what to pack...

[pmain13]

Okay, I'm booked for 6 days/5 nights at the Tam in June. What do I need to pack? I'm most interested in clothing suggestions (we plan to go to the restaurants some) and hygeine stuff (do I need to take soap? shampoo? etc). What am I likely to forget?

TIA!

[Arubalisa]

Packing List (by Liz of NJ aruba Lover) (http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/packing-list-liz-nj-aruba-lover-29055/)
http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/packing-list-liz-nj-aruba-lover-29055/ (http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/packing-list-liz-nj-aruba-lover-29055/)


http://www.aruba.com/forum/f12/overall-dinner-dress-code-37181/ (http://www.aruba.com/forum/f12/overall-dinner-dress-code-37181/)
Resort casual is the norm at the Tamarijn. Breakfast and lunch buffets or snack bars, shorts or swim suit and coverup and shoes are just fine.

For dinners at the Tamarijn/Divi's ala carte restaurants: nice shorts for women and men, or capris for women or sundress. Collared polo shirt for the men and nice top top with the shorts or capris for women. If you tend to chill in air conditioning a light cotton sweater for these restaurants as well as the casino(s).

Shoes...anything goes, as long as something covers your feet.

Soap and conditioner at the Tamarijn are "all in one". If memory serves me correct, there is a body lotion as well. All lackluster at best. Bring your own, or, I buy the Aruba Aloe products right there at the Tamarijn's sundries shop.

[lizzardo]

Can't say enough about Nutragena Cool Mist SPF 45 - it is the best.

Hasn't been too buggy lately but might want to bring some mosq. repellent.

Everything is very casual - even at nice resturants like Ruth's Chris is pretty laid back.

[pmain13]

thanks! that helps tremendously! I am used to cruising every summer, and it sounds like packing will be similar, but I wasn't sure just how dressy the restaurants were. I also like to pack as few toiletries as possible, so it is good to know what to expect. :) Thanks again!

[Arubalisa]

I am used to cruising every summer, and it sounds like packing will be similar, but I wasn't sure just how dressy the restaurants were. :) Thanks again!
Depending on the cruise line, Aruba is very casual at night in comparison. Too hot to get dressed up imo. Sundresses, the lighter, the better. ;) :) Enjoy!

[Mr. Ratt]

Here's a little tip...
Behind the Alhambra are two shops (?) I believe, and one of the two has the BEST price that we've found for the Aruba Aloe products... the ones in the blue bottles.
That and (if anyone's interested) also the best price we've found for the Aussie Gold products. I tend to stock up on those because they're non-existent this side of the border.

Anyone want to send me a bottle of Ponche Aruba?
Mine's almost empty. Bummer.

Happy sunning/shopping... oh heck, just be happy you're on your way to paradise.

[Arubalisa]

the BEST price that we've found for the Aruba Aloe products... the ones in the blue bottles.
Mr. Ratt, do you recall the price?

[Mr. Ratt]

You betcha.... and this is the price for the bath/shower gel.

$6.50 US.

Even better than the shops downtown.

[sunworshipperII]

Ok looking for some advice...do you straight pack or roll the clothes. How do you think you get the most in the suitcase.....

[sunnysmiles]

Growing up with an Army dad he told me to always roll the clothes-helps keep wrinkles out too. However, when we went to Aruba I "straight packed" because I figured it would be easier for customs to go thru everything that way. If it's rolled I'd imagine them unrolling everything and certainly not re-rolling it. JMO

[Andrea J.]

we just zipped our bag
rolled clothing.

[Arubalisa]

Dh and I held a "pack off" when he did not believe me that you could fit more rolled than he could folded. I won. I think it is pretty much a proven fact that not only does it save space, but also cuts down on wrinkles.

6 Tips for Wrinkle-Free Packing http://www.fodors.com/news/story_1449.html (http://www.fodors.com/news/story_1449.html)

Just remember if you are filling your suitcase to the brim, you still have weight restrictions.

If you think weight will be an issue, invest in a digital scale

Easy-Grip Luggage Scale (http://www.magellans.com/store/Luggage_Scales___Locks___Luggage_ScalesKT101?Args= )
$24.85

http://image.magellans.com/mitcus/Images/products/clothing_thumbnails/KT101_cth.jpg
So far so good for us. In three trips we have found it to be EXTREMELY accurate. :D

[sunworshipperII]

I have a scale love it....