What to Pack for a Tropical Vacation! Packing List Guide
It’s that time of year again when you ask yourself when was the last time I saw the sun? There’s no better feeling than planning a warm tropical vacation in the middle of a cold freezing winter.
Whether you find yourself jetting off to the Maldives or planning your annual spring break getaway, you're going to need a good tropical vacation checklist on hand.
If you have your tropical destination already planned out but are not sure what to pack. Not to worry, I’m here to help a gal out.
Use my below list as a guide to help assemble your very own tropical vacation packing list.
Okay, enough chit-chat.. let's get to packing!
See Below My Ultimate Tropical Vacation Packing List
Guide!
When it comes to packing for a tropical getaway, it's a really good idea to take the time to narrow down what kind of vacation you have planned.
Knowing your destination is a really important thing to think about before you start packing. For some, it might be long lazy days on the beach drinking cocktails, or you like to be more adventurous doing hikes, zip lining, etc.
Another important key is being mindful of the type of climate, cultural expectations, and dress code of the places you'll be visiting.
Avoid feeling under or over-dressed by simply doing a little prep and research on your chosen destination.
Whatever your vacation plans may be, making sure you pack the right items will make the process a lot easier and kill that need to “pack everything”
TROPICAL GETAWAY PACKING LIST!
3x Sun Dresses
3x Rompers
2x Matching Sets
3x Bottoms
3x Tops
Loads of Bikinis
Hats
Sandals
Beach/day Bag
*List can be adjusted according to length of stay.
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DRESSES
It wouldn’t be a tropical vacation without packing a few summer dresses. They are super lightweight and breezy and are perfect for hot summer days.
I like to pack a variety of dresses, some every day and, of course, one or two for a night out on the town.
Long skirts are also great! They can be a beach cover-up by day and a formal skirt by night.
MATCHING SETS & ROMPERS
Matching sets and rompers are my number one go-to outfit on tropical getaways. You throw them on, grab your day bag, and you’re all set.
It really feels like you put a lot of effort into your outfit, whereas it took you a total of 2 mins to get ready. #winning.
What I also love about long rompers is that they are handy when visiting certain areas where you are required to cover up, like temples and sacred places.
TOPS & BOTTOMS
For many of my bottoms, I will wear a simple pair of shorts, preferably denim, lightweight pants, or a maxi skirt. I then like to mix in a variety of statement blouses or tank tops to complete the look.
You can also do the opposite and bring simple tops and pack fun pairs of shorts, skirts, or pants for your remote island getaway.
Mixing up your bottoms and tops gives you more outfit options without having to overpack your suitcase.
I'm also a big fan of long sleeve button-down shirts for cooler nights or really sunny days when you might need more protection from the sun.
SUN HATS
An absolute must to add to your tropical vacation packing list is a sun hat, wherever your tropical holiday takes you, expect it to be sunny & hot.
I love a big floppy hat for the pool or beach, a good wide-brimmed hat will protect your face from too much sun.
I'm also really into sun visors, they're chic & comfortable and super easy to pack in your travel bag.
SWIMWEAR
I love swimwear! Nothing screams more like a tropical getaway than bikinis.
Personally, I like to pack a lot of bathing suits I mean, they're small and compact, they don’t take up much room in your suitcase, and you basically live in them when you’re on vacation anyway, right?
My go-to style of bathing suit right now is one-pieces, throw them on with a pair of jean shorts and a lightweight material shirt, and you have yourself a complete beach outfit.
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BUTTON DOWNS & RASH GUARDS
It's always best to protect yourself from the sun, no matter what activities you have planned, whether that's a midday hike up the mountain or learning to catch your first wave.
It's always a good idea to pack at least one lightweight button-down shirt. Shirts made with cotton & linen materials are great options, as they are super breathable and will keep you cool during the day.
Throw in a rash guard for any water sport activities you may wish to do, like snorkeling, jet skiing, surfing, etc.
Rashies are more durable than your average bathing suit and will provide extra protection from the sun.
LIGHTWEIGHT RAIN JACKET
The rainy season is no joke! Many tropical destinations like southeast Asia will experience large amounts of rainfall for long periods of time.
You will want to pack at least one light jacket for those cooler rainy days.
Opt for thin, breathable materials that will pack down and take up little space in your bag.
I love this one, it's the perfect size and packs easily into a day backpack.
SHOES & SANDALS
When it comes to shoes, it really depends on what kind of vacation you have organized.
If you plan to be adventurous and go hiking to waterfalls your entire trip, then just packing sandals might not be the best idea.
I prefer to pack one comfy pair of sandals for when I’m out exploring the town, preferably a neutral pair that will go with every outfit.
One set of water shoes or trainers if I plan to explore off the beaten path, and lastly, a pair of flip-flops for the beach or pool.
