If looking forward to a getaway in the tropics, be sure to review this packing list ahead of your travel. Though there are staple items to include when prepping for any warm trip, keeping the conditions below in mind can help determine what to pack for ultra comfort. This tropical vacation packing list is full of convenient sidekicks worth stowing in your bag, according to an avid dryland tourist exploring Jamaica and beyond.
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Tropical Vacation Packing List
No matter where in the world a tropical destination is, they often share common experiences. The multi-facted island landscape of my home country, Jamaica, makes it 1 of the best island getaways for many– couples, groups, families, and solo trips. As a travelling islander, I believe the gems below would complete any luggage heading to the tropics. There’s a wealth of attractions, picturesque beaches and waterfalls, lush mountains, and world-class accommodations around the country. Browse the full Amazon storefront for even more products I love!
Destination: Great Huts, Jamaica
Destination: Lashings Beach Club, Jamaica
By the way, quick reminder…
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Tropical Vacation Travel Essentials
● Mosquito / Insect Repellent: You may end up not needing this on a trip but the chance of insect bites in the tropics is real at times, for both 1st time visitors and born-&-grow residents.
A place’s surroundings and environment conditions could be the difference between a relaxing outing and shooing pesky bugs. An effective, organic repellent can keep the buzz and bites away. It can be especially handy after sunset and during outdoor activities in some areas.
Top Insect Repellent Picks
● SPF30+ Sunscreen: A quintessential tropical vacation revolves around alotta sunshine. Sunscreen should already be a part of your daily routine to protect skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, skin damage and cancer, even on cloudy days. In hotter climates you may need to up your usual level of sunblock protection.
SPF30 is a standard protection suitable for most people in warm climates. Living in hot Jamaica, a broad-spectrum SPF50 sunscreen on my face and neck is my ritual before heading outside. I prefer environmentally-friendly sunblock creams that spread easily and dry clear on my coffee-coloured skin.
Top Sunscreen Picks
Destination: Comfort Castle, Jamaica
● Handheld Multi-speed Fan: Temperatures around the world are breaking records, giving new meaning to ‘tropical heat’! A warm climate plus clammy humidity can make some days just too hot to handle, even for residents.
A travel-sized, rechargable fan that can blast enough breeze to penetrate hot air has saved both my make-up and sanity many times! At the rate that temperatures have been rising, small fans are shifting from a sensible aesthetic in handbags to a hot commodity (no pun intended).
● Powerbank: Trip days are often long and eventful; the day-to-day pace can run leisurely on island time. If your device battery is low while lazing on a beach or on the way to the next hotspot, a nearby power outlet may be unavailable.
A compact, quick-charging powerbank on the go extends time to stay connected and capture memories. If you’re travelling with multiple rechargable devices or at least 1 companion, a multi-port powerbank may be the best power up option for your trip.
● Universal Travel Adapter: Countries around the world use various plug types. If a destination uses a different outlet from what you’re used to, this could make it challenging to use personal devices on a trip without the right adapter.
A universal travel adapter will eliminate the guess work and allow you to plug in wherever you go. It lets you power multiple plug types with a single adapter. This handy item is more a common necessity for European travelers going on a tropical vacation.
● Closed Shoes: Slippers and sandals may be the preferred footwear when we imagine being in the tropics, and with good reason! Besides maintaining comfort in different settings, closed shoes may be required at some venues (yes, even on a beach vacation). Be sure to also add at least 1 comfy, closed-toe shoe to your suitcase for the walks off the sand.
Durable shoes made of lightweight fabrics are great choices for hot temperatures. Breathable materials– like canvas, suede, genuine soft leather– can keep your feet dry and cool in island heat.
● Travelling Drink Bottle: On a warm day, heat-related conditions can strike dehydrated persons quickly. While on the go, you should carry refreshments around as a replenishing resource and visual reminder to have a drink. A travelling bottle can be a much-needed top up, whether it’s for staying hydrated throughout a tropical vacation or just enjoying an extended happy hour. Travelling drink bottles also come in handy at airports to fill up after getting through security. Collapsible ones can carry what you need with very little packing space, making it easy to travel with.
Top Travel Bottle Picks
Destination: Great Huts, Jamaica
Tropical Vacation Water Attraction Essentials
● Water Shoes: Sand between toes can feel top tier on a tropical vacation, but sometimes coarse shores and slick paths can’t offer that feeling. A trip to a water body could easily be more comfortable by slipping on a pair of aquatic shoes.
Water shoes are a great packing list item for river and beach trips. Usually there’s at least 1 vendor selling these in various sizes at popular water attractions in Jamaica. Though there may be multiple designs on sale there, a common problem is some sizes may not be available. Having water shoes can instantly make a wet outing safer and more enjoyable.
It could be most useful in underwater excursions, like snorkeling and scuba diving. Up to 12ft depth protection should be fine for most waterside activities. If a phone will be taking an extended dip, up to 32ft protection should do the trick unless maybe you’re an expert diver (big up you).
Top Waterproof Cases
● Waterproof Camera: Turquoise water bodies make aquatic attractions a big sector of tropical vacations. Waterproof cameras can capture unique underwater POVs in high quality. Marine life and clear waters create up-close, breathtaking visuals, especially in the Caribbean region.
Best Underwater Camera Picks
Destination: Coral Cay, Bahamas
Best Time to Book a Tropical Vacation
A major allure of the tropics is lots and lots of sunshine. Though temperatures are typically warm throughout the year, travelling during a country’s wet season could potentially dampen a trip. 1 thing to research before a tropical cruise or flight is the weather forecast for your travel dates. A Tuesday afternoon flash of rain during an island vacay could change a fun day into a less-than-ideal itinerary shift.
Best Time to Book a Tropical Vacation in Jamaica
If you’re hoping for an outdoor or beach vacation in Jamaica, travel dates could make a big difference. Mid-December to April is the high season for tourist visits to Jamaica, when most days are warm and sunny. June to November is considered hurricane season in the Caribbean, with September and October usually being Jamaica’s wettest months. June to August tends to be the hottest period, while December to January is the coolest– in island terms that’s about 65 – 75°F.
Destination: Doctor’s Cave Beach, Jamaica
Tropical Vacation Packing List Conclusion
This collection of best Amazon finds has turned out to become must-have items on my packing list for most of my tropical vacations, home and abroad! Bookmark these proven favourites + top-rated travel products in my cart at the Amazon Influencer Storefront.
We’re always on the lookout for awesome travel finds.
If you think of a product that should be on this list, please share your Amazon travel recommendations and reviews worth checking out!
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