Planning a Caribbean vacation has many steps—selecting the vacation spot and dates, reserving the lodging and transportation, determining actions, and making your packing record.
Should you’re questioning what garments to put on within the Caribbean, we’re right here to assist! On this article we’ll go into element about what to pack for the Caribbean (together with what to pack for a Caribbean cruise) and reply some often requested questions.
Find out how to Determine What to Pack for the Caribbean
First, verify the climate forecast in your vacation spot. This can assist you understand if it is advisable to deliver particular objects like raingear, or maybe a hotter wrap for cool nights.
Subsequent, calculate what number of days and nights you can be gone to determine what number of outfits you will want.
Then, suppose via what you can be doing and the place you’ll be going. Completely different actions would require various kinds of clothes, sneakers, and gear (resembling mountain climbing boots, exercise put on, or snorkeling goggles).
Lastly, make an inventory! Having a complete packing record in your Caribbean trip will assist make sure you don’t neglect something essential. Should you’re touring with another person, you’ll want to evaluate notes so that you don’t deliver duplicate objects—or go away one thing behind since you thought the opposite would deliver it.

What to Pack for a Caribbean Vacation in Your Carry-on/Purse/Backpack
There are specific issues that you’ll want with you when you journey, resembling your tickets, passport, bank cards, and many others. However additionally, you will wish to maintain any useful or irreplaceable objects with you as effectively.
These embrace:
Money
You’ll want to deliver some money for ideas, taxis, and locations that don’t settle for bank cards. Should you don’t wish to carry a lot money with you whereas touring, you possibly can all the time get it from an ATM when you’re at your vacation spot.
Remember that you don’t wish to stroll round with a variety of money on you at any time.
Relying on which island you’re visiting, you might wish to get a number of the native foreign money earlier than you allow. This can turn out to be useful if the transportation you’re taking from the airport doesn’t settle for U.S. cash. It additionally buys you slightly time to search out one of the best place to trade foreign money, since charges and charges can range.
Tip: Relying on the place you go, you might must pay a departure tax in money on the airport, if it’s not included in your airplane ticket. You’ll want to ask prematurely and set that money apart if that’s the case.
Jewellery
It’s good to not deliver any costly jewellery with you on a Caribbean trip, however no matter jewellery you do deliver needs to be packed in your carry-on to maintain it protected.
Necessary Cellphone Numbers
Sure, you have got everybody’s quantity in your telephone, however what in case your telephone will get misplaced, stolen, or broken? Make a separate record of essential numbers like emergency contacts, docs, medical insurance firm, journey insurance coverage firm, home or pet sitter, the resort the place you’re staying, bank card corporations, and the closest American embassy, and maintain it in a protected place.
Drugs
Be sure you pack all medication that you just want in your carry-on bag so that you don’t have to fret about your baggage getting misplaced. Along with any prescription medicine, deliver over-the-counter medication (like aspirin, ibuprofen, abdomen treatments, seasickness medication, insect chew aid cream, and antihistamines) in addition to objects like bandaids, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment so that you’ll have them readily available for those who want them. You possibly can’t all the time depend on getting access to these on an island.
Tip: maintain all prescription medicines within the unique bottles to keep away from any points.
Vacation spot Info
Chances are you’ll be requested to supply the identify and handle of the place you’re staying whenever you attain your vacation spot, so you’ll want to have that available. It helps to print out your resort reservation. This can even turn out to be useful if you’re taking a taxi to your resort.
Well being Insurance coverage Playing cards
Hopefully you gained’t have any want in your medical insurance data whereas in your trip, nevertheless it’s good to be ready for an emergency.
Journey Insurance coverage Info
If in case you have bought journey insurance coverage, be sure you have this readily available as effectively.
Vaccination Info
Convey copies of immunization information in case your vacation spot requires particular vaccines.

Photocopies of Necessary Info
Earlier than you allow house, make two units of photocopies of all of the essential paperwork above, together with prescriptions for any medication you’re carrying. Hold one with you and go away one in your resort room at your vacation spot. This data will likely be invaluable in case something will get misplaced or stolen.
Tip: You may as well take footage of all essential paperwork (your passport, driver’s license, insurance coverage playing cards, and many others.) and maintain these in your telephone. Chances are you’ll even wish to electronic mail them to your self or to an emergency contact simply in case.
Emergency Contact Card
On a enterprise card or small piece of paper that you could place in your pockets or someplace that may be simply discovered, write down your identify and the contact data for your loved ones, in case of emergency.
Your Cell Cellphone, Charger, and Earbuds or Headphones
You may suppose this doesn’t have to be on the record—in fact you’re bringing your telephone—however chargers are sometimes left behind. Placing every thing on the record helps be sure you deliver it. If the island you’re visiting is on a unique voltage system, deliver a plug adaptor as effectively.
Digital camera
Should you’re bringing a separate digital camera, maintain it in addition to any equipment and provides with you.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is an absolute journey important lately. Pack a number of small bottles, and be sure you use it often.
A Change of Garments and Fundamental Toiletries
Many journey specialists recommend together with your toiletries and a change of garments in your carry-on, simply in case your checked baggage is delayed. Ladies might wish to deliver pack their make-up bag in the event that they use manufacturers that aren’t simply changed. Should you do pack your toiletries in your carry-on, you’ll want to verify essentially the most present guidelines about what sizes of liquids are allowed on the airplane.
Should you put on contacts, you’ll want to deliver any provides you want in addition to an additional pair, simply to be protected! Should you put on glasses, you might wish to deliver an additional pair of these as effectively.
Tip: Take into consideration placing a swimsuit and flipflops in your carry-on as effectively in case you possibly can’t verify in whenever you arrive. That means you possibly can head straight to the seashore!

