You must have a warm, Caribbean vacation coming up on the horizon if you’re reading this. So, let’s start with congrats!
There is nothing better than a week spent on the beach under the sun listening to the sounds of the waves and feeling the plush sand in your fingers. Now we just need to help you with your Caribbean packing list.
As exciting as your upcoming trip is, the packing can leave many travelers feeling stressed and overwhelmed. What should I pack? How do I fit it all into one suitcase?
Am I forgetting something? These are all very common and valid questions you’ll constantly be asking yourself before your trip.
However, you already have a leg up and should pat yourself on the back because the fact that you’re reading this article means you’re preparing ahead of time to pack and not just throwing everything into a suitcase at the last second.
The more you prepare for your trip by creating a packing list for the Caribbean, the less chance you’ll leave something important behind.
No one wants to spend their first day in paradise at the store trying to decipher labels to purchase their forgotten moisturizer.
Trust us, these things happen, but the more you prepare, the better off you’ll be.
Here you’ll find a packing list with links to certain items that you may find useful.
Whether the packing process is daunting or a fun part of your vacation journey, we’re here to help all packers find relief knowing they’ve thought of every possible item they might want to bring.
Before we begin, let’s start with the basics. What to put everything in.
Best Luggage for the Caribbean
Before heading off for the Caribbean. You are going to want to ensure you have 2 – 3 solid pieces of luggage. You are going to want to invest in a good carry-on suitcase or carry-on backpack and if you are going for a longer time and need to bring more with you a good checked bag.
- 🧳 Carry-on Luggage – I love this Timbuk suitcase, it is the largest carry-on you can find and is so convenient.
- 🎒 Day Backpack – You are going to want a good backpack to take with you for when you are out exploring the Caribbean. They are also great to take on the plane for all your plane essentials.
- 🧳 Checked Luggage – I love this Dakine split roller and take it on all my trips where I need the extra space
- 🧊 Packing Cubes – These save so much room in your suitcase and keep everything organized

Flight Essentials for the Caribbean
Thankfully if you are flying to the Caribbean for the US or Canada you are looking at a relatively short flight, which is a great thing. Tropical paradise awaits you and it’s not that far away.
There are still a few things that you are going to want to throw in your carry-on to make your flight more enjoyable.
- Portable Charger
- Noise Canceling Headphones
- Passport
- International Credit Card
- Cell Phone with International Plan
- Snacks
- Hand Sanitizer – Even before covid I always traveled with hand sanitizer
- Reusable Filtered Water Bottle – Save yourself some money and bring your own water bottle to refill
- Lightweight Sarong – These work great as blankets when the plane gets too cold
Caribbean Packing list
By the end of this, you should be prepared for your vacation more than ever. You have all the travel resources and information you need for packing your essentials.
Essentials to Pack for the Caribbean
Let’s start with the most important items that you absolutely cannot leave the house without. As long as you have these items, the rest don’t matter quite as much.
- Passport
- Cell phone
- Wallet with cards/cash
- Travel Insurance
- Prescriptions, Medications, Glasses, Contacts
For your long flights or to relax by the ocean or pool, you may want to bring some entertainment with you. This could include books, magazines, e-readers, downloaded podcasts, movies, and songs. Don’t forget your headphones so you can enjoy these things.
1. Important Documents
Don’t forget to bring these essential items to the Caribbean including your passport and ID, cash, credit cards, and medication.
There may also be other important documents for your trip that you’ll need to bring. It’s always a good idea to bring a printed copy of reservations, addresses, and other information in case your phone dies or becomes lost or stolen.
Another important thing to do ahead of time is to print copies of your passport, ID, and credit/debit cards and have a copy with you in a separate place from the originals.
As well as having a digital copy and a paper copy at home. If any of these items are lost or stolen, you’ll be able to get through the rest of the trip with your copies.
Toiletries for the Caribbean
Broken out by hair care, skin care, and body care, you’ll find below a list of all the possible toiletries you may use that you’ll want to bring.
2. Travel Size Toiletries Bottles
These are great to bring just what you need for your trip to the Caribbean and leave the big bottles behind. Plus, it helps with not needing to check luggage.
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Dry Shampoo, Hair ties/clips
- Reef Safe Leave-in Conditioner – You will need this if you are spending time in the Ocean.
- Lip Balm
- Face wipes/ Make-up Remove and Face serums
- Reef Safe Sunscreen – You will need lots of sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste, Toothbrush and Floss
- Medication, prescriptions, Vitamins
- Mini first aid kit in case anything happens
- LEAVE YOUR BLOWDRY BEHIND
3. Imodium
Traveling can do some uneasy things to our stomachs, that is why it is always best to be prepared. I like taking an Imodium before I even land in a new country, just to get it in my body in working. Last thing I want is to be sick on holiday.
Beach Items For The Caribbean
Here is a list of useful items and accessories that might be helpful for your Caribbean trip. Each item is linked, so you can easily find it online if you want to learn more about it.
Of course, there are millions of options, but we wanted to provide some great recommendations for you if you’re looking to purchase any of these items.
4. Beach Bag
You’ll want a beach bag for a vacation in the Caribbean. This will be the perfect bag for carrying your belongings to the pool or beach each day.
This beach bag is perfect because it’s mesh, so it won’t collect sand and track it into your hotel room or Airbnb.
It has two little pockets to hide your important items, and it does not have a mesh base, giving it a little more structure. Best of all, its easy to throw in your suitcase without taking up space.