ARUBA, Like Never Before!

[Ariel]

This is my original post, if you can answer any of the questions, please do!
WHOA! Aruba Here I Come! (By Backpacking)

I'm planning on coming to Aruba with just a Gregory Deva 60 Backpack and a few bucks. I was looking into alternative ways to get to Aruba. Cargo ship and last minute standby are what i've narrowed it down to. A regular flight isn't too bad either, around 400 dollars for 3 weeks.

Right now I'm in the process of mapping out my trip. I'm setting up opportunities for me to work and learn first hand from locals during the day on my way around the island. I'm not staying in a hotel, instead ill be camping around the island in a ENO sleep system.

Heres whats going to be in my pack:

GEAR
Gregory Deva 60 Backpack with internal hydration bladder.
ENO sleep system with bug net and rain fly.
PacSafe pack lock (to secure my bag when im not near it)
Travel pillow and NapSack from ENO (basically a ultra light sleeping bag)
1 tear repair kit for the ENO sleep system.
Small first aid kit from Adventure Medical.
1 large MSR pack towel (absorbs 7x its weight in water and dries fast)
1 small ENO pack rag (same as above)
Petzl LED head lamp
Flexoline clothes line (braided rubber to dry clothes)
Wrist Watch
Sunglasses
Frommers portable Aruba (book)
Laminated map of Aruba
Notebook and pencil

Clothing
2 ExOfficio underwear (seriously the best travel underwear ever made)
2 sports bras
1 regular bra
"life is good" hat
1 swim suit (board shorts for bottoms)
1 more pair of board shorts (they are lightweight & dry fast + have pockets)
1 sundress (incase i get invited to dinner or something similar)
1 lightweight 3/4's sleeve collard shirt
1 plain tanktop
2 lightweight non cotton shirts
2 pair UnderArmor wicking socks
Black Reef Sandals
1 pair broken in sneakers (I'm not brining hiking boots, its unnecessary)

Toiletlies

Travelon Laundry Sheets (used to hand wash clothes, they really work well)
1 Dr. Bronner's organic lavender/hemp bar soap (18 in 1, you cant go wrong)
Aurelle TOOB toothbrush (the toothpaste is in the handle!)
Disposable razor
Certain Dry anti-perspiration (NO SWEATING! Best product ive ever bought)
1 tube SPF ChapStick
Female Hygiene "stuff" (just in case)
3 pairs of contacts

MISC

Passport/plastic Cover (plus 2 copies, always do this!)
ID, State and Military
Aqua Pack (click it to see) (I keep it around my neck with important cards and it even doubles as a waterproof case for my flip mino video camera.
Return flight information


I plan on buying local foods and making my own meals, I am a vegan so fresh food is what ill usually eat anyway. I'm going to be bringing a few Lara bars and some dried fruits for snacks to save on money.

So, if you have any input to add let me hear it. I'll be practice packing all this gear next week, ill let everyone know how much my pack will weight then. I might even do a video if you guys are interested.

Danki!

Ariel

[Ariel]

Great news, my trip is booked!

Feb 28th until Mar 23!

[DANNYO]

Just one question,do you check your backpack or are you allowed to bring it as a carry on?Best of luck on your journey.

[Arubalisa]

Unless I did not see it, sun screen wasn't on the list?

With the humidity in Aruba, I have always found that bathing suits never dry quickly even in air conditioning so always bring at least two. You will always have one dry suit and one damp one.

[Andrea J.]

what did u decide to use for transportation to aruba?

[Ariel]

Originally Posted by DANNYO

Just one question,do you check your backpack or are you allowed to bring it as a carry on?Best of luck on your journey.

Its not a huge bag, it fits in the overhead. Thanks for the well wishes

[Ariel]

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

Unless I did not see it, sun screen wasn't on the list?

With the humidity in Aruba, I have always found that bathing suits never dry quickly even in air conditioning so always bring at least two. You will always have one dry suit and one damp one.

I'm pretty tan already, but yes its something ill buy there. BIT METHOD! (Buy it there)

Thanks for the heads up, I wear board shorts for bottoms, they dry very fast. I wear them as shorts as well so they will dry as im walking.

[Ariel]

Originally Posted by Andrea J.

what did u decide to use for transportation to aruba?

I got a great deal on a flight. $287 round trip, American Airlines is awesome if you call them up. I got a military discount too.

[Andrea J.]

i am interested in knowing how you got the $287 r/t on american?
a mighty good price.
as a former marine you are still getting military discount?
my son, a lt in navy can only get the military discount on air when he has his "orders in hand" and is traveling for navy business.

take lisa's advice........bring extra bathing suits.

[Ariel]

Originally Posted by Andrea J.

i am interested in knowing how you got the $287 r/t on american?
a mighty good price.
as a former marine you are still getting military discount?
my son, a lt in navy can only get the military discount on air when he has his "orders in hand" and is traveling for navy business.

take lisa's advice........bring extra bathing suits.

I just called them up and said I was looking for a flight, its got a 6 hour layover, that might be it. I'll get to hang out in the Miami USO until my flight, witch I dont mind. My military ID is good until 2013, so yes I still get a discount.

As far as your son, usually if you have orders, the military pays for your flight and you get free checked bags. I've even gotten free checked bags on liberty with my ID. I've never had to pay for a flight while I was in the Marines, I always had orders, and it was prepaid for.