Packing Checklist

Essential Travel Documents & Travel Day Must-Haves

Let’s start with the basics—because nothing throws off a tropical escape faster than missing essentials before you even board the plane. Whether you’re heading to the Caribbean, Hawaii, or Bali, having your most important travel items in one place sets the tone for a smooth, stress-free journey.

✅ Must-Have Travel Documents (carry on bag)

Think of this as your golden ticket to paradise. Keep these items close and organized:

• Passport (with at least 6 months of validity from date of return)
  
• Government-issued ID/license
  • especially for domestic flights or in case of passport loss
    
• Travel insurance policy and emergency contacts
  
• Boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and tour bookings
  • paper and digital copies
    

💡 Tip: Use a slim travel wallet or document organizer to keep everything handy and secure.

✈️ In-Flight Comfort & Productivity (carry on bag)

Long flights don’t have to feel like a chore. Pack a few key items to keep you comfortable, entertained, and ready to hit the ground running.

• Earbuds or noise-canceling headphones.
  • It is usually a 3.5mm jack to watch the built -in airline television.
    
• A travel pillow (here’s an inflatable for easy packing) and/or lightweight blanket or wrap
  
• Snacks and a refillable water bottle
  • you must empty liquids to pass through security
    
• Portable charger to keep your devices powered
  
• Medications
  • Prescription medications if needed during the plane ride
  • pain/headache and stomach medicine just in case
    
• Gum for ear popping and pressure relief
  • There are ginger infused gums which may also help with any motion sickness
    

💡 Tip: Make sure you put any keys, i.e. car and/or home keys, in a secure spot where they won’t fall out while taking other things in and out. I like to use a backpack as a carry on with many pockets and zippers. I use a pocket for keys and other things that are not needed in their own pocket.

💵 Don’t Forget Your Finances (carry on bag)

Island-hopping or street-market shopping? Make sure you’re financially ready.

• Credit or debit card (notify your bank of travel dates!)
  
• Cash for tips or small purchases
  
• A digital wallet or mobile payment option
  • many tropical destinations support them
    
• 💡 Tip: Pay any bills that will be coming due you go away to avoid any late fees.

🧸Miscellaneous Items (carry on or check in)

• Sunglasses – I suggest a pair that is not too expensive
  
• Notify the post office to suspend mail service
  
• Snorkel gear – when traveling to the tropical islands, there are so many places to snorkel around the beaches and nearby coral.
  
• Floats – we love bringing these because they’re easy to blow up, deflate and pack

💼 Pack your suitcase (check in baggage)

The following list is what I usually pack in a check-in suitcase. You may find that you can pack some of these items in your carry on if you have room.

💡 Tip: Most airlines require check in bags to be 50 lbs. or less. I have a scale at home to check ensure I am not over. My personal rule is to ensure I do not go over 45 lbs. at home in case the scale varies.

Consider your personal situation when packing, for example if you will have access to a washer/dryer you would not necessarily pack a new outfit for every day of the vacation.

• Clothing
  • Breathable Daywear (Tanks, Tees, Shorts)
  • Evening Outfits for Dining or Exploring
  • Swimsuits and Cover-Ups for Pool & Beach
  • Undergarments, Sleepwear, and Loungewear
  • Packable Rain Jacket or Light Sweater
    
• Footwear
  • For Every Activity, i.e. Comfortable Walking Shoes or Sandals
  • Flip-Flops for the Pool or Beach
  • Dressier Sandals or Flats for Evenings
  • Water Shoes for Adventures and Excursions
    
• Sun Protection and Skincare Essentials
  • High-SPF Sunscreen and After-Sun Lotion. Look for reef safe lotions if you are planning on going swimming or snorkeling around the islands!
  • Wide-Brim Hat and Sunglasses with UV Protection
  • Lip Balm with SPF and Aloe Vera Gel
  • Lightweight Cover-Up or Rash Guard
    
• Toiletries and Personal Care Items
  • Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss
  • Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash
  • Razor, Deodorant, and Feminine Hygiene
  • Compact Hairbrush or Comb
  • Steamer (if your rental does not provide one)
    
• Medications and Health Essentials
  • Prescription Medications in Original Packaging
  • Pain Relievers, Antihistamines, and Motion Sickness Aids
  • Insect Repellent and Anti-Itch Cream
  • First Aid Basics (Band-Aids, Antiseptic Wipes, etc.)
  • Rehydration Tablets or Electrolyte Powder
    
• Tech and Entertainment for Downtime
  • Smartphone, Chargers, and Power Bank
  • E-Reader or Paperback for Poolside Reading
  • Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag
  • Travel Adapters (if going abroad)
    

Taking the time to organize these travel day must-haves ensures you’re not just packed—but truly prepared. It’s the first step in making your dream vacation as breezy as those island winds.

Ready to move beyond the basics? Next up, we’ll cover what to wear so you can feel cool, confident, and stylish in the sun.: sipping something cold, soaking up the sun, and living your best island life.