BAGS
Pick yourself up a dry bag. A small waterproof bag is one of the best things you can bring on a tropical vacation.
You can use them for keeping your important items dry, such as your electronic devices, or you can pack your wet swimsuit so it's kept separate from your dry clothes.
Dry bags are super durable and waterproof, and when you're done exploring, they become soft and flexible to pack away.
I love this one from the Savvy Outdoors, it also comes in a variety of different sizes as well.
Let's not forget the classic beach bag - a must-have item for any long day at the beach. I love a good spacious beach tote!
Easy travel bags that double as a day bag, beach bag, and backpack are definitely my go-to's. Just throw in your personal essentials, such as your lip balm and cell phone, and you're good to go!
ACCESSORIES
With most of my accessories, I like to keep them a bit more on the simple and neutral side. Most of the time, I like my clothing pieces to make more of a statement.
That said, you can always swap this idea around and pack more natural clothing items instead and bring the outfits to life with a bold-colored hat, bag, or pair of sunglasses.
ESSENTIALS
These beach items are my number one essentials when packing for a tropical getaway.
Reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF is always best. Insect repellent to keep those nasty bugs at bay. A good book to read on the beach.
A travel towel (now I know most hotels will have beach towels, but I like to pack a quick dry towel for day trips away), a waterproof phone case, an insulated water bottle (especially for outdoor activities), and camera gear.
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10 Quick Travel Packing Tips
1. Research
As mentioned earlier, it's always best to do a little research on your destination beforehand.
What does the weather look like, are there any dress codes, will you be doing a lot of activity, etc.?
Before you head out on your next adventure, make sure to do a little research that way, you will know what to expect before you get there.
2. Avoid Over Or Under Packing
It's super important not to over-pack, especially if you're only bringing a carry-on. The best way to do this is to mix and match your clothes.
Planning your outfits in advance can really help you simplify your vacation outfits and ensure that you're only bringing what you actually need.
3. Packing Cubes
A great way to make the most of your suitcase space is to roll your clothes or pack your items into packing cubes.
Packing cubes are a lifesaver, they help keep your suitcase organized, they stack really well together, and compress your clothes to help maximize your bag space.
4. Choose Travel-Friendly fabrics
Items such as quick dry swimwear, light, breathable dresses, and UV protective shirts are all great materials for tropical climates.
Cotton and linen materials are the best for keeping cool in hot environments. Do keep in mind that these particular fabrics are prone to wrinkling.
5. Keep your liquids separate
You know the drill! Always place your liquids in a separate zip lock bag from your other items, especially if you only plan to bring a carry-on.
TSA guidelines note that all liquids are to be 100ml or less and to be presented in a separate bag from your carry-on when going through security.
That said, if your liquids are secure in a separate pack and they happen to explode due to cabin pressure, they won't leak all through your bag.
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6. Never Check Your Personal Items
Again this one is a no-brainer, your passport, id, money, credit cards, jewelry, etc., should always be brought onto the plane with you and never packed into your checked luggage.
Lost luggage is all too common, and the last thing you need is for the airline to lose your bag with all your expensive personal items. Not the best start to a relaxing vacation!
7. Compression Socks
No matter the climate, hot or cold, remember to pack your compression socks for those long international flights.
Compression socks are designed to increase blood flow and reduce swelling and the risk of DVT during long periods of travel.
I have been using Comrad Socks for years, I love the fun colors, and they keep my feet nice and warm when flying.
8. Pack Minimal Toiletries
Save space in your bag by packing minimal toiletries. You don't need to pack full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner, packing the smaller travel size will work just as well.
If you run out, you can always re-purchase these items at your destination. You can also opt to use solid toiletries, see here for my favorite eco-friendly travel toiletries on Amazon.
9. Pick The Right Bag
Not all bags are created equal. Before you even begin to pack, you will need to decide what size bag to take for your journey.
Soft backpacks, for example, are easy to carry and great for travelers who are always on the go.
Small hard rolling suitcases, on the other hand, are more durable and cause less tension and strain on your body.
It's best to choose a suitcase that has a hard, lightweight shell, double wheels for easy maneuvering, and some kind of yearly warranty.
10. Don't Pack "Just In Case" Items
Everything in your bag should have a purpose and need.
The "just in case" mindset can lead to overpacking, which can weigh you down and can cost you unnecessary fees when checking luggage into airports.
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I hope you found this tropical vacation packing list helpful.
I absolutely love packing for a tropical getaway, it's one of the easiest and most exciting trips to plan for, and always remember, you're not packing less, just more efficiently.
What's been your favorite tropical getaway? Let me know in the comments below.
Just a heads up! This post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission that helps support this blog.
You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own, and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.
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