THE ULTIMATE CARIBBEAN VACATION PACKING CHECKLIST

26 Aug THE ULTIMATE CARIBBEAN VACATION PACKING CHECKLIST

Are you planning a vacation to the Caribbean? Perhaps you have already started your Caribbean vacation packing checklist. However, you are still worried about what you should bring. It’s quite likely that some Caribbean islands may not have the same supply of goods and services as in North America and Europe.

By planning your Caribbean vacation early it’s likely that you could avoid the difficulties others may fall into. I’ve created the ultimate Caribbean packing lists for you.

Although the Caribbean islands tend to have fewer shopping options and higher prices, that doesn’t mean you should bring your entire life. You don’t need much to ‘rock back’ or relax in the Caribbean.

You might not have checked a bag for travel to the Caribbean, not even for your honeymoon. These are the essentials and extras you need to take with you on your Caribbean vacations.

Caribbean Vacation Packing Checklist Essentials:

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These are the essential items that you’ll need to get prior to you taking off on your Caribbean destination:.

• Passes for boarding
• If applicable, Global Entry Card to return to the US (not required, but very useful to avoid long lines at security).
• Passport and Visa – Typically passports without visas are normally used to visit the Caribbean. Checking the respective Embassy or Consulate is advisable since there may be special requirements under Covid19 conditions (e.g. taking a PCR Covid free test within 72 prior to departure)
  • US citizens only require picture ID to travel to US territories (eg US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico)
  • French nationals only require an ID for their island dependents (Guadeloupe and Martinique) and
  • British nationals only need ID to enter the British Virgin Islands.

• Driving License, especially if you rent a car
• Cash for all ferries/taxis/ souvenirs (best to change day to day cash to local currency as exchange rates can vary significantly between service providers)
• Credit Cards
• Debit card (be careful of the transaction fees that could apply for each withdrawal)
• Cell Phone (international roaming charges could pack a punch so I would recommend buying a local sim card or disposable phone. Most islands have hot spots in main city and hotel areas for calling over the net e.g. Whatsapp)
• Phone charger and voltage adapter (if required)
• Hand sanitizer
• Covid19 mask

Apart from what’s to be included in your suitcase, which we will discuss below, all you need to board the plane will be your passport, global entrance card, and boarding pass..

Caribbean Vacation Packing Checklist Carry On Items

For your flight to the Caribbean, it is usually a good idea to pack some personal items in a carry-on bag.

This is the bag (check your airline website for size) you place under your seat on the plane. Items in this bag should make your flight more enjoyable and perhaps small things that would be difficult to replace in the event that your luggage got lost.

This way, if your luggage is lost by the airline, you will be able to get by for a while. Here are some items that are recommended for your in-flight or carry on bag:

• iPad with charger (you can download shows to your iPad to watch on the plane).
• Prescription medications that you might need
• You can also get snacks like granola bars if you don’t want to eat the boring cookies and pretzels offered by the airline.
• Easy-to-remove liquids from your bag during security screening
• Neck pillow
• Scarf (sometimes it can get cold and there are never enough blankets)
• Hotel or other lodging address and contact details (Immigration usually requires the address of where you will be staying)

Here’s what you can keep in your bag:

• Face Care Products (face toner, moisturizer, and face wash)
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body Wash
• Toothpaste
• Perfume
• Shave Gel/Cream
• Travel Tips

TSA PreCheck will eliminate the need to fumble with liquids while going through security. You can purchase it, and you will experience the benefits on most trips.

What Clothing Should You Pack for the Caribbean?

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It’s actually easy to pack clothes for the Caribbean. You don’t have to pack many layers because the temperature is always fairly consistent. What can vary a little is the amount of sunshine and rainfall. You can however usually get away with shorts and tank tops.

Even further, many Caribbean islands have a relaxed vibe. There is no dress code that is too formal. You don’t need to bring too many formal outfits for dinner. Even the most luxurious restaurants can still maintain a relaxed vibe. It’s a great feeling!

Many people also overpack their clothing. You shouldn’t bring too many outfit options. You’ll need to take your heavy suitcase through airports and then carry it around on the island. Most times, you’ll end up with half the suitcase!

