17 Sep HOW TO PACK FOR A VACATION IN THE CARIBBEAN
As a traveller I know it can be difficult to know how to pack all the items necessary for a trip with just one bag. Particularly, if you are on a budget as almost all airlines charge an additional fee for checked luggage. This post will show you how to economically pack for a vacation to the Caribbean.
Admittedly it’s more difficult to give travel packing advice when you have to stow ski gear or parkas. Fortunately, the good news is that Caribbean travel requires lightweight clothing that is small and easy to carry. So let’s jump into it.
1. Don’t Pack What You Do Not Need
That picture above is me just before I go off on a trip. I don’t know what to pack so I try to pack everything. The reality is that you cannot pack it all, far less fit everything into one suitcase. What you have to do is think about how long you are going to be on vacation and the types of events and activities you will be doing. This will help focus on what you might end up wearing and needing.
Preferably your bulkiest items should be worn, not packed. This doesn’t mean you have to wear five layers of clothes. Instead, dress with common sense in mind.
You can bring any warm clothes you require for the return flight on to the plane. You should also pack the most substantial shoes possible, such as sneakers or dress shoes.
2. The Checked Bag
Before we get into how to pack for a vacation to the Caribbean we need to quickly talk about your suitcase.
If you are travelling long haul from North American or Europe to the Caribbean, I would suggest a large-sized rolling suitcase. That measures 30 inches in height, 14.4 inches in width and 11 inches in depth.
Typically you can choose between hardshell and soft-sided suitcases. According to Travel Bag Experts Hardshell suitcases are normally more aesthetically pleasing, durable, resistant to stain, lighter and will not expand therefore keeping you to the permitted size.
Alternatively, soft side suitcases will give you a little more expansion than the hard shell suitcases.
Four Wheel vs Two Wheel
If you select a two-wheel bag you have to pull it behind you. This can work if the bag is not too heavy, you might have to go over rough terrain and if you do not have other bags or items to carry. Four-wheeled bags, also known as spinners, can be more manageable. They can spin right around and are easier to manoeurre in tight spaces. They can be rolled upright so you have less to be concerned with if the bag is heavy.
You would need to consider what works best for you. Whichever way you must meet the average 44-50 pound limit. Be sure to check your airline’s hold baggage limits. for detailed information.
How To Pack For A Vacatoin With Care
If your flight schedule involves transfers then your luggage is going to be bounced around. I would advise that you try to carry any fluids in non-breakable containers. It’s never a nice thing when your favourite cologne breaks and leaks out onto all your clothes.
Arising from heightened restrictions around international travel be sure to ensure that what you pack complies with the TSA packing regulations.
3. Roll ‘Em!
I was not convinced until my wife showed me how much more suitcases space I was able to utilize by rolling my clothes instead of folding them. This is a good idea and a smart way to pack for a vacation to the Caribbean. You’ll find out that rolling your clothes not only helps save space, but it also prevents wrinkles. Check out the video on the Army Roll method.
If you want to keep it light pack coloured pants (e.g. black, blue jean shorts, or khaki) that match with most of your tops. These can be worn multiple times and are great for casual nights out. They also look great with a button-down shirt and a jacket (ties are not required in the Caribbean).
4. Camera
If you are like me you love taking pictures. In the Caribbean, there are so many idyllic sights, events, foods, people and festivals to see. Imagine capturing you ziplining in St. Lucia or the goat race in Tobago or you dancing along in the Grenada Jab Jab festival. Having a camera to capture all these priceless memories makes this addition to what you pack for a vacation indispensable.
I would also advise that you use your camera to screenshot your clothes in your suitcase, your luggage, boarding passes and rental car. You can use these shots to quickly identify things in the case of loss, theft and for insurance purposes.
Pro Tip: Bring along a waterproof phone case so that you can take those underwater shots while you swim with the fish and turtles.
