Tip of the Day

[Arubalisa]

As we know (http://www.aruba.com/forum/f32/humor-no-profanity-pg13-31875/index2.html#post127519), duct tape has been and always will be a universal "tool". (http://www.aruba.com/forum/f32/humor-no-profanity-pg13-31875/index2.html#post127519)
We travel with 2" travel size duct tape.

http://image.magellans.com/mitcus/Images/products/main/kr436_dt.jpg
http://www.magellans.com/store/Packing_Aids___Packing_OrganizersKR436 (http://www.magellans.com/store/Packing_Aids___Packing_OrganizersKR436)

[Arubalisa]

A friend suggested I post this:

1. At restaurants in Aruba where there is a tip automatically added to the bill, the percentage is split by EVERYONE.

If you decide to tip extra at a restaurant, tip in cash and hand it directly to the waiter. This way you make sure that it is going directly to the server, and unless required by the establishment, are able to keep it for themselves.

2. Travel with singles and fives for easy tipping. I would also venture to say that taxi drivers appreciate exact change which is easy with singles and fives. :)

[KATH2ME]

Lisa,

I think these tips are a great idea. I've learned a few tricks here, like bring a few clothes pins to hold towel onto chairs. I'm sure there are many little tid bits people could pass on

[Arubalisa]

Kathy, if you wish to go "high tech" there are also Towel Clips???? (http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/towel-clips-44421/?highlight=towel+clips) and TOWEL TRAPS for Lounge Chairs (http://www.aruba.com/forum/f35/towel-traps-lounge-chairs-40388/?highlight=towel+clips).

http://www.aruba.com/forum/images/icons/icon2.gif When traveling you should always pack a spare change of clothes in your carry on in case your luggage is lost. In the case of Aruba, also a bathing suit. The other very important carry on item is medication.

[corona]

Super tips, Lisa!

Addit. carry on item - Be sure to buy a carry-on size sunscreen in case of delayed luggage.

Make a copy of the info page on your passport. Carry it separately from your passport. If you want to be even more cautious, leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member back home who could fax it to you in case of an emergency.

[Arubalisa]

Super tips, Lisa!

Addit. carry on item - Be sure to buy a carry-on size sunscreen in case of delayed luggage.
;) (http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm) 3.4 ounce or smaller ;)

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
"3-1-1 for carry-ons (http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm) = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure."

[KATH2ME]

Lisa, maybe I'll have my daughter paint some clothes pins, create my own line (lol )

Always put my meds in carry on, would really be in trouble without, so take no chances

Corona, Will copy my passport, great idea, hope I won't need to have it faxed, but always better to be safe than sorry

[Andrea J.]

there is a lady that we sit with at lacabana pool she paints clothespins with bright nail polish they look pretty good

we use hair clippy things they are cheaper than the clips from bed bath and beyond, but not quite as cheap as clothes pins.

[KATH2ME]

Nail polish, great idea

I used the hair clips also

[rob o]

mY FUNNY TIP OF THE DAY...
When using spray on sun screen, spray several times. My nephew now has red stripes on his back from a burn...He wasn't sprayed enuf and wasn't covered evenly...( not that its funny, but it sure made a funny picture.)

[Andrea J.]

the TIP to putting on that aerosol sunscreen is to put it on inside where there is no breeze.

that aerosol stuff although convenient empties out fast!
i think there is a lot of waste.
although so much more convenient than lotions.

[aruba here I come]

also take copies of your credit cards(that you are taking with you) , drivers licences (just incase) leave sept from rest, and aslo a copy at home with a loved one, Just in case.

[Windy]

Our daughter was a waitress and always says to tip in cash, if it goes on the credit card they don't always get it, or only a partial amount. (and it's also taxed!)

We took a light rope and bought clothespins (forgot those!) to hand suits, towels on the balcony. With that Aruba wind, they would have disappeared! Beach towels tucked nicely into the straps on the back of the chair.

I always take copies of passports, and also credit cards (when mine was stolen I didn't have the phone # to call to report it). Copies are put in room or hotel safe.

