Travel Packing for Tropical Beach Vacations
Packing to travel for tropical beach vacations can be as easy as throwing a bathing suit and sunscreen in a backpack. Yet, there are a few handy travel items that can make your trip more enjoyable.
If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, the Caribbean, French Polynesia, Costa Rica, the Maldives, Bali, Thailand, or the beaches of California, Florida or Australia, review our beach vacation packing list for items to bring on your trip that you will be happy you packed.
Packing for your Tropical Island Trip
Vacationing on a tropical island is a trip you look forward to whether it is relaxing on the beach, cooling off in the pool, exploring rainforests, or maybe golfing, fishing, or snorkeling. Whatever your tropical dreams include make sure you pack the essentials and a few nice-to-haves as shopping in remote, tropical destinations is hit or miss. Yes, the resort might have sunscreen for five times the price but it is unlikely they have your favorite Hawaiian shirt.
Packing for Your Tropical Beach Trip
To pack for your tropical island or any beach vacation start with my general packing list. The general list can be used for almost any travel destination. Then add a few speciality items and the clothing you will need to pack for your fun vacation destination.
Packing for the Beach and Pool
Sarong or Pareo
My number one item I pack for any beach or pool trip is a sarong. Sarongs are lightweight and dry quickly and pack smaller than beach towels. Even if the hotel provides a beach towel I find I prefer my sarong. Beach sand is easily shaken off a sarong unlike a wet beach towel. A unisex travel sarong can also be used for a picnic blanket, a plane blanket, a scarf, a head covering, a dress, or a skirt. Once you use one you too will be converted from beach towels to sarongs.
If you make a purchase I get a small commission that helps pay for the expenses of this blog.
Underwater Camera
Even if your phone is water resistant you want a camera that can stay submerged. This allows for pictures and video when snorkeling or scuba diving. Also, it is a good idea to use a waterproof camera when on the water in a boat or kayaking.
Packable Beach Bag: Travel Packing for Tropical Beach Vacations
I have my beach bag for use at home and the one I pack for traveling. Every travel item must consider weight and size as well as utility and fashion.
If only a day or two will be spent at the beach I will use a day pack that I can use on other days of the trip. Or, I will use a travel beach bag that can then double as a packable shopping bag.
Waterproof Gear for Traveling
When you are on a tropical vacation you will likely be on or in the water either the ocean or a pool. A few of my travel passions are to snorkel and scuba dive and have added several travel gear items to my tropical vacation packing list based on these trips.
Dry Bags for Travel Packing to a Tropical Beach
A dry bag keeps what you want dry on a boat and is also great for keeping sand out of what you want clean on the beach. You can also use a dry bag in your backpack in the tropical rain.
Finally, utilize the dry bags to pack wet bathing suits home in your suitcase. Dry bags are great for hiking, camping, kayaking, rafting, boating, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. I travel with several different sizes.
Keeping Devices Dry Traveling
Even if your device is water resistant you likely still want to keep it dry. My phone did not meet the water resistant test and I was left in Belgium without a phone for the rest of my trip. Phone cases are great for the splashing on a boat or if accidentally dropped overboard there are floating options.
I will use a waterproof fanny pack when I snorkel or swim off the beach and the area is not safe from thieves. I can carry my phone, wallet, and keys with me into the water. Then if someone grabs my beach bag while I am in the water, which I have seen happen in La Jolla, California and in Mexico, I have the essentials with me.
Water Slipper Shoes to Pack for Tropical Beach Vacations
Having used scuba diving booties or water shoes for a long time I always pack a pair for beach trips. They are great for rocky areas getting to the water or in the shallows.
Now I am hooked on these water slippers! The color options are fun and they pack light when I am packing for tropical beach vacations which is always a win for me.
Pack UV Sunglasses
Protect your vision and be more comfortable in the glare of the tropical sun on your island vacation with a quality pair of sunglasses. Polaroid glasses will help you see in the water better for spotting coral heads for snorkeling by reducing the glare of the water.
My favorites after decades of time on the beach and ocean are Maui Jim and Ray Bans.
Pack a Hat on Your Tropical Beach Vacation
My preference is a large floppy hat for the pool to shade my face and a hat for walking around. Whatever your fashion preference you will appreciate the shade from the sun if you pack a hat for your trip. The key is that the hat is packable.
Sunscreen is Essential to Pack
You do not want to ruin your trip with a painful sunburn plus the damage to your skin. If you are only traveling with a carry on bag you can still find sunscreen that meets TSA requirements.
Sun Bum does not harm tropical reefs. Some tropical areas require reef friendly sunscreen especially on boat excursions.
SPF Shirt to Pack for Tropical Beach Vacations
An SPF shirt is great protection for long days in the sun and on the water.
I wear mine while I snorkel and on boat trips. In fact, when packing for a tropical beach vacation a SPF shirt is always in my suitcase.
Flip Flops, Sandals, Slippers, Thongs to Pack for Tropical Beach Vacations
Whatever name you use you want to pack yours. I pack two in case of a blow out!
Bathing Suits for Tropical Beach Vacations
Of course you need to pack a bathing suit. Pack at least two so one can dry. Consider packing a sport swimsuit for activities in addition to a bathing suit for lounging at the pool or beach.
Use a dry bag to pack your wet bathing suits in your suitcase to return home.
Add a Beach Coverup to Your Packing List
You can use your sarong or if you have room in your suitcase pack some beach coverups too.
Bug Repellent for Tropical Beach Vacations Travel Packing
Mosquitoes in tropical locations can carry a variety of diseases. Protect yourself with a DEET bug repellent.
The travel wipes do not count as liquids for carry on restrictions and are easy to use.
Finish Packing for Tropical Beach Vacations
Once you have the general packing items and the recommended items above for a beach or tropical vacation then you need to finish off your packing list with clothes. This will depend on your preferences, where you are staying, and the activities you plan while there.
Consider what you need each day. Use a matching color scheme to reduce the amount of accessories and shoes you will need to pack. Be open to wearing clothing more than once when possible.
Travel light, you will appreciate it. Enjoy yourself.
