Packing For Your Caribbean Trip
By Anna Lynn Sibal
If you are planning to go on a trip, bringing with you the necessary clothing and gear for your journey will certainly enhance your enjoyment of the trip as well as eliminate as much hassles as possible. It all depends on the purpose of your trip.
If you are planning to go on a trip to the Caribbean islands, it is almost always because you want to enjoy the glories of the sea, the sun and the sand that is unique to the shores of these islands. You will need to pack the appropriate items to make your Caribbean experience as happy and as memorable as you could possibly want it.
These are a few packing tips that will definitely help you make the most of your journey to the Caribbean islands.
Carry-on bag. Because you bring your carry-on bag with you in the plane, it is only logical that your valuable items and your travel documents (your passport, airline tickets, boarding passes, ID cards, driver’s license, et cetera) should be in your carry-on bag. Other things that you should put in your carry-on bag are your toiletry kit, at least one change of clothing for when your luggage gets delayed or misplaced, a bathing suit so you can already start basking in the sun while you wait for your luggage, a foldable umbrella in case it rains when you arrive, and some small bills and loose change for paying the cab or giving tips. If you can, put your camera in your carry-on bag as well, with extra film or digital storage.
Toiletry bag. Naturally, you would want to bring your own makeup, medicine, razors, deodorants, hair gels and the like in your toiletry bag. Add to that some items that would protect you from sunburn and UV exposure, like lip balms, aloe vera lotion, waterproof and SPF 30 sunscreen. You would also need some baby powder to prevent skin chafing. However, leave out items that will likely be provided by the hotel you will be staying in, like soap, shampoo and toothpaste.
Check-in luggage. Ah, here is the tricky part. Remember that you are going to the sunny Caribbean, so the clothes you bring should be cool and lightweight. Basic items that you need to bring are:
At least two sets of swimsuits so you would always have a dry suit to put on when going to the water. A sarong might be a necessity for the ladies, depending on the customs of the island you are going to.
Pants, shorts or capris made from light fabric, such as linen, cotton or khaki.
T-shirts. Golf shirts would be great for the guys because they can be worn both for daytime and evening time.
A light dinner jacket for the guys and at least one evening dress for the ladies, in case you would want to dine out in a fancy place.
Casual shoes, sandals or flip-flops, and a pair of dressy shoes for wearing in the evening.
Bringing your own water shoes and snorkels is a good idea, simply because it is more hygienic than renting them. And believe it or not, it does rain in the Caribbean almost every day, so you have to bring with you an umbrella or a waterproof jacket with a hood.
Best bring luggage that has its own wheels. Also, make sure there is room in your luggage for whatever souvenirs you would be bringing back home with you.
Caribbean Travel
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