[sunnysmiles]

mY FUNNY TIP OF THE DAY...
When using spray on sun screen, spray several times. My nephew now has red stripes on his back from a burn...He wasn't sprayed enuf and wasn't covered evenly...( not that its funny, but it sure made a funny picture.)
My husband had an arrow on his stomach from his poor lotion application. It was hilarious but the photo doesn't show it nearly as much as IRL! :D
We saw a lot of people using the spray!

[Love Aruba]

Maybe I am having a brain freeze, but why do you all take a copy of your passports? Do people actually steal them? Do you take a copy with you, or just leave it at home?
Thanks, and please don't think I am a dummy. LOL LOL (sounds like I am LOL)

[Andrea J.]

in the event that passport gets LOST or stolen it is so much easier to expedite the process of replacement and/or get home if one has a photocopy.

[Love Aruba]

in the event that passport gets LOST or stolen it is so much easier to expedite the process of replacement and/or get home if one has a photocopy.

:doh:Yes, I am a dummy! LOL I didn't even think about it being lost. Do you keep a copy with you, or do you just leave it at home, or with someone that would be able to fax it to you? I guess both would be smart, huh?
Thanks so much for this tip, this is something I would have never thought of.
Pat

[sunnysmiles]

Maybe I am having a brain freeze, but why do you all take a copy of your passports? Do people actually steal them? Do you take a copy with you, or just leave it at home?
Thanks, and please don't think I am a dummy. LOL LOL (sounds like I am LOL)
We received along with our passports, business card size cards with our passport number on them along with phone numbers to call if we lose them. Dh kept them in his wallet and my parents have copies.
We learned from an experience my SIL had. She lost her passport on the plane and didn't realize it until she went to get on the plane in Germany to come home. It was a major pain for her because she didn't have the number or anything. She had to call her parents here in the States and they didn't get the message until hours later. She ended up having to stay overnight in Germany until they could figure things out. Then she ran into problems with her credit card for the hotel - when she tried to charge her room they declined it because she was supposed to be home that day, not in Germany...it just went on and on!

[KATH2ME]

I love reading everyones little tips, I never even think of half this stuff until I read it here

[danadog56]

the TIP to putting on that aerosol sunscreen is to put it on inside where there is no breeze.

that aerosol stuff although convenient empties out fast!
i think there is a lot of waste.
although so much more convenient than lotions.

on our recent trip to barbados I took aerosol sunscreen and between my niece and I we emptied the bottle in 2 days...never again...
you are right andrea, must spray inside, but if you forget and do it outside it all goes bye-bye into the wind, so back to the rub on kind for me !!!!

[KATH2ME]

I see someone already wrote in on the Forum , about the Beach Vault, which considering my DH just brought me a new camera, I am happy I purchased my vault ( which was a tip suggestion ) a few months back, and will feel I have a safe place to put my safe keeping stuff

[Arubalisa]

I see someone already wrote in on the Forum , about the Beach Vault, which considering my DH just brought me a new camera, I am happy I purchased my vault ( which was a tip suggestion ) a few months back, and will feel I have a safe place to put my safe keeping stuff

For anyone wondering Our Vacation Vault (http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/our-vacation-vault-42863/)

[KATH2ME]

Just thought of another good thing to do, if using a credit card, notify them that you will be using while vacationing. My last trip , my DH and I saw a couple trying to pay for there meal with a AE card, and it was rejected, they couldn't believe it, I heard the waitress ask them ,did they notify them, they had said no, they didn't think they had to.

[Andrea J.]

[B]yup good idea/thought.

more credit card chatter in this thread : http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/caution-about-credit-cards-41780//B]

Just thought of another good thing to do, if using a credit card, notify them that you will be using while vacationing. My last trip , my DH and I saw a couple trying to pay for there meal with a AE card, and it was rejected, they couldn't believe it, I heard the waitress ask them ,did they notify them, they had said no, they didn't think they had to.

