How to Pack for a Tropical Vacation: A Minimalist Approach
Dreaming of a tropical getaway? Let's make sure you're prepared with the perfect mix of chic and functional beachwear.
With these essentials, you'll be ready to soak up the sun and enjoy the ultimate vacation vibes, whether you're off to an exotic island or a nearby beach.
If you're planning a tropical vacation, packing the right items can be a balancing act. You want to make sure you're comfortable, stylish, and practical. Overpacking or under packing can also put a damper on your trip.
Don't worry, we've got you covered! We've compiled a list of the best beach essentials for any type of tropical vacation. This guide will assist you in packing like a pro for your beach getaway.
Image: Harold Wainwright
How to pack for a tropical vacation: Top tips
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what to pack for a tropical vacation, let’s go over some top tips on how to pack smartly and efficiently for a beach trip.
Pack light: You don’t need to bring your entire closet for a tropical vacation. Aim to pack only the essentials and leave some room in your suitcase for souvenirs and shopping. You can also save space by rolling your clothes instead of folding them, using packing cubes or bags to sort your items, and wearing your heaviest or bulkiest items on the plane.
Pack smart: You want to pack items that are versatile, functional, and suitable for the climate and activities of your destination. Choose fabrics that are lightweight, breathable and quick-drying, such as cotton, linen, and rayon. Opt for colors that are neutral, bright, or tropical, such as white, beige, coral, and yellow. Mix and match pieces that can be worn in different ways, such as a dress that can double as a cover-up or a shirt that can be layered over a tank top.
Pack safe: You want to protect yourself and your belongings from the sun, water, and sand. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to shield yourself from harmful UV rays. Use waterproof bags or cases to store your electronics, documents, and valuables. Also, adding an Apple Air Tag to your luggage tag is a great way to track your belongings while traveling, should anything go awry.
How to pack for a tropical vacation: What to pack
Now we've shared our top tips on how to pack for a tropical vacation, here's our pick of coveted tropical items that are a must-have for your next beach trip.
Maygel Coronel - Kala One-Piece
Swimsuit
A swimsuit is the most important item on your tropical vacation packing list. You’ll want to choose a swimsuit that flatters your figure, suits your style, and stays put in the water.
We love the MAYGEL CORONEL Kala One-Piece Swimsuit, which comes in classic black, beading detail, and a cheeky cut, that's flattering for most body types.
Cover-up
A cover-up is a versatile piece that you can throw on over your swimsuit when you need some extra protection from the sun.
Or to provide a quick and convenient extra layer of cover for getting up to the beach bar. A cover-up can be anything from a kaftan to a sarong, as long as it’s lightweight, breathable, and easy to pack.
We recommend this 100% silk Kimono, from Wolfe & Badger. It’s made from light breathable fabric and has a flowy bohemian vibe. It can be worn over a dress or a swimsuit.
Prada Raffia Bucket Hat
Sun Hat
A sun hat is not only a stylish accessory, but also a must-have for protecting your face, ears, and neck from harmful UV rays. A sun hat should have a wide brim, preferably at least 3 inches, to provide adequate coverage.
We suggest the PRADA Branded raffia bucket hat, which is made from raffia and has a grosgrain ribbon band and the lettering logo embroidered on the front. It’s also packable, meaning you can fold it up and stash it in your suitcase without ruining its shape.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are another essential item for shielding your eyes from the sun, masking a bad hangover, or just to elevate your beach look.
Sunglasses should have UV protection lenses to block out both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause eye damage and cataracts.
We like the SAINT LAURENT EYEWEAR Mica cat-eye acetate sunglasses, which have a cat-eye shape, a keyhole bridge, and polarized lenses.
Bottega Veneta Padded Leather Flats
Sandals
Slide sandals are the perfect footwear for the beach, as they are easy to slip on and off, comfortable to walk in, and low fuss.
We recommend these classic Bottega Veneta padded leather flat sandals, which are made from leather and are versatile enough to wear with almost everything.
Beach Bag
A beach bag is essential for carrying all your beach gear, such as sunscreen, towels, water bottles, and snacks.
A beach bag should be spacious, and durable with multiple pockets and compartments for easy organization.
We love the Johanna Ortiz Cordillera Real beach bag, which is handmade from iraca fiber, a natural material that evokes a summery mood. I
t has an open top and a double-ring strap closure. It also has a convenient pocket to protect your sunglasses.
Beach Towel
A beach towel is not only useful for drying off after a swim but also for laying on the sand or wrapping around yourself when it gets chilly.
A beach towel should be soft, absorbent, and quick-drying. We suggest the Business & Pleasure co Beach Blanket in Riviera Mimosa, which is made from cotton and has a velour texture.
It also has a hole in the center to easily hang from with your favorite B&P Co. beach umbrella. We love the wavy edges.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is arguably the most important item on your tropical vacation packing list, as it protects your skin from sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 30 and be water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. We recommend the Supergoop!
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++, which is a chemical-based sunscreen that contains avobenzone, octisalate and octocrylene. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and most importantly reef-safe!
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Beach Read
A beach read is a great way to relax and escape. Whether you prefer a romance, a thriller, or a memoir. There’s nothing better than switching off, lounging on a beach chai, and being engrossed in a titillating read.
We recommend the classic masterpiece, Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf.
How to pack for a tropical vacation: Checklist
To make your packing process easier, we’ve created a handy checklist of items that you need to pack for your tropical vacation. You can print it out or save it on your phone and use it as a guide when you’re packing your suitcase.
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Swimsuit
Cover-up
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Sandals
Beach bag
Beach towel
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Beach read
Passport
Visa (if required)
Travel insurance
Flight tickets
Hotel confirmation
Credit cards
Cash
Phone
Charger
Adapter
Camera
Headphones
Books
Magazines
Snacks
Medications
First aid kit
Toiletries
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