As we adjust to a new way of living and working in the era of health concerns, many people want to rest, unwind, and recharge after prolonged periods of staying at home.
For some, a stay at the beach would provide just the respite needed, as long as they made sure to have the tropical vacation packing essentials.
But for most of us, the luxury of travel has either been benched for the foreseeable future, or for the luckier ones, at least given a serious makeover. Planning a vacation has never required so much forethought.
Standard precautions like always wearing a face covering when out in public, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining adequate personal space while traveling and at your destination need to be followed.
If you have your heart set on a tropical getaway, here’s a guide on tropical vacation packing so that you only carry what you need to enjoy your trip and look the part as you hang out by the pool or at the beach.
Tropical Vacation Packing: Clothes, Shoes, and Beach Essentials
The “just in case” mantra phrase can easily make you overpack as you try to anticipate every single need that might arise while you’re on holiday.
Those four pairs of shoes, including your “comfortable heels,” might not all be necessary for a 5-day trip. And do you really need ten bikinis for your weekend-long break?
Here’s a handy guide that will assist you in your tropical vacation packing by focusing on the essentials and helping you to create your very own travel capsule wardrobe.
Tropical Vacation Packing List: Clothes
Because you’ll be in warm weather, you’ll need to wear breathable fabrics. Pick versatile separates that can be matched with more than one other piece of clothing so that you have at least two outfit options.
Dresses
Pack one or two casual dresses that can work for both day and night. Blue Bungalow’s flowy, high-low cotton dress from their Cotton Village line is the perfect example of a stylish yet comfortable look that can be easily dressed up or down.
Tops
Carry three to four comfortable tops that you can mix and match with skirts, shorts, or pants.
Bottoms
Bring a mix of two to three pairs of pants or shorts that can be paired with your tops to create cute outfits for taking a stroll around town or hanging out by the beach.
Swimsuits
Pack two swimsuits so that you have a bathing suit to wear while the other one dries. If you like bikinis, choose pieces that you can mix and match for versatility.
Wear your bikini as a crop top, or your one-piece swimwear or a bodysuit with a pair of culottes or a maxi skirt for a quick outfit.
If you’re intending to go swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports, you’ll need swimsuits that can keep up with you. SwimSpot swimwear combines function and form, so you can enjoy exciting water sports to your heart’s content.
Swimsuit cover-up
When you wear your swimsuit, you’re going to want something to cover it up as you stroll to the pool or the beach. Whether you prefer a kaftan or a sarong, pick a cover-up that is lightweight, easy to put on and pull off, and dries quickly.
Jacket/Sweater
Just in case it gets cool or windy at night, bring a light jacket or a lightweight sweater that is not bulky.
Tropical Vacation Packing List: Shoes
Shoes can take up space in your luggage, so it’s important to stick to what you’ll really need.
Flip-Flops
Given you’ll be spending plenty of time by the pool or at the beach, a pair of flip-flops is a tropical vacation must-have.
Sandals
Pack a pair of sandals for trips around town, shopping sprees, or when going out for dinner. Pick a neutral color like tan or black that will work with all of your outfits.
Water shoes
Water shoes come in handy to protect your feet if your tropical destination has lots of coral or rocks on the beaches.