[Arubalisa]

1. Already mentioned in a previous thread, but so we have it all together here...When packing, mix your outfits between the suitcases. I know it is easier to have "his" and "hers", but should your luggage be lost, chances are it will be one bag and not two. At least you will have some clothes for your vacation in sunny Aruba. :)

2. When packing suntan lotion for 10 -12 nights for 3 people we have at least 6 bottles. Each bottle goes into a ziploc bag. I squeeze the air out and seal. Each bag then gets rolled and are divided evenly between two larger ziploc bags. This way, by double bagging you will be sure not to have any lotion leak on your clothes inside your suitcase. Dividing each of those bags between two suitcases will also even out your weight limit for each bag. We do the same for library books, dividing them between suitcases, incase of loss as well as spreading out the weight.

[damnyankeeuk]

My OH and I have both bought a Sony E reader for our first holiday to Aruba. We both like to read, especially on the beach, and in years past have taken anything up to 15 paperback books each on a 2 week holiday. With our allowed weight limit down to 20 Kg now, we felt it was time to go electronic.

Haven't regretted it yet, and I highly recommend them. The sony will hold up to 250 books ( I think) more than enough for any reader on holiday.

Oh, and I have bought a beach vault, and yes, they will both fit in it.

[corona]

RE: Credit Cards

Besides calling your credit card company to let them know you'll be traveling abroad, also check to see if you'll be charged additional fees for using your card while out of the states. I didn't realize until I saw a post on this board that the credit card we planned to use did not charge that fee. Our card with a different company did charge the fee, so I was glad know that we would have lucked into the right choice.

Here's a little info about which banks add on the extra fees and which don't, although it's better to check with your bank to make sure this information is current.



How can you find out if your bank is taking a cut on every purchase you make overseas? Grab a magnifying glass and pull out your cardholder agreement. If you've had a card for a while, your bank may have popped in a fee notice with a bill.

"It's in the fine print that you get. But how many people keep that, let alone read it?" Perkins asks.

Your best bet is to call your bank and ask about the surcharges. Be sure to ask about fees on debit cards and ATM cards, as well.

Bank of America charges a 2-percent fee each time a customer uses an ATM card, debit card or credit card outside the country. Card customers pay the 1-percent conversion fee from Visa and MasterCard, as well. Bank of America also charges a $1.50 to $2.50 fee each time a customer uses an overseas ATM.

Other issuers charging a 2-percent surcharge on foreign transactions on top of the 1-percent charge from Visa and MasterCard include Citibank, Bank One/First USA, Chase, Providian and Wells Fargo, according to a phone survey by Bankrate.com.

Who's not charging these sneaky fees? A handful of big issuers and lots of smaller ones.

Capital One, MBNA America, FleetBoston and Wachovia Bank are not charging extra fees on foreign transactions at this time.

None of the nation's credit unions charge these kinds of fees. Most community banks don't either.


http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20010416a.asp

[corona]

No problem, Lisa. I'm glad you found and posted the updated information. You're a computer search guru! :)

Capital One Master Card is the card we used, and when I called to let the bank know we would be traveling to Aruba, they were quick to point out that they didn't add those additional charges. But, because of this board, I already knew that.

[Chadd]

First time the credit card company shut me off in Aruba, I had to call and get it ironed out the next day. The fact that the last charge before I went on vacation was booking the hotel in Aruba should have been a tip off to them that I was planning to go on vacation there.

[sunnysmiles]

First time the credit card company shut me off in Aruba, I had to call and get it ironed out the next day. The fact that the last charge before I went on vacation was booking the hotel in Aruba should have been a tip off to them that I was planning to go on vacation there.
Unless they thought the person that 'stole your card' booked the hotel?!

[Chadd]

Unless they thought the person that 'stole your card' booked the hotel?!
I booked the hotel a few weeks before flying down to Aruba. I just checked the old statement and I did have one charge between the hotel and the first one in Aruba, it was at the airport.

[corona]

If you don't mind reusing water bottles, and you like to save a few bucks, don't throw your empty away to go through security. Just place the empty bottle with your other items that have to go through x-ray and refill on the other side. (I asked a security guard first time to make sure it was okay, and she said it was. I've never had anyone question it.)

[Arubalisa]

Sunscreen- is it dead?? Check it out.... (http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/sunscreen-dead-check-out-30728/)
A reminder to check expiration dates on your sunscreen to ensure they are still effective.

