Top Tips on Packing for a Caribbean Vacation ?
Packing for a Caribbean vacation is a lot like packing for any other tropical destination: bringing products to protect you from the sun and heat is important of course.
If you are sailing in the Caribbean, as you know, space is limited and… Do you really want to be unpacking and packing lots of luggage every time you want something?
Pack light is the first tip for packing for the Caribbean.
There are other considerations that you may not be aware of.
Here is the Boatjump guide to packing for a Caribbean Vacation:
What You Need to Pack for your Caribbean Vacation
Luggage and Packing Essentials:
- Carry-on luggage bag
- Full-sized rolling luggage bag
- Toiletry bag and Ziplock bag per TSA regulations for any liquids/soaps
- Small backpack or cloth bag
Make sure that all of your travel documents are in order and secure in a safe but accessible place. This includes a valid passport, airline tickets, driver’s license and/or boarding passes. A Ziplock bag in your carry-on bag is perfect since you’ll need easy access at the airport and upon arrival at the hotel. Also, be sure to pack copies of prescriptions for medications, which should be carried in their original containers, again in a see-through sealable bag.
Pack your toiletry bag and at least one basic change of clothing in your carry-on luggage, as well as swimwear. In the Caribbean it is not uncommon for your luggage to be delayed at either the airport or in transit to your hotel. Being able to slip on a swimsuit and relax poolside for your bags beats getting stressed in the lobby in your travel clothes.
“Bring some small denomination dollar bills for tips, cabs and other small cash items”.
Choose a full-sized suitcase or soft-sided luggage bag. Wheeled luggage is best, since some Caribbean airports require you to deplane on the tarmac, while others feature long walks from the gate to ground transportation.
Roll your clothes to prevent creasing and to maximize space.
Pack the following basics: socks- for keeping the sand flies and ants at bay on the beaches at sunset- and underwear-synthetic material- at least two pairs of linen pants. These are lightweight and dry quickly, leave your denim jeans home. Cotton is comfortable but soaks up sweat and dries slowly. Bring plenty of shorts that can double as a swimsuit and plenty of t-shirts.
For women: Different islands have different dress standards: check first before you pack that super skimpy bikini. Bring at least one nice dress for evening. Restaurants on the ‘British’ islands still have a more formal dinner dress style than the other islands. Leave expensive jewelry or items with a sentimental value at home.
For men: Pack some collared golf shirts, preferably in light colors with simple patterns. You can wear them anywhere day or night, even under a light suit jacket for a fancy dinner.
For the beach: Pack at least two swimsuits, More than one pair of UV-rated sunglasses, waterproof sunscreen -SPF 30 minimum- a brimmed hat for sun protection for face.
You should also bring some aloe vera to soothe an inevitable sunburn.
In your toiletry bag, besides the usual toothbrushes, razors, deodorant etc, don’t forget to pack lip balm-hot sun means chapped lips-bug spray -especially useful for hikes or other inland activities.
In an outside luggage compartment or inside shoe valet, pack tennis shoes, flip-flops and walking sandals, water shoes and at least one pair of dress shoes for evenings.
The sun is always shining in the tourist brochures but it does rain- sometimes it rains a lot- in the Caribbean. Pack a compact umbrella or a light, waterproof hooded jacket.
Pack a camera in your carry-on. Bring plenty of film and/or digital media cards from home; these can be expensive and difficult to find in most of the islands. If you still use film then pack it in your carry-on to prevent damage from the stronger x-ray machines that are used to inspect checked bags.
Make sure to leave some space for those souvenirs and gifts for the kids. It is better to under pack a larger suitcase than to have to lug an unwieldy shopping bags back through the airport on the flight home.
Wear a light jacket with plenty of pocket space, fill it with items and you have another ´bag´ without the problem of going over your baggage allowance. Be sure to pack, not wear, metallic items like belts and watches, to avoid delays at security checkpoints.
Packing Tips for your Caribbean Vacation
Bring a small backpack or cloth bag for the beach. Drawstring bags are ideal.
Leave at home what the hotel provides: this almost always means soap, shampoo, and hair dryers, and usually towels for room and pool/beach.
Most clothes appropriate for the Caribbean are lightweight to begin with, and can be worn more than once on a trip.
Don’t pack camouflage clothing: Caribbean countries like Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and Dominica, prohibit civilians from wearing camouflage.
Now get packing and get going!
Hope you liked these top tips on packing for a Caribbean vacation. If you want more information visit Boatjump.
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