How much sunscreen should I pack?

1 oz per person per day. For a week-long trip, pack 8 oz minimum. Reef-safe sunscreen costs $25-40 per bottle at beach destinations.

Should I pack a towel?

Bring a microfiber travel towel. Hotel towels are often thin and take forever to dry. Microfiber towels pack small and dry in 2-3 hours.

What about rain gear?

Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Tropical storms hit suddenly and hard. Umbrella won't help in 40mph winds, but a good rain jacket will.

How many clothes do I actually need?

5 tops, 3 bottoms, 7 underwear, 3 swimsuits maximum for 2 weeks. You'll live in swimwear. Pack for laundry every 4-5 days.

How to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation

Pack light, breathable fabrics in neutral colors, reef-safe sunscreen, and waterproof bags for electronics. Bring 2-3 swimsuits, quick-dry clothes, and leave cotton t-shirts at home — they take forever to dry in humid climates.

Choose your luggage wisely. Use a soft-sided suitcase or large backpack. Hard cases crack in baggage handling and take up precious space. Pack a small daypack that folds flat for beach trips.
Pack 2-3 swimsuits minimum. One to wear, one drying, one backup. Swimsuits take 12-24 hours to dry completely in tropical humidity. Quick-dry board shorts work for men and women.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen. Pack zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreen (SPF 30+). Many tropical destinations ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring enough for your entire trip — it's expensive at resorts.
Pack synthetic fabrics only. Polyester, nylon, and merino wool dry fast and resist mildew. Avoid cotton — it stays wet, smells, and breeds bacteria. Pack 4-5 lightweight tops max.
Waterproof your electronics. Use dry bags or waterproof pouches for phones, cameras, and passports. Sand and saltwater destroy electronics instantly. Bring a portable charger in a sealed bag.
Pack versatile footwear. Water shoes for rocky beaches, flip-flops for sand, and one pair of breathable sneakers for walking. Skip fancy sandals — salt water ruins leather.

How much sunscreen should I pack?: 1 oz per person per day. For a week-long trip, pack 8 oz minimum. Reef-safe sunscreen costs $25-40 per bottle at beach destinations.
Should I pack a towel?: Bring a microfiber travel towel. Hotel towels are often thin and take forever to dry. Microfiber towels pack small and dry in 2-3 hours.
What about rain gear?: Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Tropical storms hit suddenly and hard. Umbrella won't help in 40mph winds, but a good rain jacket will.
How many clothes do I actually need?: 5 tops, 3 bottoms, 7 underwear, 3 swimsuits maximum for 2 weeks. You'll live in swimwear. Pack for laundry every 4-5 days.