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Tropical Vacation Packing List & Caribbean Vacation Outfits

If you have a tropical getaway planned, you might be wondering what to pack and planning your Caribbean Vacation outfits. Lucky you, because having travelled to multiple Caribbean islands, I am sharing my tropical vacation packing list in this post! More than outfits, this post covers everything you should bring with you, and what to leave at home. I seriously overpacked on my first trip to the Caribbean, so trust me on these recommendations.

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In this tropical vacation packing list, we will cover everything from toiletries to suitcases! I personally love travelling light (to avoid lost luggage & waiting in baggage claim) so this packing list is carry-on friendly. Everything can fit in a carry-on suitcase and personal bag!

What is covered in this post:

Accessories
Caribbean Vacation Outfits & Clothes
Shoes
Makeup & Toiletries
Packing Gear
Beach & Pool Items

Remember, it is important to consider the length of stay and activities you will be doing on vacation in order to determine your unique packing list. Use this post as a guide for general Caribbean vacation outfits. If you have a particular outfit request let me know!

Clothing for Caribbean Vacation Outfits

The clothes you add to your tropical vacation packing list are highly dependent upon your personal style. However, there are a few key pieces that I have noticed to be universal must have for anybody’s Caribbean Vacation Outfits. I always take swimwear, coverups, outfits for excursions or day trips, and evening clothing for dinners.

My personal 5 day 4-night stay would include these items for my personal Caribbean vacation outfits:

4 swimsuits
3 coverups
3 casual tops
2 bottoms (shorts + pants)
3-4 sundresses
6 pairs of underwear
3 pairs of socks
Pajamas

SWIMWEAR

For me, when I go to the Caribbean I live in bathing suits until it is time for dinner. Especially if you are staying at an all inclusive, you’ll want to bring your favorite swimsuits for beach/pool days. A one piece can even be worn with denim shorts & sun hat for a day of shopping or sightseeing. The best part?! Swimwear takes up very little room in luggage!

READ MORE: FIGURE FLATTERING SWIMWEAR

This swimsuit is an Amazon best seller, with over40 color options, 20,000 reviews and 4.3 star rating!

Coverups

You will want a variety of beach coverups, because they are essential for daily wear! Most all-inclusive resorts I’ve stayed at will not let you in the dining areas in a bathing suit, so it is important to have coverups. They are also great for wearing over suits as you walk the beach, get a break from the sun, and walking back and forth to your room. Linen tunics are another great option to wear over one-piece swimsuits & shorts.

Here are some of my favorite beach coverups:

Beach Coverup Set: Favorite Amazon Set
Crochet Beach Coverup Dress: Dress coverup
Maxi Skirt Sarong: Perfect over a one piece

Tops to wear with Caribbean vacation outfits

Bring a few basic tops to pair with bottoms for daytime outings and casual evening wear. Most resorts will also have evening entertainment, sometimes I prefer casual looks for these nights. Below are three tops you’ll want to have on your tropical vacation packing list! Tap the images for more details!

Casual tee – perfect for excursions and covers your shoulders from harsh sun
Flutter sleeve top – For casual dinner or day trips
Floral set – Two pieces that can be worn together or separate!

Linen Pants

These pants can double as a swim cover and offer amazing, lightweight coverage from the sun. Let me tell you, the Caribbean sun is no joke! I also find the indoor dining to be chilly, especially after being in the sun all day, so you will not regret a pair of linen pants for evening wear.

Shorts to pair with Caribbean vacation outfits

Shorts are great to have when you need a casual outfit or are going on an excursion. I ABSOLUTELY wore shorts while zip lining in Jamaica! SO FUN!

Read NEXT: the best shorts of the year!

Personally, I like to bring at least two pairs. One blue and one white. Denim shorts can easily be dressed up or down and go with everything. Below is the pair I own and LOVE!

Dresses

Pack 3-4 sundresses and you will have the easiest Caribbean vacation outfits. Right?! With dresses, you don’t have to worry about matching separate tops & bottoms. Just slip on the dress and some accessories for an easy and beautiful beach look. Shop the dresses below for effortless vacation outfits!

Don’t Forget to Pack

pajamas
undergarments
socks

Accessories for Caribbean Vacation Outfits

Keep it simple with your accessories when packing for your trip. A few basics is all you really need!

Sunglasses

Take two inexpensive pairs for your Caribbean vacation outfits. You do not want to risk losing or breaking anything valuable on your trip!

These two pairs from Amazon are my absolute favorites! The gold aviators are an amazing designer dupe that look good with everything! The black pair are my personal favorites!

gold aviators // black frame

Beach Bag

For me, I like a beach bag that can hold a book, sunglasses, my hat, sunscreen, my phone, and maybe a few other things. Other than that, when in the Caribbean, there’s not much else you need. That is assuming you are just at the beach by your resort. If venturing out to another beach, you’ll probably need a bigger bag. Below are some great options!

Jewelry with your Caribbean Vacation Outfits

Keep it simple, and leave expensive pieces at home. All you really need are some fun beachy pieces to go with your Caribbean vacation outfits! Here are my recommendations – each under $20!

Some women like to wear layered chains at the pool. If you want a stylish pair check out this set!

Woven Earring 4 Pack

Stackable Beaded Bracelets

Layered Necklace Set

Beach Hat for Tropical Vacation Looks

A baseball cap and/or straw hat are all you should need! Our first trip to Aruba, I was not prepared for how brutal the sun would be. Ever since then, I make sure to pack a hat to protect my face more from the sun. When you’re in the Caribbean, it is so easy to lose track of time and forget to reapply sunscreen. Having a hat on hand will save you! Just don’t forget to wear it.

