Getting ready for a tropical island vacation can be an exciting time. For many, enthusiasm builds as they shop for new items they’ll need or carefully cull clothing from their current wardrobes. Experience enables many travelers to pack purposefully, rather than with uncertainty. On the other hand, those unfamiliar with the climate or packing needs of their tropical destination might over-pack, or not pack enough because they may not realize they will want more than their swimsuits and sandals. Most vacationers know enough to pack swimsuits, sunscreen, shorts, tank tops, and some nicer outfits to wear on an evening out, but they may not think about other important items to take with them.
Beach Fun
Because one of the main draws for a tropical island vacation are clean, sandy beaches with clear ocean water, sun and water-wear remain the most obvious packing items for this type of travel. Aside from extra swimsuits and towels, consider packing the following items.
-Flip flops or sandals: These will be useful for the walk to and from the beach, although many like to kick off their shoes upon reaching the sand.
-Water shoes: These are particularly great for beach areas with lots of rocks or for hikes to out of the way beaches.
-Beach cover ups: Easy to slip on shorts or skirts are a must for long days at the beach. Tunics also serve as great cover-ups, and travelers should consider clothing with built-in SPF to protect skin underneath their clothes.
Adventures
Another reason that tropical islands are so popular as a vacation destination is the range of activities offered to travelers. For example, visitors can engage in basic water activities like snorkeling or scuba diving, but vacationers often like to travel off the beaten path with arranged hikes, horse-back riding, or other adventures. Clothing designed specifically for these activities will keep hikers cool and feet protected.
-Hiking boots or tennis shoes with socks: Whether sitting astride a horse or hiking to that gorgeous waterfall deep in the rainforest, travelers should wear protective foot gear.
-Dry bag: A dry bag is a watertight bag designed to float if submerged and can keep valuables like cameras and wallets dry during kayaking or boating activities.
-Jeans and lightweight, long sleeve clothing: While the sun in a tropical climate can roast a person, travelers should consider wearing long sleeves and pants during certain activities. Jeans should be worn when riding an ATV, for example, and any trip into a rain forest calls for long sleeves to ward off mosquitoes and other pesky insects.
Accessorize
While accessories can pose a packing problem due to size and weight limits, certain items help make a tropical island vacation comfortable.
-Beach bag: Vacationers will want a large tote or beach bag to carry their items to and from the beach and put their travel essentials in. These may even double as airplane carry-on bags so as not to take up too much room in the luggage.
-Sunglasses: Even if travelers do not typically wear sunglasses, this item will come in handy in the glare of the hot tropical sun.
-Raincoat: Because rain occurs frequently in tropical climates, visitors should pack rain gear in case of approaching storms.
If vacationers wonder what clothes to pack for a tropical island vacation, this packing list will complement the hot day uniform of bathing suits, shorts, tank tops, and clothes for an evening or two out on the town. Packers should keep in mind that all of these items will be worth their weight in luggage room as travelers find reasons to pull them out.