5) Shirts, Shades, Shoes, Suits, and Sleepwear
No, I am certainly not telling you to bring your business suit. You are on vacation. If you are staying however at a resort or hotel some of them have fine dining requirements. So bring along two formal button-down shirts and maybe a couple of polo jerseys. For the ladies a summer dress is fine.
Do not leave home unless you pack your swimsuits. Ladies, I will not advise you here as I know many of you like variety. If you don’t have swimsuit options in your local stores there will be tons when you arrive at your Caribbean destination. So even though you might forget an item you wanted to pack for a vacation. there are many stores on islands that could meet most needs.
Depending on how long you typically stay on the beach and if you are going to be snorkeling you may also wish to bring along beach shoes, shades, suntan (SPF 50+) and a sun hat.
Also, It’s a good idea to bring a bag with you for wet suits when you get home. Comfortable lounge pants are a nice thing to wear to bed.
5. Socks, Belts, and Underwear
Okay so you are feeling more confident on what to pack for a vacation to the islands., it’s starting to get a bit full, but there is still plenty of space for socks and underwear. These are great for filling in the spaces between larger items. You can roll your socks into a ball and then put them inside your shoes which keeps your shoes from being crushed. For a wrap, sarong, or cover-up at the beach, you can also use this method.
You never know what you might need, so you can always bring at least two additional pairs of socks or undergarments. A belt is an additional hassle at airport security. You can pack yours by wrapping it around the inside rim of your suitcase after all your clothes have been packed.
6. Travel Insurance
One thing that Covid 19 taught me is that plans can be forced to change in an instant. For example, when the pandemic started impacting local populations some governments banned all commercial air and sea flights. This sent a lot of travellers scampering to get refunds on flights and cruises. Travel insurance, therefore, gets a special mention as something to consider before you go off on your flight or cruise.
7. Outside Pockets
Okay, now take one last look at your bag. Do you have enough room for the non-essential items (e.g., a curling iron, hairdryer, etc.) or is it overstuffed? Is it better to leave some space for the inevitable Caribbean souvenirs that you will be bringing back?
Once you have made your decision, close the bag. You’ll likely notice that for the soft-sided bags the exterior has several pockets.
One of these pockets is what you can use for your toiletry bag. It not only saves space but also protects your clothes in case a liquid bottle breaks or opens during flight.
If airport security feels the need to inspect your toiletry bag, they will have access to it faster and won’t have to open your whole suitcase.
8. The Other Bag and Miscellaneous Items
Voila! You’ve finished packing your luggage. Let’s now talk about the “other” bag that you can bring onboard.
The most important thing to consider is whether the bag will fit overhead or under your seat on the plane. This could be a handbag or computer bag, a small backpack, briefcase, or small bag.
While you bring a laptop bag, other travelers might find the handbag or backpack more practical and helpful.
This bag is used to store your computer, passport, wallet, and ticket. You also keep your iPod, headphones, sunglasses and a few books. If you desire you may carry an additional tube of suntan lotion or a book. You can use this bag to carry your toiletries if you don’t have one.
Some travelers insist on bringing extra socks and underwear if they check their other luggage. For inspection, liquids such as shampoos, mouthwashes, and other liquids must weigh less than 3.4 ounces.
9. Are You Ready to Go?
I think you are now all packed and ready to go! You have packed sensibly and can look forward to those Mojitos and Margaritas that you will soon be sipping on your favourite Caribbean isle.
Final Words
As a final word, make sure you bring an extra bag, or a backpack if there is enough space. A day bag is always a good idea for trips to the beach and excursions.
You can also use the bag to carry any souvenirs, alcohol, or gifts you find on the islands. You can still check three bags on the flight home, just one bag, one in the overhead bin and one under the seat.
This will allow you to avoid paying the excess baggage fee.
Here’s looking forward to seeing you on a Caribbean island soon. If you have any comments or advice on how you pack for a vacation please don’t hesitate to mention below.
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