The 7 Items You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on for Tropical Vacations, According to a Travel Writer (2024)

If the frigid winter season’s got you down, it may be a sign to plan your next sunny escape. As a seasoned traveler who jet-sets to tropical places almost monthly, I’m happiest near the water: basking in the sun, swimming in the ocean, or sailing amongst islands any time of year. If you book now, you can likely score an enticing warm-weather travel deal at the destination of your choice.

As one might guess, I’ve mastered the art of packing my carry-on for a warm-weather getaway and wanted to share the seven essentials I never leave home without. Keep scrolling to get the scoop on my favorite fun-in-the-sun must-haves that keep things comfortable and easy —and always inspire compliments from travelers and locals alike.

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TA3 Lifty Swimsuit

The 7 Items You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on for Tropical Vacations, According to a Travel Writer (1)

I’ve waxed poetic about TA3 swimsuits before, but my love affair with this flattering, functional, female-empowered brand knows no limits. The viral, waist-cinching styles are made of double compression, sculpting fabric and feature a lace-up back to snatch you like you wouldn’t believe. Your figure will look its best while on vacation and the added confidence boost is worth every penny, if you ask me. Now that the line has expanded to shaping dresses, two-piece styles, long-sleeved surf styles (ideal for added sun protection), and more, there’s no reason not to stock up on everything and make TA3 the foundation of your vacay wardrobe.

I recently wore the Lifty on my flight from Los Angeles to Maui with a pair of comfy joggers and slipped right into the Fairmont Kea Lani pool without so much as changing once I arrived to the property. This stylish and supportive one-piece functions not only as a sleek swimsuit for poolside lounging, but also as a versatile bodysuit (just pair it with linen pants or a flowy skirt for a night out), and it works well as shapewear when you’re in a pinch, too!

Athleta White Button-Down Blouse

If there’s one top you pack for a tropical vacation, let it be a quick-drying, wrinkle-free white button-down shirt. This classic silhouette can be worn in countless ways: paired with leggings (like Lululemon leggings or my favorite high-waisted style by Tavi Active) on the flight, worn loose over your bathing suit as a breezy cover-up, or draped around your shoulders at dinner to protect against pesky mosquitoes or ward off unexpected ocean breezes. You can also knot this one at the waist and pair it with denim shorts for an on-the-go outfit for a day of sightseeing like I recently did while exploring the vibrant art scene in Miami. This timeless style from Athleta is my top pick because it’s wrinkle-resistant, breathable, quick-drying, and made of UPF 50+ material, which will certainly come in handy when you’re visiting somewhere hot and humid. Pro tip: It dries easily if you drape it on your hotel balcony, as I did almost daily during my stay at the Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort.

Oofos Oomega Oolala Sandals

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The more I travel, the more I crave comfort, and Oofos shoes never fail me. These active recovery sandals cushion and support my feet with every step and absorb impact thanks to their patented pillowy footbed design. Whether you’re strolling the beach or wandering around a luxe resort, these bouncy sandals will energize your arches like you wouldn’t believe. On a recent stay at the stunning Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, I repeatedly wore these chic sandals from the expansive spa to The Biostation anti-aging and wellness clinic to the rooftop pool to the beach, the boardwalk, and back day after day — and felt completely relaxed (and maybe even a little more youthful) from my head down to my toes.

Aloha Collection Mid Pouch Organizer

The 7 Items You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on for Tropical Vacations, According to a Travel Writer (4)

I never leave home without a few splash-proof pouches from Aloha Collection in tow. The whimsical Hawaiian-inspired prints immediately put me in vacay mode while simultaneously keeping my liquids safe in my favorite Samsonite carry-on suitcase. Everything from the brand is lightweight, affordable, and made of 100 percent coated Tyvek material, which makes them super easy to clean. They take up virtually no space and come in various sizes and silhouettes (including hip packs, totes, dopp kits, and duffels) so you can toss your sunscreen (my current favorites are from Australian Gold and Murad), protective lip oils, bug sprays, and more while en route to paradise with zero risk of leaks or spills.

The pouch is also perfect for keeping wet swimwear separate from dry goods in your beach backpack, and it can even double as a casual clutch for a night out.

Case-Mate Waterproof Phone Pouch

The 7 Items You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on for Tropical Vacations, According to a Travel Writer (5)

A trusty waterproof phone pouch is a must anytime you’re near water, and this shimmery design from Case-Mate is by far my favorite (and I’ve tested several!) Aptly named Soap Bubble, this fully protective phone pouch shimmers on the sand or in the sea (a rather useful feature I quickly discovered when I accidentally left it behind on a rock on a private island in Loreto and could quite literally see it glistening it back at me from the ocean) and never felt so grateful that I selected a super sparkly holographic case.

The clasps are secure and easy to maneuver for quick transitioning when you need easy access to your phone; while the high-quality soft TPU material allows for touchscreen success time and time again. I used this pretty pouch during an epic Hawaiian outrigger canoe experience at the idyllic Fairmont Kea Lani, and it allowed me to capture the mesmerizing sunrise and unforgettable whales in the ocean — without any worries.

Tripole Mini Handheld Fan

The 7 Items You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on for Tropical Vacations, According to a Travel Writer (6)

Every time I touch down in a hot and humid place (I’m looking at you, Costa Rica and the Caribbean), I whip out this personal handheld fan while waiting in the Customs line, and I’m immediately in better spirits than most of my fellow passengers. This small-but-mighty miracle worker comes in 11 appealing colors and efficiently cools me off with a touch of a button.

