I’ll be the first to admit that I suck royally at unpacking, but I LOVE to pack for trips. As a regular backpacker and traveler who prefers to bring only carry-on luggage, I’ve fine-tuned my system for lightweight packing for my family and myself. If you’re planning a vacation to Hawaii, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, or some other warm, humid location and you’re not sure what to bring, here’s a tropical vacation packing list cheat sheet to help you stay organized.
I use this list when I plan to stay in paradise for about a week. I also want to note that I usually do laundry during my trip, even if that means hand washing tops and underwear in the sink and hanging them to dry. For washing items by hand, I like to use the Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash sheets.
Clothing
Casual and lightweight/breathable are key in most tropical locations in the Americas. I can’t say the same for other continents, so I highly recommend doing a quick Google search for local dress recommendations. Before I travel anywhere, I always check to ensure I’m respectful of the local expectations.
That said, here’s the clothing I bring to tropical climates in North and Central America:
- 4-5 tank tops or shirts – I highly recommend lightweight tech fabric. Tropical = warm (or hot) and HUMID, and I’ve learned that cotton is not my friend in those climates.
- 2-3 shorts or skirts – Again, lightweight fabric is going to be your best friend.
- 1 pair of lightweight pants – I usually wear the pair I’m bringing on the airplane to cut down on suitcase bulk.
- A lightweight long sleeve shirt with sun protection – I’m super fair-skinned, so I wear this when my skin needs a sunscreen break.
- 1 lightweight sweater – I usually wear this on the plane.
- Underwear… you be the judge of what you need to bring.
- 3-4 pairs of Socks – pack lightweight wool, synthetic, or running socks if you plan to do a lot of walking or hiking.
- Workout clothes – I’m a runner, so I like to bring 2 outfits I can swap out and wash in between wearing.
- 1 sundress – If you plan to have a nice evening out or think you’ll be heading to Mama’s Fish House in Maui, it’s nice to have something cute to wear.
- A pair of lightweight pajamas… or not. I’m not one to judge if you sleep in your birthday suit.
- Raincoat – make it a super lightweight one. You are not going to want to wear anything warm.
- Bonus: One outfit for the plane ride home that you pack in a large Ziplock bag if you are heading to Central America… mold can grow quickly in that kind of climate. Do yourself a favor and have a dry outfit ready for the long flight home.
Swimwear and Beach Wear
Depending on the activities you’re planning, you may need to add or subtract an item or two for your own packing list. Be sure to check any activities you have booked
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- 2-3 swimsuits – You will probably wear one every day, and getting into a wet one is pretty miserable… do yourself a favor and have at least two. I usually bring three.
- Beach coverup
- Lightweight beach towel – I really love my Turkish Beach Towel by Sand Cloud because sand doesn’t stick to it when it dries and it dries quickly. Plus, it’s soft and beautiful AND I can wear it as a sarong.
- Rash guard – I’m pasty and bring a long-sleeved one with sun protection.
- Water shorts – If you’re planning a kayaking trip or other water sport, it’s nice to have bottoms you can get wet.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Face wash
- Lotion
- Contact lens solution, extra lenses, and glasses
- Sunscreen
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Bug spray or bug wipes
- Chapstick with SPF
- Makeup if you wear it
Shoes
- Flip Flops – bring ones you don’t mind getting wet. I bring a pair that look good with my sundress. Honestly, these end up being the shoes that I wear 75% of the time.
- Sport sandals – Tevas, Chacos, and other sandals with support are great for most activities.
- Hiking or athletic shoes – I wear running shoes on the plane and use those for hiking and other closed-toe shoe activities.
- Lightweight water shoes – These are not a must, but I use them every time I bring them. I really like the inexpensive water sock ones on Amazon. These are great to have if you plan on whitewater rafting or are swimming in a location with sharp rocks or a lot of coral. You should never walk on coral reef, but if a wave throws you into it… well… it’s nice to have a little protection on your feet.
Electronics & Other
- Surge protector – this is great for places like Costa Rica.
- Headphones or earbuds
- GoPro
- Camera
- Kindle or book
- Journal and pen
- Electrolyte tabs if you’re planning rigorous activity
Bonus Items:
Depending on the location or activities you have planned, you may need to add a few items to your tropical vacay packing list. Here are ones I’ve needed to bring (or wish I had).
1. Water Filter
If you’re traveling to Hawaii, you’ll be fine without this… but if you plan to travel through small, remote towns in Costa Rica, there’s a chance that you will need a filter. I highly recommend the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Filter Bottle. This is the same filter I use backpacking, and I love it because it’s idiot-proof to use (I need that – ha!), and it’s not bulky.
2. Headlamp
We did a night hike in Costa Rica that required a headlamp or flashlight. If you’re an early morning or nighttime runner/walker or have any night activities planned, you will be glad you have a headlamp.
3. Packing Squares
These are not a must, but I HIGHLY recommend them. My favorites are the double-sided ones because I can keep my clean and dirty clothes separated, and the compression-style ones because they really cut down on bulk.
4. Extra Ziplock Bag
I really recommend having a few plastic bags to store wet clothing and other soggy items for the trip home.
5. Water Bottle
Depending on the location, bottled water may not be easy to find. Don’t forget to hydrate!