Dreaming of turquoise waters and swaying palms? A beach getaway to an exciting destination isn’t a hard sell for most people, but if the question is “What do I bring?” I have the answers for you. From flattering La Blanca swimsuits and stylish HerRoom cover-ups to must-have sun protection from EYURS (Beauty of Joseon Sun Relief!), we’ve got you covered with this packing list for a tropical vacation.
Exotic Beach Getaway Packing Essentials
I’ve been on more tropical vacations than I can count on my ten fingers, from Sint Maarten to Saint Barth. I’ll admit my packing hasn’t always been perfect. I’ve forgotten things I needed and overpacked a time or two, but I’ve learned from what I’ve done wrong and I’m passing my knowledge to you.
Besides your passport and credit cards, here are 10 things you can’t leave home without.
1. Resort wear
You need day clothes and night clothes when packing for a tropical vacation. If your daytime plans include pool and beach, you’ve already got your day clothes covered with bathing suits and coverups. Other items to consider are:
- Maxi dresses;
- Colorful shift or slip dresses;
- Light cardigan, shawl or blazer for cool evenings;
- Linen slacks – easy to dress up or down with different accessories;
- Button-down shirts, silk tank tops, simple tee shirts.
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2. Flattering, comfortable swimwear
Even if your tropical vacation is short, pack at least two swimsuits to always have a dry one. Individual preference is key here, but I like to pack a mix of one and two-piece suits for variety.
One-piece suits, like the Alboran Sea Lingerie that comes in multiple colors and patterns, are often better for water sports, and they can pull double duty as a top – just add a cute skirt or linen slacks. La Blanca has a huge selection of mix-and-match tops and bottoms in various coverage and support levels.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re checking a bag, put a swimsuit in your carry-on, just in case! Lost or delayed baggage is never fun, but you can still hit the pool or beach if you’re prepared for the unexpected.
3. Bathing suit coverups
Whether you prefer a sarong, a shift dress, an oversize shirt or beach pants with a side slit, it’s great to have something pretty to throw on over your bathing suit. Whether you want coverage for getting to and from the beach or a cute dress you can wear to lunch at the poolside restaurant, HerRoom has some beautiful choices that look great over swimwear.
4. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
Fun in the sun is not so fun when you’re sunburned, so apply sunscreen before you hit the beach or pool and reapply often. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is made with rice and probiotics and offers SPF50+ protection. It’s lightweight, non-greasy and absorbs quickly. The 50ml size is ideal for travel. Don’t forget after sun care. Your skin will need extra pampering with moisturizer after a day in the sun.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Pack enough sunscreen for your entire trip. Resort prices for sunscreen can be astronomical, especially in out-of-the-way locations.
5. Sunglasses/sun hat
I love larger sunglass frames for beachwear. Even though I apply sunscreen to my face, a good pair of sunnies provides extra coverage to that thin, undereye area that’s extra prone to sun damage. A good, packable sun hat that won’t crush or lose its shape when packed is worth its weight in gold.
6. Day pack or beach bag
You’ll want some kind of small bag to carry your out-and-about essentials. If you’re hanging out poolside or under a beach umbrella, a tote bag to carry your sunscreen, towels, and a water bottle will work great. A backpack or crossbody might be better if you plan to hike or explore local markets. Beach House Gift Boutique has lots of fun bags with a distinctively beachy feel.
7. Rain gear
On tropical islands in the Caribbean, like Bonaire, St Barth and the Bahamas, storms breeze out as quickly as they blow in. While that’s a good thing, you’ll want to be prepared for rain, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
While it is tempting to pack an umbrella, most hotels include them in the room, and this is an easy thing to verify in advance. I like to carry the envelope-sized rain ponchos that you’ll usually see on Amazon. They’re not very stylish, but they don’t take up a lot of room in your bag and get the job done.
8. Insect repellent
Tropical climates and pesky bugs, especially mosquitos, sometimes go together. I like insect repellent towelettes or solid sticks because they’re easy to pack. When I stayed at the Hyatt Grand Reserve near El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico, little packets of insect repellent were included in the lineup of toiletries. But you can’t count on that level of amenity everywhere.
Most resorts have built-in pest management systems, but if you plan to hike or explore the local area, you’ll need to apply insect repellent in addition to your sunscreen.
9. First aid kit/medications
Basic health and safety items to include on a tropical vacation packing list will vary by individual, but other than medications you take regularly, it is handy to have the following items:
- Pain relievers;
- Something to combat stomach upset;
- Cold medicine;
- Throat lozenges;
- Band-Aids and antiseptic ointment.
Unless you’re very remote and have no access to a pharmacy, these things will get you through most situations.
10. Electronics
While some experts will tell you, “It’s vacation! Leave the electronics at home!” being plugged in is a fact of life, and checking work emails or taking a call while traveling is a reality for some. Make sure you have:
- Spare charging cables;
- Country-specific electrical converters – this is easy to research ahead of time;
- Power banks;
- AirPods or earbuds for listening to music or audiobooks poolside;
- Portable Bluetooth speaker;
- E-Sim for your phone, such as Aralo;
- USB multiport.
Do I Need to Pack Special Gear for a Tropical Vacation?
Should you bring special gear for activities like snorkeling or hiking? While there’s nothing worse than not having the right footwear for a hike, many hikes in the tropics can be easily navigated with a sturdy pair of athletic shoes, so you can probably leave the clunky hiking boots at home, but do your research before you decide.
Light, breathable athleisure clothes are great for tropical hiking – if you can pick a top that offers coverage and UV protection, even better.
Unless you have snorkel gear you’re particularly attached to, you’re probably okay using the loaner gear provided by the resort or tour company.
Packing for a Tropical Vacation with Kids
Kids will need the same clothes as adults, but you may need extra outfits, as kids tend to soil their clothing more than adults do.
For children who aren’t potty trained, you’ll need to pack regular diapers and swim diapers unless you are certain you’ll be able to easily obtain baby items at your destination.
People have varying views on electronic entertainment and kids when traveling. A tablet loaded with movies and games and a set of headphones can provide entertainment and keep kids occupied during downtime.
Best Footwear for a Tropical Vacation
Shoes are the bane of my packing existence because they occupy the most room in my suitcase. Even the swankiest beach resorts, like Grace Bay Club in Turks & Caicos, might require navigating sandy areas or boardwalks to get to posh dining venues, making stilettos impractical.
I’ll usually opt for wedges or a sparkly metallic flat sandal as a dressy option. For day, sandals that go with multiple outfits are the holy grail of tropical resort footwear. If you’re doing water activities from your resort, you’ll want a pair of flip-flops or slides that you can kick off and on easily.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you plan to work out on vacation, wear your athletic shoes on the plane to save room in your suitcase.
Packing Tips for a Tropical Holiday
Suitcase organization is one of the most important parts of packing for a tropical vacation. I’m usually a fan of packing light and not checking a bag, so I’m already starting with minimal space for my things. Here are some handy tips:
- Wear your heaviest items on the plane;
- Pack shoes and other bulky items at the bottom of your suitcase;
- Roll your clothes tightly and hang to de-wrinkle once you’re at your hotel;
- Pack items that can do double-duty, such as a casual dress that can also be a coverup;
- Stuff items like belts, accessories and socks inside shoes;
- Lay pajamas or anything I know I’ll want right away on top, to quickly prepare for bed after a long travel day.
And (unpopular opinion), I can take or leave packing cubes. I find them minimally helpful with organization but not useful as a space-saving tool.
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