12 THINGS YOU MUST PACK IF YOU’RE TRAVELING SOMEWHERE TROPICAL FOR SPRING BREAK

About two years ago, I moved to St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, after wintering there since 2016 (remote work FTW!). In addition to packing for myself for four-month stretches and accumulating the best things for full-time #islandlife, I’ve hosted more than a dozen visitors and counting—shockingly, a free place to stay in the Caribbean is a draw.

All that is to say: I can share on excellent authority what items are absolute musts to make room for in your checked luggage or carry-on bag for a tropical vacation. (And don't forget your face mask for the plane... and in case your destination has different COVID-safe requirements than you're used to at home.)

4. Insect repellent

One of the less brag-worthy things about living on an island: The tiny biting creatures that also inhabit it. Because mosquito-borne illnesses are always something of a concern in the tropics, it’s wise to pack protection.

Skip those essential oil-containing products, which smell great but are largely useless. (I once found a dead mosquito floating in the water of my lemon-eucalyptus oil diffuser, so I guess she wasn’t exactly repelled by it.)

In terms of active ingredients that work, DEET is the king of the repellents, but picaridin rates comparably well and is less noxious-smelling and greasy on the skin. You can get effective products in pump sprays and lotions that don’t exceed carry-on size restrictions, or wipes that don’t even count as liquids. For a weeklong trip, you won’t need more than one of those options.

Explore the rest of the Spring Brak packing list from Amy Roberts here.

LAST UPDATED

October 24, 2024

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Yahoo

Media Mentions from Yahoo

Yahoo is a global media and tech company connecting people to their passions. We reach almost a billion people worldwide, bringing them closer to what they love – from finance and commerce to gaming and news – with trusted products, content and tech that fuel their day.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

Whether for gardening, mowing or warm evenings outside, we found Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent to be an excellent choice in every setting.

Health
Media Mentions from Health

Media Mentions

The efficacy of DEET without harsh chemicals. Sawyer Picardin Insect Repellent is our go-to skin protection against mosquitos and ticks. We prefer the lotion to the spray-on, which lasts 8-14 hours.

Adventure Alan
Media Mentions from Adventure Alan

Media Mentions

We recommend this lotion from Sawyer for its effectiveness, thorough application, and easily transportable bottle.

Real Simple
Media Mentions from Real Simple