A New year means new opportunities. Now is the time to let me help you escape to a new destination or maybe visit one of your old favorites in 2018. In this month’s newsletter I want to give you some tips on packing for your Caribbean Escape. Leaving to go on vacation doesn’t need to be overwhelming or extremely time consuming. All you need to do is have a little organization and then relax. Make yourself a list and then check it twice. You don’t need a lot when vacationing in the Caribbean. The five most important things to remember when traveling are as follows:
Make sure you have all your Travel Documents together and that they are organized in a safe but accessible place. This will include your passport, airline tickets or boarding passes. Any special vouchers that you may have for your transfers or resorts that you will be staying at. If you happen to be on prescription medication, you will want to pack copies of your prescriptions and make sure you take medication with you, that it is always in the original containers.
Having a well packed carry-on is essential. Not that you want to plan for things to go wrong, but being prepared will make things much easier should a problem occur. Things you will want in your carry-on bag will be your toiletry bag, a change of clothes, swimming suit, cash (small bills for paying tips or cab), medications, and a small snack. Essentially you will want to have everything you would need for your first night. On the occasions when I travel with a checked bag, I usually pack at least a lite pair of pajamas, a cotton sundress, extra undies and a pair of flip flops in addition to my toiletries in the 3-1-1 format.
Heed the 3-1-1 format for your toiletries when carrying them on. It will make your trip through security a lot less stressful. What is 3-1-1 you ask. You can bring on liquid toiletries that are under 3oz. Everything must fit in a 1-quart, clear, zip-top bag per person. If you have samples those are always a great option. You can also find travel size of all your needs at most stores.
Invest in a TSA approved lock for you checked luggage. This will prevent any chances of your personal belongings from going MIA. I suggest that you go with the combination locks over the ones with keys so that you have one less thing to keep track of. It would be horrible to get to the island and not have the keys
Don’t overpack. You won’t need much. Remember what the weather in the Caribbean is like, an average temperature is 82F. You will want to pack lightweight clothing, as there is some humidity in the Caribbean. Choose items that don’t wrinkle and items that you can intermix with one another. You never end up wearing everything you bring. Multiple swim-suits I think are a must, along with a cover up. Don’t forget a good pair of comfortable shoes. I also like to have a light jacket to go over my evening outfit as most of the restaurants are air-conditioned and after a day in the sun I find myself catching a chill. Other essential items are sunblock, Aloe Vera, lip balm with SPF, some sunglasses and a hat.
One other thing I suggest you do, and that I think is very important so that you don’t have any surprises, is to call your cell phone service. Call them and check on international charges and make sure you have your data and roaming set up the right way so that you don’t come back to a large cellular bill. Make sure you pack your charger as well and I recommend that you bring an adaptor plug as too. Happy traveling…now let’s get you booked for your next Caribbean Escape!
Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.
She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.
Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.
She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds. Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind. She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember. With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.
Leave a Reply