This is a general guide for an ADULT out of country trip to a sun destination. This is simply to give you ideas and be suree to pack wedding event attire as you see fit. This is more a general guide for the rest of your vacation :) You may Adjust as needed for your days of travel, events you’ll be doing, resort vs exploring, climate (Don’t assume weather conditions, look up weather prior to trip), etc. hopefully this list helps in making sure nothing is FORGOTTEN, safe travels!
Carry On
Any Covid Requirements
Masks (Even if not required on your flights, PLEASE have them- some airports in other countries still require them)
Airline tickets (printed or on your phone) or e-ticket confirmations
Passport (if needed) and/or driver's license. Have photos of your passport on your phone and in your email just in case you lose it and your phone! Good idea to send photos to mom, too.
Credit/debit cards (take only those you'll need)
Masks (BRING EXTRA FOR YOUR TRIP)
Sanitizer- you can bring 12 oz bottles through TSA
$200-$300 cash (some smaller bills for tipping at arrival of hotel- if you are staying at an all inclusive be mindful of tipping throughout your trip- wait staff, bartenders, bell hop etc.) Some countries have you pay cash upon entering/exiting. Be prepared.
Itinerary/Confirmation info - travel documents or e-documents
Medical insurance card photo is fine
Prescription medicine (in the original bottle)
Camera (if you plan to bring one other than your phone)
Ipad with headphone splitters if sharing and pre-downloaded movies /headphones (Netflix etc download videos ahead of time to watch without using wifi)
Rechargeable phone travel charger
Outlet adaptors if going overseas
Small drawstring bag or lightweight tiny bag. Why? If they check your carry on bag due to space you might have to pull out some personal items and will need a place to store those. This is imperative for Europe as they could check them to your final destination.
Sweatshirt
Book
Nalgene bottle/insulated cup to fill at airport and on trip- save money along the way.
Snacks/gum
Travel pillow if needed (If Europe/Hawaii remember you’re sleeping overnight on the plane most likely)
Work items if needed
Anything you MUST have for the next day should luggage get lost (mainly meds)
T-shirt for men, swimsuit cover up for women, and swim suits for both, flip flops, TSA 3oz or less sunscreen, sunglasses/hat. You may not get luggage for hours if on a cruise, and room might not be ready at a resort. This allows you to easily swim right away! T-shirts/cover ups MUST be worn in many areas of a resort (tank tops for men might not be allowed).
Her Stash for a Week (Tweak for Destination, Activities and Season)
Pants or leggings (for cold airports and the plane) also am/pm exploring
1 light jacket or pullover (take one that can be tied around the waist or stuffed in a backpack)
Sundresses
Dinner dress
Cardigan (for chilly restaurants)
T-shirts or tank tops
Shorts
PJs
2 swimsuits
Swimsuit cover-up
2 pair sneakers- if get wet can change
1 pair walking shoes or sandals
1 pair evening shoes or sandals
Flip flops
1 evening purse or clutch (don’t bring your nice bags-simple is perfect)
Extra socks and underwear
Bras (sports, strapless and otherwise if needed)
Accessories (scarves, hats and jewelry to add variety to a limited wardrobe)
His Stash for a Week (Tweak for Destination, Activities and Season)
1 pair jeans
1 pair nice slacks
1 light jacket or pullover (take one that can be tied around the waist or stuffed in a backpack)
T-shirts or tanks
Shorts
2 polo or button-down short-sleeve shirts
PJs
2 swimsuits
Flip flops
2 pair sneakers
1 pair walking shoes or sandals
Extra socks and underwear
Resort Evening Attire- Confirm with your resort’s website (or restaurants you plan to dine at) to see restrictions. Below is often the things you’ll find:
Dress pants or jeans for men, long or short sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar). Dress shoes or sandals. No shorts, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, sneakers, flip flops or slippers. No hats.
Pack Here- Don't Buy There
Insect repellent and anti-itch cream (bugs like ankles outdoors in tropical climates) This is true on beaches with sand fleas so be sure to spray legs/feet!
Sunscreen (enough to last your whole trip- multiple applications a day- bring more than you think you need) and lip balm with sunblock in it! For a 1 week trip 2 people I pack 3 cans of sunscreen. You’d rather bring more than you need than pay $32 in the gift shop!
Coral Safe Sunscreen- some excursions on island locations enforce you have this (or pay for it there). Think swimming with wildlife type activities. If not doing excursions don’t worry about this.
Sunglasses (cheap ones)
Baseball or sun hats
Aloe vera
Aspirin, tylenol, advil
Motion sickness medicine if at all prone
Paperback books
Canvas tote bag for beach or pool (also good for carrying souvenirs home)
Phone/computer chargers (portable USB phone charger for long days and extra chord)
Waterproof case for one phone to bring on adventures
Raft/floatie (blow up is fine to use in resort pools). I personally LOVE this one- it’s the one I use! 1 per person- my husband always tries to take mine!
Pool safe drink container with lid to keep drinks cool at pool. (Think big yeti cups) as well as reusable straws - save the turtles! (Some resorts don’t have straws!) The resorts will give you very small glasses- save trips to the bar with a larger cup.
Sunglass straps if doing water sports
Wetsuit if planning to snorkel AND will use wet suit again. ($10 day rental at resorts typically)
Your own scuba mask and snorkel! This is KEY if you’re not staying someplace that includes it, or simply just don’t want to use the resorts!
Water Shoes or old sneakers that could become water shoes. Many beach locations have sea urchins and rocky/seaweed ocean floors. Be prepared and bring old shoes!
A small lock: Check to see if your resort/destination has a location for couples to put locks on something to signify love. If so, bring a lock with you rather than paying for an overpriced one!
Bathroom Basics
Toothbrush/paste
Deodorant
Makeup/remover
Cotton balls and swabs
Comb and/or brush
Hair gel or spray
Nail file and/or clippers
Shaving cream/ Razors
Contact lenses, solution and storage case, glasses
Hair accessories
Shampoo and conditioner
Body lotion
Vitamin-C packets
Tums/Pepto
Feminine products
Handy Extras
BRING AN EXTRA BAG IF YOU PLAN TO SHOP. Do not buy an overpriced bag while there.
Ziplock bags (all sizes; use for snagging breakfast items for the day, packing wet swimsuits or protecting camera/phone when it rains)
Tide pen
Antibacterial
Backpack for day excursions
1 pair workout sneakers and 2–3 workout outfits if you plan on visiting the resort's gym or jogging on the beach
Compact umbrella or ponchos
Packing Cubes to make packing easier!
Airtags to place in luggage in case things get lost, you will be able to track them