You might be surprised to see charcoal on a packing list for vacation, but it’s great to have on hand in case you get sick. Taking the tablets when you start to feel sick will absorb the toxins in your system and help stop dreaded diarrhea.
A sarong might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about what to pack on a trip, but they’re actually a great travel item. Sarongs are lightweight, they dry quickly, and they can be used for tons of things: scarf, sheet, towel, curtain, picnic blanket, swimsuit cover-up, the list goes on.
Noise cancelling headphones are awesome for your flights.
You’ll likely only use a swimsuit bag for the trip home, but keeping damp, salty, and chlorinated fabric away from the rest of your clothes is just plain common sense. Your future self will thank you. Flight 001 makes their waterproof nylon version in pink and blue, and the zip pouch takes up little space in your suitcase.
Sunscreen is another must-have on a Caribbean vacation. Of course, it’s widely sold almost everywhere in the world, but prices are higher in the Caribbean than they are in the United States. If you’re checking a bag, we suggest loading up on aerosol cans of sprayable sunscreen for the most even coverage.
Many resorts provide bug repellent, either in the hotel room or at the front desk, but with Zika warnings in some countries and the misery of itchy mosquito or sandfly bites, it’s smart to pack your own bottle.
Every traveler should get this $9 luggage scale before their next international flight. The scale is super small and weighs under five ounces so it’ll barely register in your suitcase, and using it is fool-proof.
Sure, most all-inclusive resorts have paddleboards and kayaks you can borrow, but nothing says vacation like floating on an inflatable float in the pool or ocean. It’s really awesome when you have your own swim-up suites.
Don’t pack camouflage clothing: Caribbean countries like Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and Dominica, prohibit civilians from wearing camouflage.
Whether you planned on it or not, there will inevitably be some sunburn on the horizon. Packing a bottle of aloe will help relieve the pain without the additional wallet pain of buying a bottle in Jamaica. Don’t get mistaken for the lobster you’ll be enjoying for dinner!
Cell Phone Service: Check with your cell phone carrier to confirm coverage in the Caribbean and what frequency your phone works on. You may be required to activate “roaming” and be subject to fees while using your phone on vacation.
Batteries, If Needed: If your camera, razor, etc. runs on batteries, bring extras with you. When it comes to charging, a travel adaptor isn’t needed for visitors from the USA. Keep in mind the voltage is slightly lower in Jamaica, so it may take a little longer for your electronics to charge.