[Chadd]

If you don't mind reusing water bottles, and you like to save a few bucks, don't throw your empty away to go through security. Just place the empty bottle with your other items that have to go through x-ray and refill on the other side. (I asked a security guard first time to make sure it was okay, and she said it was. I've never had anyone question it.)
We pack in a few stainless steel bottles so we always have cold water. This year we even brought a couple of the squeeze bottles I use for hockey. Cheap and effective.
http://www.toolbarn.com/gatorade-49973.html

[corona]

We pack in a few stainless steel bottles so we always have cold water. This year we even brought a couple of the squeeze bottles I use for hockey. Cheap and effective.
http://www.toolbarn.com/gatorade-49973.html

Great price...$1.45

Have you taken those through security, and if so, did you took the cap off so they'd know they were empty since they aren't clear?

[Arubalisa]

We pack in a few stainless steel bottles so we always have cold water. This year we even brought a couple of the squeeze bottles I use for hockey. Cheap and effective.
http://www.toolbarn.com/gatorade-49973.html

Great idea. :) We drink a lot of water on the beach during the day.

We use the Sigg wide mouth (http://mysigg.com/store/bottles/wide-mouth/wide-mouth-silver.html)

They are very light weight and pack in our luggage very easily.
http://mysigg.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/135x440/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/8/2/8239_30_wide_mouth_silver_RGB_1.jpg The wide mouth allows us to pack it with ice. Then we use the optional http://mysigg.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/75x/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/7/8/7815.20_3_stage_sport_top_RGB.jpg Sport top and in Aruba we use the insulated sleeve below

http://mysigg.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/149x/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/8/0/8010.10.jpg

[Chadd]

Great price...$1.45

Have you taken those through security, and if so, did you took the cap off so they'd know they were empty since they aren't clear?
You can feel it if you pick it up and there is a "window" in the back that allows you to see how much fluid is in the bottle. I usually put the bottles in my dive bag that gets checked.

[corona]

You can feel it if you pick it up and there is a "window" in the back that allows you to see how much fluid is in the bottle. I usually put the bottles in my dive bag that gets checked.

Oh, gotcha. I had carry-on on the brain. A nice insulated bottle would be great to have beach side. For one, we love the great tasting water in Aruba, but the sun is also draining, so we drink a lot of it during the day.

[Chadd]

The gatorade bottles are not insulated, they do hold their temp fairly well as long as they are kept in the shade.

[cindyo]

Try one of those Dunkin Donuts thermal mugs they sell on the island. One less thing to carry. They say"ITs worth the trip"...

[lrealnurse]

Just bought sun lotion, just in case of the spray and the wind (I am very Irish, if you know what I mean.. light)... and I am going to invest in the vacation vault.
PS.. CVS is having another sunblock special...

Thanks for all of the wonderful ideas.


Lisa

[Arubalisa]

A hat for protection from the sun. Nothing worse than sunburned tops of ears. :(
We all wear the hats to protect our head, ears, and faces from Aruba's fierce sun. They also have under chin draw strings for those windy :eek: :eek: days in Aruba. Both dh and I have at one time or another gone swimming after a hat blown off by the wind ;)

Mom's bonus? They are machine washable. :)

http://www.arubabound.com/photos/us/charlienjerry_wateri.jpg

[lrealnurse]

Got a hay as well with draw strings at Ocean State job Lot for $3.99 in teal blue.... not bad... so if I forget it of lose it, no biggie.

thanks

[cooliecanpro]

Simply duplicate everything, document wise. Not your luggage though. :) You've already packed too much.

[Arubalisa]

Simply duplicate everything, document wise. Not your luggage though. :) You've already packed too much.

I once read that instead of carrying photocopies with you, email them to yourself. Should anything get lost, you could always acess your email in Aruba and print out whichever documents were needed.

[Arubalisa]

Gifts Made in Aruba (http://www.aruba.com/ExploreAruba/Culture/MadeinAruba.aspx)

[Windy]

I once read that instead of carrying photocopies with you, email them to yourself. Should anything get lost, you could always acess your email in Aruba and print out whichever documents were needed.

What an ingenious simple idea!:) I took photcopies with us but then couldn't figure out the best place to keep them! (ended up using the room safe)
Your suggestion will now be my new routine!!!