What to Pack for the Caribbean in Your Checked Baggage
With a purpose to pack mild, take into consideration objects that may be dressed up and down with equipment, like a sundress that works for each an informal day journey and a dressy dinner. For a weeklong journey, attempt to deliver 4-6 tops and 3-5 bottoms that may be combined and matched. Should you deliver some small packs of laundry detergent, you possibly can wash issues out in your sink even for those who don’t have entry to a washer.
Should you’re planning on doing particular actions like mountain climbing, tennis, or golfing, ensure that to deliver the suitable clothes and sneakers.
Shirts
Males can deliver t-shirts, polo shirts, and button-up quick sleeve shirts; deliver a tie if going to dressier locations.
Ladies can deliver t-shirts, tank tops, and light-weight blouses.
Attire and Skirts
Ladies will wish to add just a few informal attire or sundresses, or a skirt and prime, to your packing record, particularly for those who’re staying at a resort that asks for “resort informal” put on in some areas. Should you’re planning on eating at a extra formal restaurant, deliver a nicer gown and sneakers to match. (Don’t neglect an applicable purse, too!)
Shorts and/or Pants
Shorts are important for each women and men. Cotton shorts, khaki shorts, and even exercise shorts can all be worn throughout the day at most locations; simply ensure that they’re comfy. Breathable materials like linen are superb.
For males, pack light-weight pants resembling linen or khakis. Ladies can pack Capri pants or light-weight slacks.
Sneakers and Socks
The kind of sneakers you deliver will depend upon what actions you wish to do in your journey. You’ll in all probability wish to at the very least deliver water sneakers, flip flops, and sandals. Chances are you’ll wish to deliver tennis sneakers for those who’re going to do a variety of strolling or enjoying sports activities.
Should you plan on mountain climbing, you might have considered trying mountain climbing sneakers. Should you plan on going to a nicer restaurant, deliver a pair that can slot in there. And for those who’re going to golf, deliver applicable sneakers.
You’ll want to deliver a number of pairs of socks for any sneakers that want them.
Attempt to deliver the fewest pairs of sneakers you may get away with, and see what can do double responsibility. For instance, a snug pair of black flats can work for strolling round throughout the day and dressing up for dinner at evening.
Tip: To avoid wasting room in your baggage, put on your bulkiest sneakers on the airplane. Slip flip flops in your keep on so you possibly can change as quickly as you land.
Underwear and Pajamas
Be sure you pack sufficient pairs of underwear in your trip, and produce no matter you wish to sleep in. Ladies will wish to deliver a number of bras, together with a strapless bra for those who’re bringing tops that want it.

Scarf, Scarf, or Jacket
Ladies might wish to deliver a shawl, scarf, or mild jacket in case they get chilly in air-conditioned locations. These can turn out to be useful on airplanes as effectively.
You may additionally wish to deliver a light-weight rain jacket or poncho, even when the forecast is obvious. Caribbean climate could be unpredictable.
GoPro Digital camera
A GoPro is nice for video of underwater adventures or different locations the place you gained’t wish to take your telephone.
Cellphone Charger
You possibly can’t use your telephone if it isn’t charged! Chances are you’ll wish to embrace an additional telephone charger in your checked bag (along with the one in your carry-on) as a back-up in case you misplace the primary one.
Journey Adapter/Plug
You possibly can’t cost your telephone for those who can’t plug within the charger! Verify to see if it is advisable to deliver a journey adapter plug.
Hairdryer
Most resorts lately have hairdryers within the room, however you might wish to doublecheck this in case it is advisable to deliver your personal.
Rucksack or Backpack
You’re going to need each arms free at occasions, so we suggest bringing a backpack to take sightseeing or mountain climbing for those who plan to do this.
Miscellaneous Objects
Ziploc luggage are inclined to turn out to be useful on journeys, as does a Swiss Military knife and a small flashlight. You may also wish to pack stain eradicating wipes in case you spill one thing in your garments.

