Faremax: Travel Forums

What did you pack for your trip to the Caribbean? What was the climate like there?

I have not been to Carribean but the way I understand from this forum, Carribean is really hot and humid.
So, suggest you bring your hats, perhaps an umbrella, sunblock and anything that has to do with this kind of temp.

since most people here will probably be traveling to the carribean via resort, resorty-bathing suit, cover-up, nice light-weight clothes and sunscreen will probably do the trick.  its always adviseable to travel with some form of bug repellant (Avon's Skin So Soft works on most people and will leave your skin well-conditioned) and whatever personal o-t-c or prescription stuff you need.  if you're going more rugged, its always adviseable to contact the tourism board for the area to find out what they recommend people bring, and to check on any US advisories for the area.  malaria tends to be common in hot/humid places, so there might be vaccines necessary.

When I traveled that way I brought the essentials that you would take on any beach excursion, bathing suit, sunscreen, hat, towels, etc.  I also brought after sun lotion (you know you will get burned or very tanned at least once), and loose, light clothing to keep from sweating.  I also brought a few sundresses for shopping, and one nice dress up outfit for going out to dinner.  Shoes were always sandals or flip flops.  I think I brought one pair of socks and one pair of sneakers in case we went hiking, but never used them.  Oh, and SUNGLASSES!!  Don't forget those!

Depending on where you're going and the time of year, a light (and I do mean light!) sweater or jacket can come in handy in the evenings. Also make sure you take an extra pair of sandals or flip flops for walking along the beach - the sand doesn't come out of good ones too easily.

I also would recommend light clothing, a light sweater or jacket as the sun goes down early, and some dress wear if you will be dining out or golfing etc... sunscreen and personal items of course, as your brands may be difficult to find or slightly more expensive than you are accustomed to...(they do have some pretty harsh bug repellents on the islands, in my experience, if you forget it) 

Take advantage of the opportunity to shop there on beautiful jewelry, pareos, unique art...

seeemilywrite:

What did you pack for your trip to the Caribbean? What was the climate like there?

It's warm and tropical, but it can get breezy after the sun goes down.  That never bothers me, I like it that way, but if it's a problem for you, you'll want a shawl or light sweater to put over your shoulders.

I've gone to the Bahamas in spring, summer, and fall and basically packed the same.

I always take summer clothes but I think in fall I added long pants. I always take a cardigan sweater (or two) to wear over a sleeveless top or dress even in summer (because almost everywhere has air conditioning).

An umbrella might be a good idea too. I was just looking at a video from our Thanksgiving 2000 visit to Paradise Island and I saw that it rained the first two days.

Don't forget batteries for the camera/video recorder. If the batteries are regular kind, the recharable ones aren't very expensive (you can buy an inexpensive 4-pack with the charger at WalMart).

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wouldn't you just love to beeeeeeeeeee me? "-)

Ops do not forget your wallet!  Of course with money or credit cards inside.  This is  very important as any other things.  Your ticket, and your passport otherwise you cannot enter to the Caribic  Islands.

 

schatzi:

Ops do not forget your wallet!  Of course with money or credit cards inside.  This is  very important as any other things.  Your ticket, and your passport otherwise you cannot enter to the Caribic  Islands.

You're right, that would be pretty nasty to forget money and credit cards, yikes!   I've forgotten a few things when packing over the years, but forgetting money is the stuff nightmares are made of! 

I used to check my pack 3 hours from leaving. 

Cosmetic, clothing, cellfon and the above.

These must in.

schatzi:

I used to check my pack 3 hours from leaving. 

Cosmetic, clothing, cellfon and the above

This is why the lists I make are so important to me.  If I have everything written down

from weeks or at least days ahead of time, I'm much less likely to forget something.

i never pack more that ONE suitcase.
1. basic bathroom stuff
2. important papers/wallet
3. bathing suit
4. clothes.
5. book.
6. mp3 player.


everything else ill just pick up over there..

to answer your climate question...i found it very humid and beautiful.
the weather was amazing thankfully.

I try to only take one suitcase and one hand luggage. I keep my papers / mp3 player / small valuables in my hand luggage, everything else goes in the big suitcase.

I prefer not to buy too much when I'm on the trip, but i'm fairly minimalistic in terms of what I use on holiday anyway.