When going on vacation we all initially make the promise to ourselves that we are not going to overpack and bring only the essentials. Then when it comes to the actual time that we have to pack we second guess ourselves and bring more then we need. We say maybe I will need the extra sundress or I should bring this sweater in case it is a little chilly. We pack an outfit for breakfast,lunch dinner and some extras for everyday. We pack plenty of bathing suits as well as shoes to go with every outfit. During your vacation you end up using none of these things. You may even re-wear some of the outfits that you brought and not even wear the others. Travelling can be stressful and you never know what to expect. We all want to be prepared and think that the only way to do that is to pack anything that we might need. Keeping to the essentials is the most important thing to keep in mind. I have put together a list of what the best things to pack are for a tropical vacation, all the essentials that you need, as well as packing tips. Follow these ideas to make sure that you have the best, most relaxing and most stylish vacation ever!

Packing tips

Through all the times that I have traveled I have developed some tips that make packing a breeze and way less stressful. When packing you need to think of where you are going and how long you are going to be there. The best technique is to think minimalistic, but I know that is not possible for everyone. These are some techniques to help fit as much as possible into a suitcase as well as hacks for smooth travelling.

• Roll your clothes instead of laying them flat in your suitcase (this also keeps them for wrinkling).
• Shoes and toiletries should be on one side of the suit case and clothes should be on the other.
• Shoes should be separated from clothes because they take up too much room.
• Socks and underwear should be added last because they are small.
• Socks and underwear can be tucked into shoes or at the corners of the suitcase.
• Roll jewellery in washcloths to prevent them from getting tangled.

Flight Essentials

These are some of the things to bring and think about before going on a plane. Nothing is worse then being bored on for hours or being dehydrated. Having these items will help with jet leg and boredom while on route to your tropical vacation!

• Drink lots of water a few hours before going on the plane to prevent dehydration  (this will also help with jet leg too).
• Make sure you have your phone and laptop and that they are fully charged.
• Pack your chargers with you.
• Buy a snack at the airport to avoid the disgusting airplane food.
• Bring your own blanket (this is to avoid using the airplane ones that everyone uses).
• Bring gum to help your ears from getting plugged when taking off and landing.

What to pack for a one week beach vacation

• sunscreen
• lip moisturizer
• beach hat
• sunglasses
• 3 bathing suits
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of daytime sandals
• 1 pair of fancy sandals or heels for evening (pick ones of a neutral colour so that they go with every outfit)
• 2 coverups
• 3 black, white or grey tank tops (good basics to have)
• 1 little sweater in case it gets chilly
• 7 dinner outfits
• 1 pair of jean shorts ( In case you go out during the day)
• Evening clutch
• Tote bag (can double as a beach bag during the day)

**Another tip is to wear your coverup dresses to both lunch and breakfast to bring less clothes

Tropical vacation travel essentials

Sunscreen

When going on tropical vacations it is extremely important to load up on the SPF multiple times daily to prevent sun damage to your skin. The tropical sun is a lot stronger, so don’t underestimate it and put on sunscreen with 60 or higher SPF for the best coverage. We all know how bad sunburns can feel!

Sun Hat

For even more sun protection bring a sun hat to protect our head from getting over heated and your scalp getting burned. Hats will also shield your face from the sun and protect it.

Lip balm

It is important to bring lip balm with SPF in it to protect your lips from the sun. Most of us seem to forget that our lips can actually burn as well. Before lying out to tan be sure to apply lip balm to keep your lips smooth and protected.

Sunglasses

Staying on the topic of sun protection, it is very important to protect your eyes from the sun as well. You do not have to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive sunglasses. Having cheaper sunglasses will also prevent your from worrying about them being damaged or stolen. You can get them in different funky styles. Anything goes with sunglasses these days and they can really make a statement.

Magazines and Books

When lying on the beach there is nothing better then listening to the sounds of the ocean and reading the latest romance novel or fashion magazine. Get yourself something easy to read that does not involve too much thinking. You are on vacation after all!

Beach Playlist

Make sure to download your favourite songs and put them on a playlist for you to enjoy. While tanning you can plug your earphones in and jam out to your summer tunes.

Going on vacation involves a lot of planning. Sometimes we can get carried away and stress about the “what if’s”. You just need to remember to stay focused and think of the last time you went on vacation and the amount of stuff you did not end up using. Think of the items that are most important to you and pack only the essentials. As well remember that even if you forget something, resorts always have places that sell things as well. No worries! When all your stress free packing is done all you have to do is go on vacation sit back, relax and enjoy.