Caribbean Packing List

My mind keeps wandering to our Caribbean island vacation that is booked for after our busy work season is over. And while it is still wildly early to start packing I am thinking about what I might want to pack. Do I have everything I need in my closet already? What electronics need to be charged? Do they even still work? Do my kids have warm weather clothing that still fits? There are many things I need to work out before the packing even begins. This is why I start thinking about my Caribbean Packing List well in advance.

Caribbean Packing List

1. Bathing suits are a no brainer. I usually pack a minimum of 2 swim suits but tend towards 3 or 4. Most of your holiday, especially an all inclusive holiday is going to be spent at the beach or pool in a bathing suit so don’t skimp with packing 1 suit. Things take longer to dry too so that is why I like a minimum of 2 suits. If you are trying to limit your sun exposure also pack a rash guard. This will keep you from worrying about bad burns or sun poisoning.
2. Sun Hat – this is another must have. I have had sun stroke on vacation before and it was not pleasant. Wearing a hat all the time is an easy way to avoid this as well as sun burns on your part or top of head. It also helps from the yellowing effect the sun can have on grey hair. Don’t have room in your suitcase? Try a crushable hat or bucket hat. OR get one of these handy magnetic hat clips.
3. Square neck tank top – When I am packing I pack enough tops for all the days I am going to be away adjusted for any dresses I might pack. This usually ends up being 3 – 5 t-shirts or tanks. I tend to wear more linen pants even on vacation lately so that means I need more tops than if I were wearing exclusively dresses to dinner. Don’t forget about packing for your airport outfit on the way home!
4. Long shirt or shirt dress – These make a great cover up. But you can also wear with a pair of shorts. I tend to pack a couple of different cover up options because after a few days of pool water and sunscreen they can get a bit gross.
5. Stripe tee – I don’t think I can get away without packing a stripey tee even for a Caribbean vacation. It is a great way to switch up a basic outfit.
6. Cotton Midi Shirt Dress – A fun dress is a great option for a Caribbean vacation. The hot weather lends itself to a breezy dress. In the past I would have packed a new dress for every night to wear at dinner. These days I might pack 2 to wear alternating with loose linen pants.
7. Wide leg linen pants – I am very much team linen pants these days. They are perfect for hot summery weather or in this case Caribbean weather. But to keep from over packing I would only pack 3-4 pairs depending on if you are also packing dresses or shorts and how long you are away for.
8. E-reader – An e-reader is a must for vacation, especially a beach vacation where there will lots of time to devour books. Books take up so much space but I can bring oodles more books on my ereader than I could ever pack in my suitcase.
9. Beach bag – We pack a few different beach bags to carry towels, snacks and books back and forth from the room to the beach. I like this particular bag because it isn’t bulky to pack. If you aren’t at an all inclusive style resort you might want to pack a cooler type bag as well to keep things cold.
10. Shorts – ok in my opinion shorts are optional. It really depends on what you prefer to do while on vacation. Are you going sightseeing? Or on excursions? Are you going to play sports? If not you can likely get away without shorts. I wouldn’t pack more than 2 pairs unless shorts are going to replace some pairs of pants. That said keep in mind that many restaurants require trousers so shorts might not be ideal in all situations.
11. Heeled sandals – one pair of fancier sandals is a must to pack. These will be worn with dresses or wide leg pants for dinner.
12. Flat sandals – Because I am not going to wear heeled sandals everywhere! But to be fair these suede ones might not be a good option pool side. Maybe something like these knotted sandals or the EVA Birkenstocks.
13. Sunglasses – Sunglasses are a must but I don’t want to lose my pricey pairs so something cheap and cheerful is great for vacation.

Caribbean Packing List; Other items to pack

• pjs – keep in mind that most rooms have air conditioning. You might still want longer sleeves.
• toiletries including sunscreen – shampoos, cleanser, moisturizers and most of all sunscreen. I am really liking this Kbeauty sunscreen stick. It feels gorgeous on.
• electronics – in addition to an e-reader we need to remember to pack all our charging cords and other things like our phones, tablets or computers depending on how disconnected we can be on vacation.
• sneakers – these are best for travel days or excursions.
• jacket or sweater – sometimes we think because the Caribbean is so hot that there would be non need for layers. But it can be windy and even cold at night in some places.
• towel – This is a nice to have but not necessary as resorts will provide towels. But I find it nice to have my own towel so that it is easier to find your seat in a sea of resort towels.
• identification – passport, visa if necessary, and drivers license. Plus copies of all your booking details, airline tickets.

What is on your Caribbean Packing list?