My Ideal Caribbean Packing List

• 2-3 swimsuits. I often will wear a swimsuit top as a bra, and guys should bring swim trunks that can also be worn as shorts.
• 2-3 tees and/or tanks
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• Lightweight short flowy sundresses are amazing, Title Nine makes some sundresses and rompers that are perfect, and swim shorts are great to wear around town or on excursions.  
• A beach cover-up, get one that’s not see-through if you plan to wear it off the beach also. I love this romper as a cover up because if the big pockets.
• 2 things to sleep in and lounge shorts. I love throwing on a pair of sweat shorts after a day at the beach.
• Light weight underwear, bras with lots of padding are way too hot, the lighter and more breathable the better. The only bra I bring is the one I wear on the plane, then it stays in my suitcase until it’s time to fly home. I wear a bikini top the rest of the time.
• Comfortable flip flops or sandals. Rubber ones are better for the beach than leather. Pro Tip: If they are a darker color, flip them upside down when you take them off at the beach so they won’t be scalding hot when you put them back on.
• A very light weight long sleeve if you get cold easily.
• A hat!!! Trust me, this is a must-have. The top of your head will burn the fastest.
• Snorkeling gear. I prefer to have my own, that way I know the mask and fins will fit correctly and it’s been washed properly. For fins I like Dafins because they are easier to pack, but just as powerful as full size snorkeling fins. I have this mask and snorkel set and it works great.
• Rash guard/ Sun shirt. This is ideal if you need a break from the sun but aren’t ready to leave the beach. I prefer one with a hood in case I do any hiking and want to protect my neck. They are also great to wear in the evenings to help prevent mosquito bites.
• Closed toe water shoes if you want to do any hiking. Keen water shoes are ideal, but if those are too pricy then these are good alternative for men and women.

Recommended Items:

• Sunscreen. Most places will have it available to buy on the island, but it’s a lot more expensive and you may find yourself running all over town on your first day trying to find some. I buy a big bottle, then put it into smaller carry on size silicone bottles. The sun is way more intense in the Caribbean than you are used to. Apply early and often, you will burn before you even realize it, and a bad sunburn will ruin your trip. Don’t forget the tops of your feet and please use reef safe sunscreen to protect our oceans! My favorite brand is Australian Gold, it comes in 30spf. 50spf and 70spf.
• Hammock floaties pack down small and are perfect for the pool, ocean or snorkeling.
• A double walled cup to keep your drinks cold
• A reusable grocery tote bag that packs down small - great for the beach or trips to the market. 
• Microfiber travel towels. We use these when we are hiking to a beach or waterfall, so we don’t have to carry a heavy beach towel. They dry really fast, even in humidity.
• Mosquito wipes are better than spray because you can take them in your carry on and just throw a few in your beach bag or pocket. Personally I prefer Deet free wipes, but if you prefer to use Deet, these wipes work great! If you are going to an island with a bioluminescent bay, please don't use Deet, it kills the organisms that create the bioluminescence.

Pro tip: you will wear way less clothes than you think you will. It never gets cold, there are no restaurants that require formal attire, and you spend most of your time in a swimsuit. Pack clothes that are flowy, not clingy, natural fibers like cotton and linen that can breathe, and light colors. Trust me, that black shirt will feel 10x hotter in the Caribbean!

Leave these items at home

• Hair dryer or straightener, waste of time in this humidity and heat
• Jeans and more than one pair of pants 
• Heavy sweaters/sweatshirts (unless it’s for the plane)
• A fancy purse. I like a small tote bag I can pack in my suitcase and use when I get there.
• A wetsuit (unless you’re planning to scuba)
• Anything leather or suede
• High heels/fancy dress shoes. Girls, I promise, all you need is one pair of flip flops and one pair of dress sandals. If you are bringing any close toed shoes for hiking or excursions, wear them on the plane. 

Pro Tip: If you check a bag definitely get AirTags to put in your suitcase, this way if your bag gets lost or stolen you can track it. I always travel with one in every bag I bring, and they even make passport books that hold an Airtag!

Airplane Tips

• If you have Bluetooth headphones you will also need to bring headphones that can plug into the seat for in-flight movies on plane screens. If you want to be able to use your Airpods, this transmitter plugs into the screen's AUX port and can also be used if your rental car doesn't have a USB port.
• Download app for airline you’re flying for movies and tv offered that way or download some on to your iPad/laptop. 
• Bring a reusable empty water bottle to fill up at the airport and take to the beach.
• Pack snacks, and food for longer flights. I bring Cliff Bars and trail mix.  
• I like to bring a travel blanket that I can also use on the island when my partner cranks the AC.
• If you are flying on any of the smaller Caribbean airlines, like Cape Air or Inter Caribbean, I highly recommend you do carryon only.

Pro Tip: Planes cabins can get chilly and really warm, wear layers and pack socks. Any warm clothes you bring for the plane will be enough for cool nights in the Caribbean also.

I never check a bag when going to the Caribbean, I’ve heard too may horror stories about luggage being lost and I also like to get out of the airport and on to the beach as quick as possible. If I am staying longer than a week I make sure I have access to a clothes washer. If you follow this packing list you should be able to fit everything into a carry on bag in the overhead bin and a carry on bag under your seat! 

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