This packable hat is not only BEAUTIFUL, but it can be rolled up in your suitcase, so you don’t have to worry about carrying it through the airport!

Shoes for Caribbean Vacation Outfits

Flip Flops

An essential for beach and pool days! A slim rubber flip flop takes up minimal space in luggage, so I usually pack two pairs. Black and white will go with anything, but I also love gold flip flops to elevate my Caribbean vacation outfits. You will wear these daily, especially if you’re planning on lounging at the pool regularly.

Sneakers

Wear these with your travel outfit to save space in your suitcase! These can then be worn if you like to workout on vacation or for excursions. My husband and I went to on an island tour in Saint Lucia and we were so thankful to have sneakers for a full day outing that was full of hiking, tours, and shopping.

Many Caribbean islands are considered under developed, like Saint Lucia, so we actually left our gently used shoes in a donation box at our resort before we left! We saw similar donations in Jamaica.

Sandals with your Caribbean Vacation Outfits

One nice pair of leather slide sandals and one pair of wedge sandals is all you should need. I personally prefer to only take flat slides, but if you like heels, you will want a wedge with you! Your tropical vacation packing list should include sandals that can be worn with all of your dresses. These wedges are comfortable and an easy way to elevate casual dresses on vacation.

Caribbean vacation outfits

Brown Slide // White Slide // Wedge

Perfect dinner outfit in the Caribbean

Makeup and Toiletries

This is where you need to make big sacrifices if you want to travel carry-on only. If you are planning to check a bag then you will want to personalize this list to fit your needs.

You will want to grab travel size bottles from Amazon in order to take your favorite shampoo, conditioner, & moisturizer. I also combine my hair products (smoothing cream, oil, and heat tamer) into one bottle to save extra space. Remember, liquids cannot be bigger than 3.4oz if in a carry-on.

Pro Tip: If you buy travel size items in the store, you are paying a markup. It’s cheaper to buy a small containers and use the products you already have at home. The containers can also be re-used!

Here is what I pack!

MAKEUP for Caribbean Vacation Outfits

Face Sunscreen TSA Friendly
Powder Foundation
The BEST Full Coverage Concealer TSA Friendly
Tinted Lip Balm For Daytime
Lip Color for Evening
Eyeliner
Mascara
Tarte Face Palette (eye shadow, blush, and bronzer)
Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil
Makeup Brushes

TOILETRIES

Sunscreen Stick TSA friendly
Shampoo & Conditioner (use travel size containers)
Deodorant
Shave Gel Bars TSA Friendly
Bar Soap
Razor
Hair Products
Makeup Remover Wipes
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Q-Tips
Nail Clipper & File
Hair Brush
Hair Ties & Clip

Packing Gear for Tropical Vacation

Toiletry Bag

This bag is the ULTIMATE TOILETRY BAG! It is a best seller for a reason. Not only will it hold all your toiletries on your tropical vacation packing list, but it will keep you organized! There is a hook for easy hanging, which is perfect for those hotels with small bathroom vanities. It is also water resistant… which just makes sense.

Packing Cubes to Organize your Caribbean outfits

A game changer for packing efficiently has been packing cubes. I use these for travel and for our diaper bag! Having everything compartmentalized is such a time saver! Everything is easy to find and I love taking the cubes out of the suitcase and throwing them in the drawers at the resort!

Airtight Packing Bags

Looking to pack carry-on only? You need airtight travel bags. We once went to Europe for two weeks and I had only a carry-on suitcase and personal bag. Could not have done that without these bags! Even if you can fit everything into one bag before you leave home, take these bags with you for your return trip. That way, if you end up with a bunch of souvenirs, you can make space in your luggage for them!

Suitcases for packing your Carribean Vacation Outfits

If you are making more travel plans, you’ll want to make sure you have a quality set. This three-piece hard-shell set retails at around $300, but I have seen it on sale for under $200. With so many amazing reviews, this is not one to miss!

Personal Bag

For personal bag, I like to take a small backpack. Just enough to pack odds and ends and everything I want to have under the seat while in flight! I usually throw my small purse inside that has my wallet, travel docs, etc.

Beach and Pool Items

Portable Charger

Being out in the Caribbean sun all day will drain your phone battery so fast. You’ll likely be using it a lot, so make sure you’re always connect by taking a portable charger with you. This will be a life saver if you take an e-reader too!

Good Book

I personally love to lounge in the sun on the beach all day long in the Caribbean, therefore a good beach read is a must. Most resorts have books out left by other guests that you can read for free. I always like to take one since I hardly have time to leisurely read at home!

Beach Towel

Check with your hotel first. If they do not provide towels, then take this towel! It is a space saver, fast drying, and perfect for travel and exploring other beaches outside of your resort.

Insulated Mug

You will want this. Most resort cups will not keep your drink cold in the hot, hot sun. Ice melts quicker than ever in the Caribbean. You’ll want a stainless mug to keep drinks cold. This is also great if you will be out on an excursion all day. Trust me, after a two-hour horseback ride through Aruba, I only wish I had a personal water bottle with me!!

Snorkel Mask

The Caribbean has some amazing snorkeling spots. If you plan on snorkeling, take your own mask! A lot of resorts have rentals, but if not you will really want your own, then you wont have to worry about shared germ!