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Aruba is not only the perfect destinations for honeymoons and fancy celebrations, but also for solo travel! As a 21-year old college student, I recently went to Aruba on a solo trip and found all of the best things to do on the island. Here’s your 5-day itinerary to ensure you make the most of your time in this Caribbean paradise.
When planning my trip, I knew I had to visit to the famous Flamingo Beach at Renaissance Island. I had an amazing morning on this private beach and got to hang out with the flamingos, take great pictures, and see tons of tropical fish while snorkeling.
After an amazing day at the beach, you're going to want to treat yourself to pancakes for dinner at The Dutch Pancakehouse. They offer 75+ flavors of savory and sweet pancakes and live entertainment at sunset. Personally, I got the Picasso pancake and it hit the spot.
For nature lovers like myself, Arikok National Park showcases the true beauty of Aruba. You can explore the mystical Fontein Cave, look at ancient petroglyph cave drawings, and visit a natural pool!
One of the best ways to experience Aruban culture is to see the The Bon Bini Festival. This festival takes place in Oranjestad on Tuesday nights. The venue comes alive with music, dance, local craft stalls & authentic snacks.
One of the most memorable experiences I had in Aruba occurred at the Donkey Sanctuary. All of these donkeys are rescued from the streets and each have an amazing story. You are able to feed them, pet them, and there is even an option to adopt a donkey. Pro tip: bring carrots, they love these!
After visiting the Donkey Sanctuary, I headed to Philip's Animal Garden, a rescue garden for animals illegally brought to the island or owned as exotic pets. The Garden itself is beautifully designed and very relaxing. There were free-roaming goats and a donkey that led me around as my unofficial tour guides :)
After a long day, I headed to Surfside Beach Bar for Happy Hour at 5 PM and to see the sunset. This beach was stunning and I was able to relax and sip on a classic “Aruba Ariba” drink for only $3.50. Enough said.
Snorkeling in Aruba is a must, as their water is crystal clear. Grab your snorkel gear and head to Tres Trapi, a hidden gem boasting natural pools, which was perfect for a relaxing morning dip. I was able to swim with sea turtles, tropical fish & other marine creatures. A bucket list moment for sure.
Snorkeling is no joke, I was so tired and hungry and needed to refuel at The West Deck for a beachside lunch. They have great seafood dishes and a very casual atmosphere. After eating, you can spend the rest of the day beach-hopping in the area.
As your adventure draws to a close, make sure to save the opportunity for some last-minute thrills. I spent my final morning exploring Downtown Oranjestad and took their free Streetcar tour. This trolley was super cute and a great way to see Downtown from a new perspective (and gave my feet a much needed break).
Before heading to the airport, I grabbed a quick brunch at Aruba Experience Café. This instagrammable brunch spot left me feeling like a true local and inspired to embark on another journey.
Aruba's promise is simple: a warm welcome from the locals, a blend of adventure and relaxation, and a desire to return. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
To learn more about this trip and about my solo travel journey you can follow my blog, Chasing Cassidy. To see all of the spots listed in this journal in real life, feel free to check out my TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Hello! I am an aspiring travel blogger and content creator and I want to bring a unique approach to the industry. I want to focus on how travel and service can be used to develop one's personal growth and leadership skills!
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