Newbie!!

[MonBonPSU]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself!

My name is Monica and I'm from PA. I'm going to Aruba with my boyfriend and his parents in March. The parents have a timeshare at the Occidental Grand. It's going to be our Christmas present for this year-they're buying our plane tickets and our all-inclusiveness!

I've never been to Aruba before and have been learning quite a bit from the forums! I loved the packing list, I'm a huge over-packer and even I didn't think of some of the things on the list.
I like to get as much info as I can before going on vacation. I like to learn all the little tips and tricks that locals or repeat visitors all know.

There's a few of things I'm concerned about...

1. What's this I hear about huge lizards roaming around all over the place?

2. Since I'm going to be there with my bf's parents, I want to know about the night life. We're both fairly heavy drinkers (nothing to be worried about though!) and the 'rents are the "glass of wine with dinner and go to bed early" type. How late are the bars open? What is within walking distance of the Occidental? What's fun?

3. I've read different responses about tipping. I've worked in restaurants and know what it's like when people don't tip the appropriate amount. What's the correct tip amount in Aruba? Does everywhere accept US dollars?

I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone in the forum community! Feel free to give me any inside tips/advice to make my trip the best! And hopefully, I'll become a regular on the site AND on the beach!

[Andrea J.]

welcome to the aruba.com community forum.
my responses in red.

Originally Posted by MonBonPSU

Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself!

My name is Monica and I'm from PA. I'm going to Aruba with my boyfriend and his parents in March. The parents have a timeshare at the Occidental Grand. It's going to be our Christmas present for this year-they're buying our plane tickets and our all-inclusiveness!

I've never been to Aruba before and have been learning quite a bit from the forums! I loved the packing list, I'm a huge over-packer and even I didn't think of some of the things on the list.
I like to get as much info as I can before going on vacation. I like to learn all the little tips and tricks that locals or repeat visitors all know.

There's a few of things I'm concerned about...

1. What's this I hear about huge lizards roaming around all over the place? there are iguanas and other lizards. they are plentiful and non intrusive. they are entertaining and harmless.

2. Since I'm going to be there with my bf's parents, I want to know about the night life. We're both fairly heavy drinkers (nothing to be worried about though!) and the 'rents are the "glass of wine with dinner and go to bed early" type. How late are the bars open? What is within walking distance of the Occidental? What's fun? go to the NIGHTLIFE section and read read read off the top of my head there are plenty of bars up at the palm beach area......one you may be interested in is SENOR FROGS, there is also a Hard Rock , Moombas and Busters and other places. Bars open til the wee hours 2 or 3 am i believe. Everything in the palm beach area is within walking distance of the occidental. also too check the activities at the occidental.....there is probably lots to do there.

3. I've read different responses about tipping. I've worked in restaurants and know what it's like when people don't tip the appropriate amount. What's the correct tip amount in Aruba? Does everywhere accept US dollars?tipping is in US DOLLARS. US DOLLARS are accepted most everywhere. some places have a mandatory service charge on their menus. if service is excellent, than tipping another 5% would be appropriate. you are staying at an all inclusive, but giving the wait staff a tip and the bar staff a tip is also appropriate as is tipping the housekeeper and bellman.

I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone in the forum community! Feel free to give me any inside tips/advice to make my trip the best! And hopefully, I'll become a regular on the site AND on the beach! again, welcome and take lots of time and read the threads. also too in the search menu on left, try entering a keyword and see if you can find some answers. but, feel free to ASK lots in the appropriate categories.

[kent]

Welcome to the board. I will also be there for my 27th trip. You will have plenty to do around there. Kent

[Edronenburg]

Hi: First of all, "Welcome to the Forum!" As you have already read it is a worth of information. You can never go wrong reading what the monitors have to say or suggest. There is no way they would steer you wrong.

You will have an absolutely wonderful...carefree...time in "Paradise," aka "One Happy Island."

Again, welcome

Ed

[Andrea J.]

Nice words Ed. We do our best.

Originally Posted by Edronenburg

Hi: First of all, "Welcome to the Forum!" As you have already read it is a worth of information. You can never go wrong reading what the monitors have to say or suggest. There is no way they would steer you wrong.

You will have an absolutely wonderful...carefree...time in "Paradise," aka "One Happy Island."

Again, welcome

Ed

[MonBonPSU]

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words and the tips!

[jpsphr]

You've already picked up some valuable information, most importantly about NOT overpacking. It took us 2 trips to figure that one out. Aruba is such a relaxed place and the weather is so great that shorts or a bathing suit by day and nice casual clothes by night are all you need.

As to the night life, we are like your 'rents, but on the rare occasion we do stay up, there are ample places open late. Moomba is a great suggestion and seems to be very popular in the wee hours.

Have a terrific time. Try to get some snorkeling in while you are there.

[tracey]

we r long time aruba goers, and although we are celebrating our 40th bday this dec, lol at myself, cuse i dont feel a day over 25, i can totally sympathisize with your situation. here's the advice....ur at an all inclusive...drink all ur frozen drinks all day poolside, have ur wine with dinner with the "rents" and go out and have a blast with ur man all nihgt...lots and lots walking distance, if not cab rides from ur hotel...tons of restaurants and bars, though not all inclusive once u leave the resort with ur bracelet. u will have ton of fun...or stay in ur casino, gamble a little and have the drinks brought to u...
ask if u have any other questions. or email...