Most Important Things to Pack for the Tropics
Most important things to pack for the tropics
Tropical Destination
I think that everybody dreams of a relaxing holiday in a tropical destination. Nothing seems more perfect than laying on a beautiful sandy beach, surrounded by perfect palm trees, turquoise water, holding a Margarita and listening to the calming sound of the waves. This is dream life goals.
It was your dream and you’ve made it, because it is not impossible. For skeptics: yes, sometimes it can be way cheaper to go on holiday in South-East Asia or South America than in European countries like: The Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Belgium or even the UK. If you plan in advance and hunt your tickets, you can make it happen.
After you pass the excitement of booking your perfect holiday, the countdown begins and for those that are first timers in these places of the world, a little bit of anxiety will install.
What to pack for the tropics?
First of all, try getting a cabin and a checked-in bag per person. It may seem much, but remember that you are travelling to a far away country with different climate that you are used to. The whole travel time since you leave home and arrive to your destination hotel, will take at least 20 hours. You will be crossing quite a lot of time zones, countries and different climates.
The most popular times for visiting tropical countries begin in autumn and end in spring, depending of course of their wet/dry seasons. For Europeans, it will be necessary to have clothes prepared for home and layover weather, besides the nice summer clothes.
But, for this type of holiday destination, it is necessary to have in your bag some specific and important items:
The Tropical list:
- Light cotton clothes
- Hat
- Powder spray deodorant
- Mosquito repellant
- Sunscreen
- After sun lotion
- Hydrating creams
- Thermal water spray
- Pills
- Waterproof makeup
- Unique Experiences to Have in Bali
- How to travel BALI on a budget
- Travel Documents you Must Not FORGET
Light Cotton Clothes
One of the tropical climate’s characteristics, besides the warm temperature is the humidity. That is why is very important to fill your bag with clothes from natural fibers materials, such as cotton, linen and silk. If you pun on synthetic material clothes, because of the heat and the humidity, you will sweat more and have the oven feeling. A loose natural fibers material, will reduce the impact of heat and humidity over your body. Don’t forget to pack at least two outfits per day, trust me, you will need them.
Hat
In a heat wave, don’t forget to cover your head. It is a must to bring along at least one hat or cap. For sure you will find some nice local shops to buy more, but until shopping, your head needs to be covered. This way you protect yourself of headaches and other harmful consequences of sun exposure. Better to be safe than sorry.
Powder Spray Deodorant
I know that some may not be fans of it, but in these particular places, this is a must. I have used both liquid deo-roll on and powder spray deodorant. They are both great for sweat protection and don’t worry, it doesn’t get smelly with either of them. The main issue is that, because of the humidity, it gets sticky. The humidity in air, combined with the roll-on, will make a sticky glue-like paste and because of the high heat, it might burn. So best to avoid this type of problem.
Mosquito Repellant
I should have put it in top op the list. Where is water, warm weather and humidity, there are mosquitoes. They are known to conduct some specific diseases in this kind of climate and of course you don’t want to feel itchy because of a mosquito bite. The important thing is that here the mosquitoes are different from the ones we have in Europe. So, the classic mosquito repellant will not work. You need to buy something specific for tropical countries. Our favorite is Autan Tropical.
It doesn’t meat that you will be covered in mosquitoes, they are a few, because local authorities know the problem and take measures. As another pro tip: buy the repellant from home. They are aware that the tourist needs it and the price there will probably be double.
Sunscreen
It is probably unnecessary to tell the horrible damage that direct exposure to sun light can do to you. You need sunscreen, at least 30 SPF for body and 50 SPF for face and sensitive areas. If you are a light skin person, like me, take good care and apply SPF regularly. Try bringing the sunscreen from home. I think that this is important because you already know what is the best sunscreen for you. Another reason to bring it from home is not the money (their price range is big and they have products for every budget), but the fact that they mostly have sunscreen with whitening effect. If you are going to the beach, you will probably want to tan and will not need something to whiten your skin.
After-Sun Lotion
Even if you don’t feel like you got sun-burned, it is very important to apply an after-sun lotion. Your skin needs it and you will feel refreshed and will avoid looking like a lobster.
Hydrating Creams
This is another step to take after sun exposure and also very important. Even if the humidity is very high, after you cooked your skin, you need to hydrate it. Bring these types of moisturizers from home because you already know what is the best one for you. Try to avoid the ones that contain perfume, because in direct sunlight, they will burn.
Thermal Water Spray
I personally don’t know anyone that brings thermal water with them, but for us is a must. In a thoride summer day, especially coming from colder places, I repeat, your body needs to be hydrated. Just imagine the hot air on you and then spraying some thermal water. It will refresh you instantly. We generally use Eau Thermale from Avene, but any other brand will probably be as good. It has a soothing and anti-irritating effect and is also very good to apply on a sun burn.
Pills
The pills are needed in every type of holiday, not just in a tropical place. In here, it is known to have sometimes digestive problems. It is not about the cleanliness of the place; it is because of the condiments used and the fact that your body is used to some particular types of food and here might be totally different. In Bali, the digestive problem that tourists encounter has the name “Bali Belly”. We didn’t have problems, but some friends did. As a list, I would say to bring something for: headaches, diarrhea (bacterial or incidental), anti-vomitives, anti-inflammatory and hangovers pills (if you stay in a resort). Do not bring medicine that need prescription if you don’t have one. They are illegal and in case of emergency, you will seek medical advice. Only bring or buy medicine that is for general use with doctors or pharmacist advice.
Waterproof makeup
This one is for the ladies.
You don’t have to wear makeup at the beach, but if the situation requires a little bit of glam, bring from home your best waterproof makeup. The high humidity, will make you look like a little clown. The mascara will be all over your face, the foundation will get cakey and your lipstick will smudge. Trust me, been there, done that. I have learned my lesson and I only bring good quality heat and water-resistant products.
Have fun!
Now it is time to pack your bags and have the time of your life.
Remember to put some spare clothes in your cabin bag, you will probably feel the need to change.
This was a list of the most important items to bring along in a tropical holiday. Of course, there are more, but the rest are important at a personal level or preference. Don’t forget to regularly check the entry regulations for each country, even the ones that you just have a layover. Since the pandemic started and even though some countries do not have particular restrictions anymore, it still is very important to check the situation at the borders.
The fun times will begin. Tropical destinations are fabulous and so…
Travelicious.