What to Make Sure You Remember on Your Next Tropical Getaway

Well, since I’m daydreaming about traveling once again, it makes sense for me to write another travel post. After all, I am The Wandering Brunette. Today, I’m talking about what you need to make sure you do before your tropical getaway.

I know, I know, you just want to relax. But, you can’t just leave without thinking some things through first!

What to Pack:

Lightweight Blouses: It’s humid in the tropics. Avoid the extra sweat stains by opting for lightweight blouses (think sleeveless and linen) that are breathable. This will avoid holding all that sweat in and you’ll be way more comfortable.

Shorts: I feel like this is a no-brainer, but who knows? Bring shorts with you – I recommend a few pairs just in case something happens to the pair you planned on wearing the whole trip.

Sunscreen: Again, a no-brainer. I am Hispanic, meaning I’ve got some nice olive-tone skin that doesn’t sunburn easily, and I still wear sunscreen. I don’t care how badly you want that tan, you’ve got to protect your skin. Even if you want a tan, please just put on some kind of SPF. I use 15 and I make my boyfriend use 30.

Lip Balm: I’m horrible about forgetting to hydrate when I’m on vacation. Don’t be like me, firstly, remember to hydrate. But if you’re like me and tend to opt for another marg rather than a glass of water, this will be a necessity. Chapped lips are inevitable for people like me so just bring the on the balm.

After Sun Moisturizer: The sun can dry your skin out. Protect that tan (and skin) of yours by putting some after sun lotion on it.

Aloe Vera: You’ll probably get sunburned and really want this later. It’s priced pretty high in those tourist shops who know you forgot it.

Cash: Want to haggle? Bring the cash. Your cash is your bargaining power. You have no bargaining power with a card because vendors assume you have money.

Resort-Wear: If you’re going on a cruise or staying at a fancy resort – this is a must. As in, non-negotiable. This is because places on the resort or cruise ships will have dress codes. This means you should probably look up the dress code of the place you’re staying at. I recommend dresses, skirts, and blouses. No denim and no flip-flops here!

Advil: I always bring Advil on vacation with me. You never know when you might need it.

Your Medication: You should be bringing this with you everywhere, but just in case you need a reminder, here it is. Remember to put it in your carry-on too, not your checked luggage!

What to Pack (That You’ll Likely Forget):

An Extra Swimsuit: I don’t know about you, but I hate having to put on a damp swimsuit. Bring a few swimsuits so that you can rotate them out for the duration of the trip.

Hiking Shoes: If you’re going somewhere in the jungle, you might have the option to take some pretty cool hikes! Last time I went on a cruise, I went to Xunantunich and wore my Nike Trainers. I was glad I brought along my tennies, just in case.

An Extra Pair of Flip-Flops: I’ve had flip-flips break on me before, so bring a cheap extra pair in the suitcase!

Copies of Your Important Documents: This is non-negotiable. You need these just in case. Make a copy and keep them in a safe place.

A Sweatshirt + Sweatpants: Those resort rooms get cold! Just bring a sweatshirt in case the room gets cold so you can be comfortable the whole time.

An Umbrella: You never know when to expect a storm.

Band-Aids: I always seem to need these. For whatever reason. I don’t leave home without them anymore because I always end up buying them on my trips!

What to do Before You Leave:

Make copies of your important documents: I mentioned this before and I’ll mention it again because it’s that important. Make those copies of things like your driver’s license and passport.

Turn off data roaming on your phone: Don’t get hit with those data roaming charges! You could be looking at a large phone bill! Turn it off before you get on your flight.

Let your neighbors know you’ll be gone: This way, if your neighbors spot any activity in the house, they know it’s not you and they can alert the authorities. It’s just a precaution to sleep a little better when you’re trying to escape reality on your vacation.

What are your vacation must-haves?

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