO addicted to Victorias Secret clothes right now!! I got a lot of cute stuff from them

And don't forget you need some cute clothes to wear during the day for sightseeing!!

I have to say I'm gonna be very well dressed this summer!!

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

hey janie... i will be leaving aruba when you will be coming..

im leaving the tues 8/28... when are you going??

Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

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Posted by maryb

hey janie... i will be leaving aruba when you will be coming..

im leaving the tues 8/28... when are you going??

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Re: Aruba..what clothes to pack?

oh dumb me.. umm yeah - im leaving that afternoon

im going 8/22 - 8/28... that would of been funny to meet up - if you get there early - maybe we can meet for lunch...