According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, the island received more than 1.24 million stayover tourists in 2023.
The average length of their stay was also noted to be around 6 to 9 days, which gave visitors plenty of time to explore the following places and activities in Aruba.
- Eagle Beach
- Arikok National Park’s Majestic Rock Formations
- Vibrant Art Murals
- Island Festival Celebrated on The Streets of San Nicolas
Given the wide variety of attractions available on the island, Aruba vacation rentals have become an increasingly popular option for tourists looking for a longer stay.
If you’re planning on heading to Aruba on your next vacation, here are some tips to help make your vacation rental experience in Aruba hassle-free.
This Is How You Will Make Your Vacation Rental Experience In Aruba Smooth
The demand for vacation rentals in Aruba is on the rise. According to the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), 31% of the visitors opted for a vacation rental experience instead of booking traditional hotels.
This is a major shift in the kind of accommodations tourists want during their vacations. Today, tourists are more particular about their privacy and “space.” So, they are looking for a short-term home, and a vacation rental can perfectly match their requirements.
Moreover, a vacation rental experience in Aruba is a great way to be familiar with the local culture.
Still, for the best vacation rental experience, you need to consider certain factors. At Dream and Travel, we have curated some smart tips for you.
1. Set Your Budget Early On
The rates for vacation rentals can vary depending on the following factors.
- The type of property
- Location of the property
- Number of rooms
- Available amenities, etc.
Hence, it’s better to set your budget early on so that you can narrow your options down to properties that won’t break the bank. After all, you don’t want to drain your vacation budget just on accommodations alone.
In addition to the rental rate per night, allot a budget for other possible expenses, such as housekeeping and service fees.
Setting a budget and sticking to it can make your booking experience and rental stay much more stress-free, as you’re not constantly worrying about going over your planned expenses.
2. Reach Out To Local Vacation Rental Agencies
While there are various third-party websites and global online travel agencies out there where you can book your Aruba accommodations, you’ll get better deals by reaching out to a local vacation rental agency instead.
This is because you won’t have to deal with middlemen who may take additional fees on top of your original booking fee.
Communication can also go more smoothly as you can just directly ask questions to the locals managing the rental home rather than have a back-and-forth with a third-party agency that doesn’t have first-hand knowledge of the property.
Additionally, locals are closely connected to the community and can offer personalized recommendations.
Are you planning to visit Palm Beach and enjoy an afternoon of water sports? Or perhaps you’re looking to explore Aruba’s nightlife by visiting clubs and beach bars after the sun goes down.
Whatever your plans are, a local travel agency can surely recommend several vacation rentals near you. They can also assist with booking car rentals, tours, and other services from trusted local providers.
3. Research The Property Location
Consider what type of area you’d want to stay in as well. You can prefer a more intimate location that’s just a walking distance from the beach, or you desire to be right in the middle of Oranjestad for better access to the local shops and establishments in the city.
You have to choose the right location to enhance your vacation rental experience in Aruba. If online maps aren’t giving you a clear idea of where to book, you can also just try inquiring with a local travel agency.
4. Determine Your Required Amenities And Facilities To Enjoy The Best Vacation Rental Experience In Aruba
To ensure a pleasant stay, verify as well that the rental property you intend to stay at has all the amenities you require.
This could be a specific number of bedrooms and bathrooms your group will need or a fully equipped kitchen if you’re planning to cook meals during your stay, among others.
Check for additional amenities you may also want to enjoy, such as a private pool or a jacuzzi.
Often, these are already stated right on the property listing. However, don’t hesitate to reach out to the rental agency or property owner if you need to clarify details further.
5. Read Rental Terms Thoroughly
Misunderstandings over rental terms can cause a great deal of stress during your vacation. Hence, be sure to read your rental agreement thoroughly.
Further, you need to note the following key details.
- Check-in and Check-out Times
- Property Do’s and Don’ts
- Additional Service Fees (Including Cleaning and Laundry)
Dream And Travel Tips
Make sure that the vacation rental does not have any hidden clause regarding its fee structure. You must also flag irregularities at the time of going through the final cheque.
6. Keep Communication Lines Open For The Best Vacation Rental Experience In Aruba
During your stay, unexpected issues may arise—perhaps the air conditioning might need adjustment or there might arise a minor plumbing issue to address.
These can all be resolved properly so long as you keep communication lines open with the property manager or travel rental agency. Make sure you’re aware of their contact information so you can quickly reach out in case you need assistance.
With proper planning and preparation, you can surely enjoy a hassle-free vacation rental experience in Aruba. Let the tips in this article be your guide as you book the perfect accommodation for your next Aruba getaway.
Improving The Vacation Rental Experience In Aruba: ATA Supporting The Shift In Travelers’ Interests
ATA has identified the change in travelers’ interest, boosting the growth of the vacation rental experience in Aruba. Further, ATA wants to create a win-win situation for the property owners and travelers.
Today, a traveler can find more options when choosing a vacation rental experience in Aruba. Furthermore, the support and close observation by ATA yield positive results for Aruba’s vacation rental industry.
The vacation rental occupancy rate in September 2024 recorded a 4% rise from the last year. It recorded an average occupancy rate of 46.8%.