When going on vacation we fall into a few different categories. Most notable amongst these are those who pack heavy and those who pack light. Those of us who see the travelers dragging around hundreds of pounds of heavy wheeled luggage can sympathize. No one likes to wield a second home when we escape to our destination.
So you’re asking yourself, “how do I avoid over packing for my Caribbean Vacation?”. Well, check out our vacation packing tips below!
What to Pack
Think about what you really need. The essentials are just that, essential. Everything else isn’t. You don’t really need four pairs of shoes or thirteen shades of lipstick, do you?
Toiletries-
Make sure you are only bringing as much as you actually need. Shampoo? They've probably got that in the hotel room. Lotion, check; Soap, check.
Most hotels will even have some essentials that you would normally not leave home without, like toothbrush, toothpaste, and a razor. But if you’re one of those people who love a particular brand and don’t want to settle for what the hotel offers, buy a few reusable, small travel containers for your liquid toiletries. You won’t have to compromise too much space and you can use the same bottles every time you travel.
As for the make-up wearers, I always suggest packing light. It can be nice to wear a little while dining out on a night or two, but while you’re in the Caribbean, you’ll most likely be in and out of the water all day, and the other half, you’ll be sweating most of it off. Think carefully about how much you'll actually wear while you’re in the Caribbean. Try getting a three in one sunscreen, moisturizer, and foundation that you can squeeze into a small container, like a contact case.
Clothes-
The likelihood of you needing three sweatshirts in the Caribbean is pretty low and, guess what, light and loose clothing don’t take up much space. Take a few shirts, 2 bathing suits (or two tops and bottoms to mix and match), some light weight shorts, a few comfortable dresses (if you wear dresses) and a few unmentionables and you’re good to go. Most hotels can either do your laundry for you, have laundry on site, or have a laundromat within a close distance.
We’ve all heard those horror stories of the airline losing luggage, so it’s always a good idea to pack a few important articles of clothing in your carry on. A bathing suit, underwear, 2 tops, and a bottom will get you by just in case.
Shoes-
Try to pack a pair of flip flops comfortable for long walks, but classy enough to pair with a nice outfit when going out to dinner (and won’t take up a lot of space in your carry-on). Then wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes, like tennis shoes, for those days you’ll be on your feet all day (or ziplining), but easy enough to slip on and off for when you have to go through airport security. That way, you won’t have to pack those bulky shoes in your luggage and make space for more important things.
Accessories-
Accessories can give you the ability to change up your look, with less clothing. Try packing one bold and dainty necklace and one-two bracelets. For both for practicality and fashion, pack a hat to keep your face protected from the sun, and a watch.
Packing Your Bags
So once you’ve grabbed everything you believe you want to pack, take a step back and assess everything. Make a mental picture of the outfits you will be wearing for the number of days you will be there. Is there any article of clothing you are questioning if you really are going to be wearing? Take it out! For the notorious over-packers, try to cut your pile in-half.
Also, don’t forget to leave room in your bags for a few souvenirs!
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