Destinations
This is a guest post by Germaine Ignacio, a freelance writer and a Psychology major, who is interested in how investing in personal growth and happiness can improve professional productivity. She is also an avid baker and a traveller who lives with two cats.
If you want to take a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine, then Aruba should definitely be on top of your potential vacation getaways. While the island country is commonly known for its picturesque white-sand beaches where you can spend your time relaxing, Aruba also boasts of a vibrant art scene in the form of larger-than-life street murals and art cafes in San Nicolas for any art enthusiasts. Or perhaps you’re a foodie, in which case you can try restaurant-hopping in Oranjestad to sample Aruba’s delectable cuisine infused with the richness of Caribbean, Dutch, and South American flavors.
With so many sights to see and things to do, Aruba vacation rentals have become an increasingly popular option for tourists looking for a longer stay and more flexibility on how to go about their vacation activities. That being said, lack of knowledge on how vacation rentals work or not planning ahead can turn an otherwise fun vacation into a stressful one. To avoid any vacation rental hassles, here are some dos and don'ts you’d want to keep in mind.
Dos
Do Set Your Expectations Accordingly
When it comes to vacation rentals, it’s important that you and the rental property host are on the same page. While it’s the responsibility of the host to be accurate in their property listing, it’s likewise your responsibility to read those details and decide if the property is the right fit for you. This includes ensuring that the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is adequate, that the amenities you need are present, and that it's in a location near your planned places to visit, among others.
For instance, if your group has plans to explore the Arikok National Park to see its majestic rock formations, then it’s better to book a house rental near Santa Cruz where the park is located for ease of transportation. Otherwise, you may have to allot a longer travel time. By taking considerations such as this beforehand, your expectations are tempered accordingly, preventing you from being stressed upon arrival over something that the property listing should’ve already made clear.
Do Read the Rental Agreement Thoroughly
Different hosts may have different house rules, so it’s always good to read the rental agreement carefully to know what you should and shouldn’t be doing on the property. Following the guidelines set in the agreements ensures there won’t be any conflict between you and the host, thus helping you avoid stress during what should be a relaxing stay.
Do Keep the Property Clean
As the vacation rental will be your temporary home during your stay in Aruba, make sure you treat it as you would your own house. That means cleaning as you go and using its amenities with care. It goes without saying that trashing the property is not only disrespectful, but it can also result in penalties and repair fees, so make sure to leave everything as you’ve found them. If you do find it difficult to keep up with cleaning—perhaps because you’ve got a large group with you—then inquire with the host about housekeeping services that you can just pay for to ease the chores.
Do Maintain Open Communication Lines
Communicating any issues and concerns with your rental host promptly prevents any misunderstanding, allowing the problem to be resolved right away. Of course, this isn’t just limited to rental home issues but can also be a great tip if you need help with exploring the island or if you want local recommendations.
In such cases, there’s a clear advantage in booking your vacation rental with a local vacation rental agency instead of third-party booking websites. This is because unlike big-name third-party agencies, locally owned and operated rental agencies have in-depth knowledge of the island and its attractions which allows them to offer you personalized suggestions that can make your stay much more enjoyable. Communicating with them also tends to be much easier as their staff are residing in the area already.
Don’ts
Don’t Insist on Things That Aren’t Agreed Upon
While your host will most likely be willing to go above and beyond to ensure that you feel utmost comfort during your stay, that doesn’t mean you can expect them to meet all your last-minute demands. Having a clear understanding of what is and isn’t available in your rental home helps you avoid stress as you can just make the necessary adjustments beforehand, such as bringing extra items that you may need during your stay.
That being said, if you do need additional assistance and you happen to be booked with a local vacation rental agency, then they most likely have the contacts to connect you with services such as car rentals or tour guides and will be eager to help you out. The key is to ask politely and convey that you’re making a request, not a demand.
Don’t Cause Too Much Noise
Be mindful of the noise your group is making in the rental property, particularly during the night, so as to not disturb the locals. This also shows courtesy to your host so they wouldn’t have to deal with neighbor complaints about their rental property after you leave.
If you do feel the need to party with friends, then you’ll be pleased to find that Aruba has an active nightlife such as the seaside bars in Palm Beach and clubs in downtown Oranjestad that you can visit instead. You can even hop onto the Aruba Party Bus by booking a tour to enjoy good music and drinks with locals and friends.
Don’t Misuse Electricity and Appliances
As you leave to explore Aruba's famous outdoor attractions such as the Balashi Gold Mill Ruins and California Lighthouse or perhaps just to spend the day at the beach, don’t forget to turn off the lights and appliances in the rental house. This helps conserve energy expenses for your host while also contributing to Aruba’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism. In addition, use the appliances in the rental home with care to avoid causing unnecessary damage. If something does malfunction or break, then contact your host immediately to report the problem.
Don’t Forget Check-Out Procedures
Before you leave the premises, make sure you’ve followed the check-out procedures given to you by the host. These are usually chores such as emptying the trash or making sure all the lights and appliances are turned off, simple enough to accomplish in a few minutes. Doing these tasks makes it much easier for the host to prepare the home for the next guests, which they’ll surely appreciate. After all, you’d surely want to leave on a good note so they’d be eager to have you back on your next vacation.
As you spend your vacation on the beautiful island of Aruba, stress is probably the last thing you want to experience. Hence, make sure to keep in mind the dos and don’ts discussed above so that your vacation rental stay will be an excellent and hassle-free experience.
