Travel Tip Tuesday : 10 Things to Pack for your Caribbean Vacation
My passions are France and Italy. Which means when I get to travel – those are usually the places I go. I’ll also try to look for places that have that European feel or vibe – like Montreal and Quebec City.
But I love travel. I love discovering new places.
One place you have never seen me is the Caribbean.
I am not your typical beach bum.
I am white as a ghost, burn like a lobster and can’t remember the last time ‘bikini-body’ was a term uttered in my presence.
But that is all about to change!
Marriott is hosting myself and 8 other bloggers – each of us are headed to one of their Paradise by Marriott Resorts, and we all leave tomorrow!
So, this Travel Tip Tuesday, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share a few things to pack for a Caribbean vacation.
And this is as much for me as it is for you, as I can’t remember the last time I took a beach vacation.
Actually, I do remember the one and only time I have been to the Caribbean – Club Med Martinique in the early 1990′s. But I was younger and crazier then, and what happens in Martinique…well you know the rest!
So here is my packing list:
1. Sunscreen. Obvious, yet many still don’t take good care in this department. Don’t forget it! I am fair, so I bring an SPF 50. Apply it often, and especially after swimming. And make sure to get the little nooks and crannies-behind the ears and knees and between the toes. That Caribbean sun is strong!
2. Hat and Sunglasses. Both go a long way to shading your eyes from the bright Caribbean sun, but the hat (the wider the brim, the better!) I use to protect my scalp from sunburn.
3. Camera. Azure water, palm trees, white sandy beach and spectacular sunsets. A perfect recipe for stunning photo memories that must be captured!
4. Underwater Camera. Chances are if you go to the Caribbean, there will be some water activity involved. If you will be diving or snorkeling, there are lovely colored reefs and fish that you should capture. A cheap disposable underwater camera is light and easy to use.
5. Scarf/Pareo. You know I love items that do double-duty. Take a scarf or pareo- use it as a blanket on the plane, an accessory for an outfit and as a sarong with your bathing suit.
6. Book(s). Part of a beach vacay should be lying around relaxing. And catching up on your reading. Bring a few juicy books along to enjoy while lounging on your beach chair in the surf, while the warm sea water laps over your toes.
7. iPod. If reading isn’t your thing – and you just don’t want to listen to the sound of the ocean, load your iPod with your favorite playlists, close your eyes and enjoy your favorite tunes while lounging.
8. Swimsuit cover-up. Remember that less-than-perfect bikini body I spoke of? I really do love lounging around on the beach, but not necessarily traipsing around in just my bathing suit. I throw on a cute cover-up that makes me feel more comfortable roaming around or going to the bar for cocktails. Some resorts may even allow you to eat this way.
9. Beach bag. You’ll need something cute and functional to tote all your goodies around while treking back and forth from your room to the beach. If you do your homework – you can find a beach bag that will double as your ‘personal item’ for the plane.
10. Flip-flops. Might as well take advantage of the hot weather and casual vibe. I’m bringing two pair – a flat pair with arch-support and a pair of thick, squishy ones for the extra aaaaahhhh-factor.
Ordinarily I’d say to bring a towel for the beach, but most resorts, Marriott included, provide beach towels so that is one thing I can leave home without.
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So, now that you know what I’ll be taking…it’s time you find out where I am going!
I’ll be headed to the Grand Cayman, courtesy of Marriott! I’ll be blogging from the road- well, the beach really.
Not only will I be posting here on the blog, I’ll be tweeting like a madwoman.
On Twitter you can follow me @MyMelange, and you can also follow along under the #blogparadise hashtag to see updates from all 9 bloggers.
And if you are interested, here is the complete list of all 9 bloggers that are participating, along with their blogs and Twitter handles.
Cancun - Nancy Brown @nancydbrown
Aruba - Lisa Overman @IslandStyle29
Aruba - Aaron Hotfelder @aaronhotfelder
Cancun - Pam Mandel @nerdseyeview
Curacao- Barbara Weibel @holeinthedonut
St. Kitts - Chris Gray @caroundtheworld
St. Thomas - Julie Schwietert - @collzaoprojects
Puerto Vallarta- Charyn Pfeuffer @global_gourmet
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And now it’s time to sail on over to My Bella Vita to see what Travel Tips Cherrye has for us today!
photo credit flickr
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Friends & Supporters
December 15th, 2009
I’m not a beach person either, and yet just the sight of the ocean takes my breath away. I hope you have a glorious visit to Grand Cayman!
December 15th, 2009
And what about mosquito repellent, mmh ?
December 15th, 2009
Hi Anne: I am praying I don’t need it, as I have not an inch of space left in my quart-sized liquids bag
December 15th, 2009
Thanks Marsi. I’m with you. The serene beach photos always do me in! I will do my very best to have a great time
December 15th, 2009
Cool…good for you! Definitely a good time to be in the Caribbean. I’ve never been to the Caymans, but Curacao is one of my fave places – a tropical Amsterdam!
