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What to Pack on an Island Vacation


There’s no vacation quite like a classic island getaway to recharge the body and rejuvenate the mind. Basking on the beach by day, snorkeling, long sunset walks and dancing under the stars by night never end on tropical islands.

But life’s little miseries have a way of finding you in paradise. Reduce the risk of pesky situations and make your island vacation all it should be with a few accessories. Here’s what to pack for an island vacation.

Water Bottle with Built-in Filter

There are some places in the world that don’t have the luxury of fresh clean drinking water from the tap. Eliminate worries about safe drinking water by carrying along a water bottle with a built-in filter. Not only will you have a safe source of water to drink, but you’ll also
save money, cut down on plastic waste, and help the environment.

Travel Kettle

Ever noticed that the free coffee most hotels serve is either instant coffee or tastes terrible? A handy device like one of these compact kettles lets you start your day with a fresh and delicious cup of coffee or relax with a cup of afternoon tea. They’re compact and light to travel with and have dual voltage for inside and outside the USA.

Activated Charcoal

Don’t let dining on new and exotic foods and overindulging in alcohol ruin a single day of your island getaway. Activated charcoal removes toxins from your body to relieve an upset stomach or cure a hangover quickly. It’s so effective it’s even used in medical settings as an emergency anti-poison remedy.

Environmentally Friendly Sunscreen

Even a mild sunburn can make you miserable, and a severe one can be downright dangerous. Needless to say, sunburn is common for beachgoers and can ruin your vacation. Unfortunately, many sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that are bad for the environment. These chemicals can even destroy coral reefs. Look for reef-safe sunscreen and protect yourself and ocean ecosystems. Be sure to reapply often while you’re out in the hot sun.

Mesh Beach Bag

Anyone who has spent any time on the beach knows that sand is sticky and loves to travel back to your hotel room with you. A beach bag is necessary to carry your essentials (a towel, sunscreen, a beach blanket, your phone, and a book) down to the beach. Why not carry a mesh bag to keep the sand out? They’re easy to fold and carry in your suitcase, and some come with an insulated cooler on the bottom.

Sand-Resistant Beach Blanket

An expanse of soft white or golden sand is what the beach is all about, but it’s not something you want all over you. Keep sand in its place with a sand-resistant beach blanket. They’re lightweight, quick-drying, and have weights around the edges to keep them from getting blown away on a breezy beach. Look for one with pockets to stash your essentials in.

Polarized Sunglasses

The glare from all that sun, sand, and water can spell trouble for your vision on the beach. Reduce glare and improve your eye comfort with a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Choose from mirrored ones to reduce glare and gradient lenses to adjust your eyes to the light. They’ll come in handy back home as well.

Bug Bands

Let’s face it. Pesky mosquitos and other flying nuisances are a part of life in a tropical location. Avoid smelly insect sprays that you have to apply over and over with revolutionary bug bands. They’re easy to wear, last for days, and keep those annoying bugs away.

Waterproof Bag

Fully enjoy the water while on your tropical vacation with a waterproof bag. Lightweight and with a shoulder strap for ease of carrying, it will keep your essentials, particularly your electronics, safe and dry while on hikes across the river, or on beach strolls and boat rides.

Travel Umbrella

The weather on a tropical island is changeable and unpredictable. You may be basking in the sun when suddenly a rainstorm strikes. These rain showers typically come with a stiff breeze, so look for a travel umbrella that is also windproof. They’re light to carry and compact for travel. No more ducking for cover when those rain showers come.

Portable Charger & Universal Adapter

Avoid dashing back to your hotel room to charge your phone or camera with a lipstick-sized portable charger. You won’t miss those stunning sunset shots or be stuck in an emergency in an unfamiliar place without access to your phone. Its small size makes it easy to carry with you anywhere.

Michael Rainford

Hi, I'm Michael Rainford! Born and raised in Jamaica, I began Jamaica Hotel Review in 2017 to share my local insights on our best hotels, resorts, eateries, and attractions. Every article is a page from my island journey. Seeking an authentic Jamaican touch? Come explore with me and craft your unforgettable island story. 🌴

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