Why Aruba?

After being asked a crazy number of times, I realized this question deserved its own spotlight. Following the end of my undergraduate career and before I touched a job application, I outlined a travel bucket list. Honestly, it was more like a detailed manual and less like a list. While cleaning up, I found the notebook filled with places I aimed to explore in my lifetime. Aruba was the first on the list. Immediately, I thought, “Challenge accepted.”

Entering a new decade brings a refreshing feeling worth celebrating with each birthday. I owed it to myself to go to Aruba, and I knew I had to do it solo. I’m not exactly sure why my younger self wanted to travel there. Perhaps I was drawn by the flamingoes and those so-so-blue waters, or maybe it was just a whimsical decision. Regardless, I’m grateful I did.

Why Solo?

Another popular question was, “You couldn’t find anyone to go with you?!” Plain and simple, I didn’t want anyone to go with me. I almost caved and went on a trip with a friend, but I only agreed to it initially to ease my family’s fears. When that trip plan lost its steam, I knew this was my chance to seize my moment.

Mentally Preparing For My Trip

I watched every YouTube vlog, Instagram post, TikTok, and blog I could find about traveling solo travel and traveling to Aruba. (Check out my Aruba Guide blog post for a more in-depth look into traveling to Aruba.) I felt like the more I knew, the less nervous I would be. Each new piece of content I encountered served as motivation; if they could do it, so could I.

The hardest part about planning my trip was telling my family. Solo travel to a foreign country isn’t the news your black parents want to hear. While our loved ones have good intentions, they often project their fears onto us, requiring inner strength to overcome. As my departure approached, I realized that nobody understood me better than myself – I believed in my ability to take on this journey. It was time to prove it to myself.

Flying Solo

I didn’t want to have to think about anything. I want to just wake up, get cute, and see where the day takes me. Since this was my first time on the island I made sure to book excursions and transportation to and from the airport before my departure, I booked a resort in a busier area with clubs and restaurants at my disposal. I would recommend staying in a hotel or resort when traveling alone; it feels safer. I shared my location with close friends and family, so I always had eyes on me.

The Vibes On The Island

As a Caribbean ting myself, traveling to this island wasn’t as daunting. I shouldn’t have to tell you not to be goofy but don’t be goofy. Look up the laws in the country before you leave; we don’t need you getting locked up abroad.

I actually made a lot of friends on my trip. During this trip, I found out the second people found out I was traveling alone; they felt the need to include me in their plans and look out for me. Trust your gut in these situations; if someone is giving you a creepy vibe, go the other way, but luckily, that wasn’t my experience. I was adopted (lol) by an Italian family and a Ukrainian family and partied with a couple from New Jersey. Everyone I met was warm, inviting, and fun.

The people set the tone for the island. Every Arubian I met was welcoming and went out of their way to make me feel safe while I was alone on the island.

Would You Do It Again?

I would do it again in a heartbeat. I unlocked a new level of independence, and there’s no going back. The number of people who told me I motivated them to solo travel or were simply proud of me for leaping like that was beyond affirming.