A tropical vacation can seem like the perfect getaway from your busy life, but if you forget to pack correctly, that dream vacation can quickly become riddled with frustration. If you’re about to jet off to a tropical location, here are five essentials you shouldn’t forget to pack.
1. Snacks
While you can certainly pick up some snacks at your destination, there are some things you should bring from home. Prepackaged snacks can be a lifesaver during a busy day with few breaks. They can also come in handy if you’re going to be out in nature with no place to buy food. Jet lag is very real, and vacations with more rigorous activities can tire you out quickly, so if you think you could use a boost, try out this ActivatedYou coupon code.
2. Sun Protection
If you’re going to be spending time in a tropical climate, you need to take precautions against sun exposure. Otherwise, a raging sunburn or even heatstroke can put a damper on your vacation. Sunscreen is essential, but other areas of your body need protection as well. Find sunglasses with UV protection and a product with sun protection for your lips, since those are often forgotten. You may not want to be covered up in warmer temperatures, but the right clothing can help protect your skin and keep you cool. A baseball hat is an easy way to protect your scalp and shade your face. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen, and keep an eye on your friends. You may not know how red your skin is getting until you’re severely burned.
3. Rain Jacket
As the saying goes: if you bring a raincoat, you won’t need it. But if you forget your raincoat, there's sure to be a downpour. A little rain doesn’t mean you have to call off the day’s activities, but some cover from the rain will make you more comfortable. Many disposable rain jackets and ponchos come folded down in slim squares that won’t take up much space in your luggage. While you’re at it, see if the electronics you're planning on bringing have some kind of water protection. If not, and you plan on spending a lot of time in the water, look into some waterproof cases or even a new camera for underwater adventures.
4. Bug Spray
Though you may not want to take the extra fluid on the plane, all the mosquitoes will make you regret leaving bug spray behind. Even if you’re told the bugs aren’t bad at certain times of the year, how the bugs react to locals may be different from how they react to you. After all, some people are just lucky enough to be mosquito magnets while others are hardly bothered at all. While you're deciding on bug spray, make sure you check with your doctor before traveling to tropical climates, since insects in those areas may be more likely to transmit certain diseases. You’ll want to make sure that you get any required vaccinations ahead of time. Depending on the area, you may want to inquire about a mosquito net.
5. Kindle
Whether your plans for a tropical vacation include adrenaline-inducing adventures or relaxing days on the beach, chances are you’re going to have downtime at some point. Waiting for that flight is going to go a lot better if you have the latest book from your favorite author loaded and ready to go on your tablet. Some Kindle models are waterproof, making it the perfect addition to your poolside plans, but you can also use the Kindle app. This also means you won’t have to lug around a stack of heavy paperbacks in your luggage.
It can be stressful to pack for a vacation, especially if the climate is not one you have experienced before. With the proper research, you can show up to paradise prepared but not weighed down by inessentials.