[TravelDuff]

Great tips! I think we had them all covered on our last trip. I wasn't sure where to post this one -please bump to a more appropriate location if necessary. We just came back yesterday - BRING BUGSPRAY AND ITCH CREAM!!! The bugs were bad especially in the morning. The bugspray really seemed to deter them but I didn't realize I did indeed have cortisone cream with me until I unpacked.:doh: Oh well - we used aloe which helped a little.

And another - travel drink containers - we only had one and wish we had more. It was great for water. We would fill it with ice - top off with water and it stayed ice cold. And my dd bought a cheap one at Old Navy for $5 and it worked perfectly.

[sunnysmiles]

Great tips! I think we had them all covered on our last trip. I wasn't sure where to post this one -please bump to a more appropriate location if necessary. We just came back yesterday - BRING BUGSPRAY AND ITCH CREAM!!! The bugs were bad especially in the morning. The bugspray really seemed to deter them but I didn't realize I did indeed have cortisone cream with me until I unpacked.:doh: Oh well - we used aloe which helped a little.

And another - travel drink containers - we only had one and wish we had more. It was great for water. We would fill it with ice - top off with water and it stayed ice cold. And my dd bought a cheap one at Old Navy for $5 and it worked perfectly.
That is one thing I wished I had the first time we went and forgot the 2nd time :doh:

[corona]

In Aruba with a nice bottle of wine and no corkscrew available, no worries. At least according to this video. If anyone has tried it, does it work?

How to open a wine bottle with a shoe.

http://www.wimp.com/wineshoe/

[purpleangel]

Hmmm . . . I don't know if I'd be willing to try that.

[jeffnev]

Definitely try it with a cheap bottle of wine and someone else's wall :)

[corona]

Definitely try it with a cheap bottle of wine and someone else's wall :)
lol...I saw one video where they opened the bottle using that technique, but without the shoe, outside on a tree and with a hand towel wrapped around the bottle. Hopefully, some daring soul will give it a try and report back to us. :p

[Arubalisa]

Dh has a Capital One Mastercard. They are the only "major" cc issuer who does not charge a international transaction fee. Here http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/foreign-exchange-fees-going-up-1267.php#foreignfeecharts (http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/foreign-exchange-fees-going-up-1267.php#foreignfeecharts) is a chart updated
October 4, 2011

listing all of the major issuers and associated fees.

[shanealf]

Wonderful tips and really very simple ones. Sometimes we are aware of the things but don't apply them when requited. Thanks for sharing.

[seattlegrrl1]

I am so prepared for my trip because of all of you!!

[Bill]

Dh has a Capital One Mastercard. They are the only "major" cc issuer who does not charge a international transaction fee. Here http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/foreign-exchange-fees-going-up-1267.php#foreignfeecharts (http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/foreign-exchange-fees-going-up-1267.php#foreignfeecharts) is a chart updated 12/29/2010 listing all of the major issuers and associated fees.

That is good to know, got Capital one so we are covered.

[cindyo]

Marriott VISA just sent out a new benefits program effective on 3/1/11. In it it describes all kinds of new things covered such as collision waivers and theft, baggage delays, lost luggage reimbursement, emergency assistance services, trip cancelations and interuption and purchase protection.
This card also gives us Marriott points...needless to say, " a girl can't leave home without it". Check it out, the program is new. It will travel to Europe with it soon.

[corona]

5 Sunscreen Shopping Rules for Healthier Skin

What SPF do you really need? Do expensive sunscreens work better? Dermatologists reveal important facts to know before you stock up on sunscreen this summer.


http://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/5-sunscreen-shopping-rules-for-younger-healthier-skin.aspx?xid=aol_dg-skin_24-_20110523&aolcat=ESP&icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk1%7C214369

[Shelly]

Thought I'd "Bounce" this off you...
1. https://uwc.webmail.optimum.net/attach.msc?sid=&mbox=INBOX&uid=30017&number=5It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them. It also repels mice.

2. Spread sheets around foundation areas, or in trailers, or cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering your vehicle.

3. It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don't get opened too often.

4. It repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.

5. Eliminate static electricity from your television (or computer) screen.

6. Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling..