If you have a washer and dryer, it is easier to bring light items. This will allow you to get multiple wears out of your clothes, such as swimsuits or casual t-shirts. If you have the time and desire to travel to the Caribbean, here are my recommendations for packing for a 5-day trip.

• 2 pairs of shorts: 1 paired denim, 1 paired white (for women) or khaki (for men).
• 3-5 casual tanks and t-shirts
• For the evening, choose 2-3 more elegant tops/dresses
• There are 2-3 options for swimsuits
• Swimsuit cover-ups (ladies)
• Comfortable shorts to wear on hikes.
• Flip-flops/Sandals
• Sneakers for hiking (some beaches offer short hikes)
• 5 paired socks
• 7 pairs of underwear
• Only for ladies: Bras (2 sports bras, and 2 regular bras).
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• For cold evenings, wear a sweatshirt
• Pajamas (this means 2 pairs of pajama bottoms and 5 tank tops)

Special Events and Festivals

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Each of the islands prides itself on hosting major must-see events and festivals. Most of these you can attend with the clothes identified above. You should have no problem with the advised Caribbean vacation packing checklist for the Stl Lucis jazz festivals, Antigua regattas, or Martinique rum and food festivals. However, if you want a more immersive experience some events (Trinidad Carnival, Grenada Jouvert, Barbados Crop Over) require costumes to fully participate.  Some events people do dress up and I know you ladies don’t want to be left behind. So if you want to strut your stuff check out what people are wearing for these special events beforehand.

Products for Personal Care in the Caribbean

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You can buy this stuff in the Caribbean, but it is much cheaper to buy personal care products at home. Because the islands have to import everything, basic items like toothbrushes tend to be more expensive in the Caribbean.

Since we have more than we can carry, the only necessities we purchase on the island are bug spray and sunscreen. Here is what you manage to fit into your suitcases (with the exception of those two essentials):

• Deodorant – If you need to check a bag, spray it with bug spray
• Reef Safe Sunscreen (If you are checking a bag, both for your face and your body)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Cotton balls/Q-tips
• Minimal Makeup
• Razor
• Toothbrush
• Hair ties
• Feminine Care Products
• Comb
• Hairdryer (check with your lodging as many places offer this)
• Braces for nighttime

Have you ever experienced foot pain? Just in case, you can always have a golf ball to help you roll your feet.

Other over-the-counter medicine:

• Ibuprofen
• Claritin
• Nyquil/Dayquil
• Band-Aids
• Emergen-C
• Vitamins

Niffy Travel Tips

• Avoid hot tools like a hair straightener. Your hair will not cooperate with your styling efforts due to the humid air.
• If you forget to put on your sunblock on and get sunburnt get Vitamin E and rub it on as soon as possible. It will help reduce the peeling
• Make sure to bring your Roku or Firestick so at your hotel/ villa the kids can enjoy their games or shows at night
• In the Caribbean, diseases like Dengue stpread through mosquitoes. To prevent this it is recommended thta you use a stong bug spray repellant. It should have 30-50% DEET componet to be the most effective.
• When you leave your accommodation leave your valuables in the room or reception safe. Better safe than sorry.
• Ensure that when you do pack that items that can drip are put in non-leak or ziplock bags.
• Check your airline rules for baggage weight limits and the number of bags you can check without charge.
• Apply hot water or salt water if you get stung by a jellyfish.

Electronics

You should keep electronics to a minimum. We go on vacation to disconnect. There is always the possibility of a valuable getting lost or stolen.

The following is the list you can bring along with you. Drones are a nuisance to beach-goers trying to relax and enjoy nature.

• Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker with Charger for Beach Music
• Camera (with charger)
• GoPro (with charger) – these are great for taking waterproof action shots.

Caribbean Vacation Packing Checklist Extras:

These are some additional items that you might want to bring (if there is enough space) that will make your trip more fun.

• Books for the beach
• Towels are available at most lodgings.

The most well-known example is the YETI Insulated Water Bottle. You can use these tumblers on the beach and you will keep your water cool all day. The ice won’t melt completely!

Tervis tumbler with lid: This is the one you would love to use when sipping on drinks at the beach. The lids prevent spillages and sand from getting in.

You are now ready for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation in the Caribbean. You will be able to relax and unwind in paradise by packing light.