During a recent stay at the stunning Vidanta Los Cabos, I kept my handheld mini fan near me at all times — while watching flamenco dancers at El Bar Co, lounging at The Reserve Beach Club, or taking in the view from my sizable suite balcony — and felt drastically more comfortable in the balmy weather than without it. For just $10 at Amazon, you can’t beat this low price and should probably pick one up for everyone else in your travel group, too.

Sallyander No-Bite-Me All-Natural Bug Repellent

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Bugs absolutely love to prey on me, which means I have tried and tested just about every single repellent on the market. My favorite one is this affordable, all-natural formula that protects you against mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and ticks and doubles as both a repellent and an anti-itch cream in one. The compact jar lasts practically forever, and it actually smells lovelier than one might expect. I never have to worry about this one leaking in my bag since it’s a cream consistency, and it’s also safe to use on little ones, too. I also swear by these convenient wipes that I always stash in a small daypack or evening clutch when I’m trying to be as minimalistic as possible.

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The 7 Items You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on for Tropical Vacations, According to a Travel Writer (2024)

FAQs

What should I pack for tropical zone? ›

Packing list for a tropical climate:
  • Sun hat.
  • Dry bag.
  • Light raincoat/poncho.
  • Bug spray.
  • Sturdy hiking boots.
  • Light, full-length trousers.
Aug 13, 2021

What do you always pack when you travel? ›

Don't have time to read the full article? Here's a quick rundown of the main essentials to pack before you leave the house:
  • Passport.
  • Phone charger / portable phone charger.
  • Local currency.
  • Adapter plugs.
  • Flip-flops (especially useful for shared bathrooms)
  • Re-usable water bottle.
  • Spare socks.
  • Spare underwear.

How early is too early to pack for a trip? ›

It's never too early! We don't drag the suitcases out until the week before but I have a "Gather Box" that I'll set out a month or more before a biggish trip.

How do I pack for a 7 day beach vacation? ›

“As a general rule of thumb, if I'm going away for a seven-night beach holiday, I'd pack two to three pieces of swimwear (so that they have time to dry in between), a pair of shorts and a couple of skirts, four tops that match all my shorts and skirts, and a dress in case I go somewhere special,” Mak told AFAR in 2017.

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 packing method? ›

Its version of the 5-4-3-2-1 method includes "five tops, four bottoms, three accessories, two shoes (a practical pair and a nice pair), and one swimsuit," though like the Times this formula allows the wiggle room to swap out accessories based on your destination and type of travel.

What is the most forgotten thing to pack? ›

Most Commonly Forgotten Things to Pack
  • Don't Forget Travel Documents. ...
  • One of the Most Commonly Forgotten Things to Pack Are Snacks. ...
  • Keep a Hand Sanitizer Close By. ...
  • Remember to Bring Your Medicine and First Aid Kit. ...
  • Fill a Small Bag With Toiletries. ...
  • Don't Forget Glasses and Sunglasses. ...
  • Pack Chargers and Headphones.
May 8, 2020

What does everyone forget to pack for vacation? ›

We've all overlooked toothpaste, razors, deodorant, etc. Yes, they are easy items that can be bought at the local drugstore, but trying to find a shop as soon as you get to your destination is no way to begin a vacation. Bathroom items are usually the last items to be packed, so it makes sense they are often forgotten.

What should I do 2 weeks before vacation? ›

Things To Do 2 Weeks Prior to Leaving
  1. Dry Cleaning - Make a trip to the cleaners 2 weeks prior to vacation with items that need to be cleaned.
  2. Mail - Arrange to have your mail picked up, forwarded, or put aside for the duration of your stay.
  3. Bank - Purchase foreign currency.

Is 3 months too early to travel? ›

If possible, wait until your baby is 3 months old

Airplanes are a breeding ground for germs, so it probably isn't a good idea to fly shortly after giving birth since newborns have a weaker immune system. At the same time, though, an airline isn't going to ban a newborn from flying.

Is 4 months too early to travel? ›

(Policies vary from airline to airline.) But because traveling with newborns is risky from an infectious disease standpoint, the American Academy of PediatricsOpens a new window (AAP) strongly discourages parents from traveling with very young babies. Most experts suggest waiting until around the 2-month mark.

How do you dress in the tropics? ›

Look for shirts, shorts, pants and hats in white, tan or khaki. Choose UPF-rated clothing: All clothing blocks the sun's rays to a certain extent, but clothing that has a UPF rating has been tested to ensure it provides the rated level of protection.

How do I prepare my skin for a tropical vacation? ›

In order to relax and enjoy your trip, go ahead and start following these six steps before you get to your destination.
  1. Try a Moisturizer Formulated with Aloe Vera Water. ...
  2. Address the Appearance of Dark Circles. ...
  3. Exfoliate Regularly. ...
  4. Make Broad-Sunscreen a Habit. ...
  5. Create a Golden Glow with Self-Tanner.
May 4, 2018

What can you do in the tropical zone? ›

Jogging, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and camping are just a few of the activities that are perfect for tropical climates. The opportunity to be outside more will allow you to play your favorite sport or hobby at will. You will be more motivated to exercise and enjoy these outdoor recreational activities.

How do I pack for a 2 week tropical vacation? ›

What to pack for a tropical vacation: Clothing & Accessories
  1. Dresses and skirts. Dresses and skirts are fabulous for tropical settings! ...
  2. Shorts and t-shirts. Shorts and t-shirts are a tropical vacation packing list essential. ...
  3. Wide Brimmed Hat. ...
  4. Beach Bag. ...
  5. Bikinis & Swimsuits. ...
  6. Cover Up. ...
  7. Sunglasses. ...
  8. Sandals.
Dec 16, 2022

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