Seashore Bag
A seashore bag is a straightforward solution to carry all of your seashore necessities. Be sure it’s fabricated from a cloth that may get moist.
Sunscreen
You’re going to wish loads of sunscreen! The Caribbean has stronger daylight because it’s nearer to the equator. Additionally, being on sand or water intensifies the solar’s rays. The upper the SPF, the higher! You don’t wish to go under SPF 30, however 50 or increased is finest.
Bringing it from house ensures that you’ve got the SPF you want and can prevent cash. We suggest bringing some in your carry-on or private merchandise on the airplane that’s not bigger than 3.4 fluid ounces. As well as, you want much more in your checked baggage.
Tip: Should you’re going to be snorkeling or scuba diving, ensure that your sunscreen is reef-safe.
Lip Balm with SPF
Lips are very vulnerable to sunburn so shield them with a balm that has solar safety in it.
Solar Hats
Pack a wide-brimmed hat to guard your self from the solar and assist forestall complications, warmth stroke, or sunburn in your face and neck. One that’s crushable and might simply slot in a small bag is right so you possibly can take it on excursions.
Sun shades
You’ll additionally wish to shield your eyes. Sun shades are a should; they need to have UV safety.
Flip Flops
Flip flops are the last word seashore shoe. You possibly can throw them on to stroll to the seashore, pool, or spa, or use them to stroll into the native city. We propose bringing two pairs, a nicer pair for eating and one for every thing else.
Swimsuits
The very last thing you wish to do on a Caribbean trip is neglect your swimwear and spend the primary day looking for one thing half-decent in native shops.
Be sure you deliver a number of decisions so that you don’t need to put on a moist go well with.
Should you’re planning on doing any water actions, girls might really feel extra comfy carrying one thing apart from a bikini backside. Both deliver some shorts you possibly can put over your swimsuit, or discover swim shorts for girls.

Cowl-ups
As a substitute of adjusting out and in of your swimsuit, it’s a lot simpler to only throw on a cute cover-up. These are simple to pack and can prevent time whenever you’re preparing for informal dinners or drinks by the pool. Observe that it’s anticipated in lots of locations to put on some sort of cover-up in public areas.
Rash Guard
Should you’re planning on doing any water sports activities, a rash guard will turn out to be useful. It may well additionally shield you from the solar.
Seashore Towels
Resorts will give you seashore towels, however for those who gained’t be staying at a resort, deliver a few towels if in case you have room.
Snorkeling Gear and/or Goggles
Whereas all-inclusive resorts will typically have complimentary snorkeling gear, and you’ll definitely hire it if not, you might choose to deliver your personal. Goggles particularly are simple to pack; for those who put on prescription goggles you’ll undoubtedly wish to deliver these.
Waterproof Cellphone Case
A water-proof telephone case could be a lifesaver whenever you’re on the seashore!
Waterproof Baggage
Waterproof luggage are nice for protecting your issues protected from sand and water. You possibly can take them with you snorkeling or scuba diving and go away the bag within the boat understanding your valuables gained’t get moist. They’re additionally excellent to deliver to the seashore or the pool.
Insect Repellant
It’s the tropics! This can be sure you keep away from bug bites.

What to Pack for Caribbean All Inclusive Resorts
Your packing record for a Caribbean all-inclusive stay will likely be barely totally different than for those who had been staying at one other sort of resort.
Verify the resort’s gown code. Many all-inclusive resorts have a nicer restaurant or two that require you to decorate up a bit extra, so that you’ll must deliver an outfit, sneakers, and equipment for that. Some additionally request “resort informal” clothes throughout the day, which may imply no tank tops, t-shirts with writing, or jean shorts.
Nevertheless, most all inclusive resorts will present issues like seashore towels, toiletries, and hair dryers, so you possibly can cross these off your record. They can even often have gear like snorkeling gear, golf golf equipment and sneakers, and tennis rackets obtainable.
What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
A lot of the objects on a packing record for a Caribbean cruise would be the similar as within the record above. Nevertheless, there are some further belongings you’ll wish to pack, resembling:
- Movement illness medication or wristbands
- Snug strolling sneakers (most cruise ships are very massive and also you’ll be doing a ton of strolling)
- Formal outfits, sneakers, and equipment for fancy gown dinners
- A water-proof journey bag for onshore excursions

How do I pack for every week within the Caribbean?
What to pack for the Caribbean for every week or extra will depend upon whether or not you have got entry to laundry services. In that case, you possibly can pack only a few objects which might be simply washed. If not, you’ll wish to you’ll want to deliver sufficient outfits, underwear, and socks to final in your whole journey. A tip is to deliver 4-6 tops and 3-5 bottoms that you could combine and match.

What to put on on a airplane to the Caribbean?
When heading on a Caribbean trip, gown for the airplane in layers. It could be chilly the place you reside, however will probably be toasty heat whenever you arrive. You don’t wish to be sweating proper off the bat!
Put on light-weight, comfy pants and a short-sleeved shirt, then layer a long-sleeved shirt, sweater, or jacket over it.
In fact, for those who’re touring throughout the summer time, you possibly can simply put on mild pants or shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. Nevertheless, you should still wish to deliver a light-weight sweater or wrap in case the airplane is chilly.
Both means, additionally, you will wish to deliver sun shades and a hat in your carry-on so you possibly can shield your self from that tropical solar. If carrying heavier sneakers on the airplane, tuck some flip flops into your keep on as effectively.
Now that you just’ve learn our tips about what to pack for the Caribbean, have we left something out? Tell us within the feedback! And for those who’d like assist planning your journey, be at liberty to contact our expert travel advisors!