Have fun swimming with stingrays in Cayman. They’re usually friendly, but don’t forget what happened to Steve Irwin.
.-= Melanie´s last blog ..Five Favorites: Beaches in Calabria =-.
December 15th, 2009
I’m psyched and probably won’t sleep tonight. Curacao, here I come!
.-= Barbara @ Hole In The Donut Travels´s last blog ..Want to Find the Real Miami Beach? Get to Know Its Artists =-.
December 15th, 2009
“can’t remember the last time ‘bikini-body’ was a term uttered in my presence.”
You and me both, sister!
The sarong/pareo is a definite pack. Whether I’m going to the Caribbean or elsewhere, I never leave home without it. It’s a good light blanket for plane rides and now that I have a kid, it’s handy as a towel to lay down on skunky airport changing tables.
Have fun on the trip!
December 15th, 2009
Mel, the weather here makes it a perfect time to go! And I’ll be careful, but I’m sure I’ll be ok
December 15th, 2009
Barbara, I am sure I won’t sleep either. Maybe because I have to leave my house at like 2am for my early flight from JFK
Enjoy!
December 15th, 2009
I’m a HUGE beach fan (coming from landlocked Colorado) so I will be following your Tweets and posts from #blogparadise!
December 15th, 2009
Julie, I think that sarong/pareo is somthing every woman should have! So many uses. You enjoy St. Thomas too
December 15th, 2009
Thanks Kara! I’ll send you some warm sea breezes and sunshine from Grand Cayman. I’ll try and take lots of pictures for you
December 15th, 2009
Have a wonderful time! It sounds like such fun, and you’re in good company — even if you guys are all spread out geographically. Enjoy!
.-= Angela K. Nickerson´s last blog ..On the Radio with Rick Steves =-.
December 15th, 2009
Hi Robin,
While you’re here in Grand Cayman, you will definitely want to take that U/W camera to Stingray Sandbar for the best images that camera is capable of making (shallow water, reflective sand bottom, awesome action).
For a peek at a 26 year photographic study of the island, see my web site. It should give you some ideas for things to see while you are planning your days here. I’m in the book if you want to call to ask for an experienced, unbiased opinion.
Enjoy! Courtney Platt Photography at: http://www.courtneyplatt.com
December 15th, 2009
Oooh! Have fun in Grand Cayman! Your post is making me excited for our upcoming holiday – the packing list is not only helpful but lists everything needed on a glorious, sun-filled and relaxing vaca!
December 15th, 2009
Enjoy my home (Cayman)… don’t worry if you missed anything, we are definitely a “first world” country, you can pick up most anything in the stores, drink the water, get cash from an ATM etc etc.. heck, we have far better internet services than most countries, and more Blackberries and iPhones per capita than the USA
Tweet me up @TomCayman if you need anything while you are here !
December 16th, 2009
SPF 50? I’m Mediterranean (so I look like an Arab) and _I_ use SPF 50 .. I think you might want to up the dosage or the SPF-age there …
The Unexpected Traveller
.-= The Unexpected Traveller´s last blog ..Bottling It Up =-.
December 16th, 2009
Was so glad to read about your trip. We live in Grand Cayman about 4-5 months each year. Know exactly where the Marriot is – towards the end of 7-mile beach near Georgetown. I know you will have a great time.
The food is wonderful – we have lots of world class restaurants – make sure to try Calypso Grill for nice lunch/dinner; and Sunset house for casual dining – fun to watch the dives around there.
The water sports are great – you’ll have to cover up some, although the winter season shouldn’t be as strong sun as summer. Go snorkeling, boating, ride some water towable tubes – and definitely go to Stingray City – it will be your highlight!!
December 17th, 2009
Thanks! I am sure gonna try
December 17th, 2009
Thanks Courtney! I can’t wait to have a look at your website.
December 17th, 2009
Thanks Jennifer. I am sure you will enjoy your trip too. Where are you headed?
December 17th, 2009
Tom, if you are any indication of the friendly hospitality of the Cayman’s – I think I’m going to be welcomed with open arms! I’ll contact you if I need anything. Thanks for offering
December 17th, 2009
Yeah, if they made SPF 1500, I’d probably buy it
December 20th, 2009
lucky, lucky you!!!! can i come to the beach with you?
.-= Jen Laceda´s last blog ..At Heaven’s Door in Auberge Saint-Antoine =-.
December 21st, 2009
Sure, I had about an inch of space left in my luggage, if you had wanted come with me
March 27th, 2011
This was a good list of items people should carry with them when traveling to the Caribbean. We went to DR a couple years ago and the hat was a life saver because in July, the sun is really direct and it was really hot. But the hat kept a little shade on us.
Thanks for popping by to comment! I’m fair and burn like a lobster -so a hat is a must for me too
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