Can't Decide What to Pack?
Check Our Packing List

When we first began to travel in the Caribbean, we envisioned an elegant destination where visitors wore the most stylish sportswear and fine evening wear. It was an image created by stories of Caribbean travel earlier this century, when wealthy travelers made the long journey with steamer trunks and remained in the islands for weeks at a time. Today's jet travel has shortened the length of stay -- and diminished the necessary amount of luggage -- for a Caribbean journey.

We quickly learned that in the Caribbean, the key wardrobe words are comfort and cool, not necessarily chic. Even if you'll be staying at the poshest resort and dining in the toniest restaurants, comfort comes first. A few restaurants require jackets for men (especially during high season), and we've identified those throughout this guidebook. Neckties are seen as rarely as conquistadors ' armor.

We keep a permanent packing list for our Caribbean trips. For a four-night trip, we bring:

HIS

1 pair casual slacks
2 T-shirts
2 polo or short sleeve shirts
1 pair casual slacks (for the
plane)
2 swimsuits
1 pair walking shoes
1 pair sandals or tennis shoes
1 pair water shoes

HERS

1 pair nice slacks or khakis
1 casual skirt
1 dress or sundress
1 T-shirt
2 short sleeve-sleeveless blouses
2 pair of shorts
2 swimsuits
1 pair walking sandals
1 pair evening sandals
1 pair water shoes
1 swimsuit cover-up

We also carry all the necessary accessories (which, on some islands, can be expensive or difficult to buy):

• film and camera, extra camera battery
• sunscreen (usually two bottles of different strengths)
• snorkel gear (and certified divers must bring a "C" card)
• aqua shoes
• insect repellent
• all prescriptions (in prescription bottles)
• 2 pairs of sunglasses each
• paperback book or two
• antiseptic for bug bites
• aloe vera lotion for sunburn
• first aid kit with aspirin, stomach medicine, bandages, etc.
• passports
• airline tickets
• mini-address book for postcard writing

This may seem sparse, but we always carry-on our luggage if possible (sometimes we've had to surrender bags on small propeller planes). Toting bags may seem like more trouble, but it does minimize the chance of lost luggage. When we deplane, we're first in line for customs and immigration, so we breeze through and add a little precious time to our island vacation.