7. Dissolve soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a sheet of Bounce.

8. To freshen the air in your home - Place an individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet.

9. Put Bounce sheet in vacuum cleaner.

10. Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew.

11. Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing.

12. To freshen the air in your car - Place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.

13. Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food and the pan..

14. Eliminate odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket.

15. Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the loose hairs..

16. Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds.. Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.

17. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.

18. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.

19. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight.

20. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees away.

21. Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and storing them. It will keep them smelling fresh.

22. https://uwc.webmail.optimum.net/attach.msc?sid=&mbox=INBOX&uid=30017&number=21Wet a Bounce sheet, hose down your car, and wipe love bugs off easily with the wet Bounce.

[Arubalisa]

I moved this here to "tips" ... I can think of a lot of travel uses, even besides the more popularly known "insect repellent".


Thought I'd "Bounce" this off you...


1. https://uwc.webmail.optimum.net/attach.msc?sid=&mbox=INBOX&uid=30017&number=5It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them. It also repels mice.You could bury one in the sand near you to clear away any ants, but remember to dig it up and take it with you at the end of the day. ;)


4. It repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.
11. Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing. Great idea for storing suitcases after unpacking upon arrival back at home.


18. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper. We usually pile our dirty laundry in the bottom of the closet until it either gets full and needs to be put in the suitcase or it is time to pack to go home. We could use it either way.


19. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight. My sneakers could have used these after my two mile walks in the 90+F. degree heat the last trip. :(


20. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees away. For those who golf in Aruba, if only to put inside their golf shoes while they are being stored in your golf locker or during travel.

[Arubalisa]

A hat for protection from the sun. Nothing worse than sunburned tops of ears. :(
We all wear the hats to protect our head, ears, and faces from Aruba's fierce sun. They also have under chin draw strings for those windy :eek: :eek: days in Aruba. Both dh and I have at one time or another gone swimming after a hat blown off by the wind ;)

Mom's bonus? They are machine washable. :)

http://www.arubabound.com/photos/us/charlienjerry_wateri.jpg

Went to the dermatologist on Thursday and they had these hats displayed in every size and shape imaginable.

Also, on our last trip, again our digital scale which is now a few years old is dead on correct.

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

[DiviDiviFan]

Bring a list of medications you take daily and phone number of MD back home just in case you forget some.

Also, I had a nice pair of dress flip flops crushed in my checked luggage so now I bring them in my carry on luggage. I had another pair that lost one of the stones, hubby was able to super glue back on but to avoid problems with my pretty sandals I now carry on.

Extra batteries for camera.

http://lilylaneembroidery.com/ bring all types of koozies for bottles, glasses, plastic cups etc. this is a great website to use, I have some really cute ones blinged up with crystals, my name and of course "Aruba" on them.

[corona]

Bring a list of medications you take daily and phone number of MD back home just in case you forget some.

Also, I had a nice pair of dress flip flops crushed in my checked luggage so now I bring them in my carry on luggage. I had another pair that lost one of the stones, hubby was able to super glue back on but to avoid problems with my pretty sandals I now carry on.

Extra batteries for camera.

http://lilylaneembroidery.com/ bring all types of koozies for bottles, glasses, plastic cups etc. this is a great website to use, I have some really cute ones blinged up with crystals, my name and of course "Aruba" on them.

Great tips, especially about the medicine. And I love the idea about the personalized Aruba koozie. Thanks very much for the link. Those would make great personalized gifts for the nieces and nephews too.

I posted about towel clips on another thread, but I think it fits here too. Last February, the day before leaving for Aruba, I decided to see if I could buy towel clips at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Imagine my surprised that beach towel clips were not a stocked item when there's snow on the ground..lol I could order them, but, of course, I didn't have enough time. In Aruba, I was browsing the tables that are set up in the evening in front of the restaurant/shops/mall on the main street across from the high rises, and I found the cutest towel clips. They were colorful, and they had them with Aruba printed on them. I know they were very inexpensive, and I think they were $1 for four clips.

[glynis]

I always have purchased my towel clips in Aruba at Coconuts, they sell great ones at present I have Pink Flamingos .