Aruba is one of the many tropical vacation destinations that boasts fun in the sun and water sports.

By Nicole Horton

I was fortunate enough to visit one of my favorite places in the world for spring break — Aruba. I have amassed a list of helpful tips to enhance your experience on any island getaway.

Figure out who to tip in order to secure a prime spot on the beach.
Many resorts in Aruba have lounge chairs underneath huts, creating your very own authentic island spot with shade so you can tan without burning. I have heard of some people waking up at 8 a.m. to claim a spot on the beach, and hoping that there were still a few huts left. If they cannot find a spot, they begrudgingly look for lounge chairs by the pool. Is everyone dropping off their towels and a few belongings early before going back to sleep? No, they are tipping one of the towel guys or other resort employees throughout the week so they can save them a spot. Once you have a solidified spot, you are set for the week.

Be practical when choosing water sports.
Any island you visit offers a variety of water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing and water rafting. I am certainly not one to back down when it comes to a high-speed roller coaster, but it is important to choose a safe, fun option because there usually are not any restrictions. After all, all you have to do to partake in the water sport of your choice at most locations is sign a waiver and pay. It is good to chat with people who just finished to see if they are experienced or if it just looks easy. Also, make sure to look into whether your resort offers select activities for free, since choosing a certain options can amount to a lofty bill.

Suntan lotion — enough said.
Since I looked like a ghost after this long winter, I was careful to apply suntan lotion throughout my stay… and I still got sunburned. However, if you do not reapply, you can get sun poisoning and be forced to stay in the shade the rest of your vacation. No one wants to miss out on sunbathing, so be conscientious about using and reapplying lotion.

Be adventurous in your drink choice and find a favorite bartender.
All-inclusive resorts offer you the luxury of drinking without worrying about the bill. In addition, you can also try a new drink without worrying you might have just spent $10 to $15 on a cocktail you detest. Rather than choosing the traditional island favorites like pina coladas and margaritas (which are certainly favored for a reason), there are a number of different drinks you can order so you do not get sick of either. A pina colada and strawberry daiquiri blended together is a delicious Miami Vice. Another tasty option is the Dirty Monkey (just ignore the Urban Dictionary results), which is generally made up of Bailey’s Irish cream, a fresh banana, rum and cognac. A bartender recommended a mango mixed drink with raspberry Smirnoff vodka, which was a great combination. Alternatively mojitos are a fresh, less heavy mixed drink. If you want a unique twist, ask for a lemon mojito, which mixes well with the lime and mint at the bottom of the glass. Finding a favorite bartender will definitely enhance your drinking experience. A good one may even offer tips for preparing the drinks.

Avoid turning all-inclusive into all-you-can-eat.
All-inclusive resorts, which are very popular in Aruba, usually offer buffets for breakfast and lunch. It is important to remember that not every meal is an opportunity to take advantage of plentiful options or to justify the costly all-inclusive prices. Good options for breakfast are omelets, yogurt and fresh fruit. For lunch, I would take advantage of the salad bar and variety of fresh seafood. When I went to the restaurants for dinner, I would indulge more.

Get restaurant recommendations from frequent visitors.
If you are not staying at an all-inclusive resort or look to venture into town one night for dinner it is a good idea to get restaurant recommendations from frequent visitors. In Aruba, there are an overwhelming number of restaurants in the nearby commercial area. It is easy to chat with people on the beach or in the pool, and it is better to get a recommendation from someone who has had a timeshare for 20 years versus a random review online. This is how I ended up visiting one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to outside of Arthur Avenue.