Whether you want to relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of pristine beaches and natural landscapes, try thrilling adventures, or dance the night away, Aruba has something to offer—and more. No wonder the “One Happy Island” is a top destination for millions of travelers from all around the globe every year.

To experience the warmth and unique charm of Aruba, vacation rentals—particularly locally owned ones—are an excellent option for travelers. They offer a homelike environment and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Unlike hotels, these properties provide a more personal, flexible stay and often come with a local support team to enhance your visit.

Nonetheless, to fully enjoy the benefits of a vacation rental, it is not enough to leave everything to the management staff. You should also do your part by treating the space with care and respect. Don’t know where to start? Here are practical tips to ensure a smooth, enjoyable stay while preserving the quality of the rental for future guests.

Treat the Vacation Rental Like It’s Your Own Home

When staying in vacation rentals in Aruba, treating the space as if it were your own home not only enhances your experience but also demonstrates respect for the property and the community that surrounds it. This care goes beyond simply maintaining cleanliness; it’s about engaging with the rental thoughtfully. For example, if there’s an outdoor seating area, use it to relax, but be mindful of neighbors by keeping noise levels reasonable, especially in the evenings.

Another way to care for the rental is to handle furnishings, décor, and appliances gently. Using coasters on wooden surfaces, putting items back where they belong after using them, and performing similar mindful actions can make a significant difference in creating a more comfortable and seamless experience. Remember, your host put effort into creating a welcoming, well-appointed “home” for your vacation, so treating the rental as your own is a simple way to honor their work.

Respect Check-in and Check-out Times

Respecting check-in and check-out times is a small but crucial part of being a considerate guest in a vacation rental. Keep in mind that these times are not randomly chosen but are carefully set to give property managers ample time to clean, restock, and inspect the rental to ensure it is in pristine condition for each guest. Arriving early or lingering past check-out without notice can disrupt this flow and affect the quality of their service.

Do you need to check in early or check out much later? Reach out to your property manager as soon as possible. They are often flexible enough to accept such requests, especially if they know your requirements in advance. But even if the property is unavailable for an extended stay, most managers would be willing to find other ways to assist you. Ultimately, showing consideration for the property’s timetable reflects well on you as a guest and makes the experience smoother for everyone involved.

Be Mindful of Your Utility Use

In Aruba, conserving utilities like electricity and water is essential, both for environmental reasons and to maintain the quality of vacation rentals. Being mindful of resource use is not just about energy savings either—it is also a way to care for the rental and the local community that relies on these precious resources.

There are many ways to help as a guest. You can keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioning is on, and turn it off when you leave the property for the day. Likewise, turning off lights, ceiling fans, and any appliances when not in use can prevent overloading circuits and extend the life of the equipment.

To conserve water, you can take shorter showers or use towels for multiple days. Taking such small steps can keep the rental in optimal condition, benefitting you, the property owner, and the entire island.

Communicate with the Property Manager If Any Issues Arise

Open communication with your property manager is essential for a seamless stay. Should any issues arise, such as an appliance malfunction or difficulty with a particular feature of the rental, report them promptly. You may not realize it, but property managers appreciate early notifications, as this allows them to address problems swiftly and maintain the quality of the place—keeping it in great shape for you and other guests to enjoy.

Follow House Rules and Respect the Local Community

House rules in vacation rentals, such as noise restrictions, waste disposal, and specific guidelines for using shared amenities, are designed to protect the property and foster a positive environment for both guests and neighbors. By adhering to these simple guidelines, you can show consideration for the community and enhance the experience for everyone involved.

Being a respectful guest in Aruba’s vacation rental is not about following strict rules that take the fun out of your vacation; it is about making thoughtful choices that benefit you and the local community. You can make the most of your visit and leave a pleasing, lasting impression on your host and the locals. More importantly, you can contribute positively to sustainable tourism on the island—leaving “One Happy Island” even happier when you go.