My Favorite Travel Must Have Items

Here are my "must have" items that I never go to tropical destinations without (click on the headings to view more):

WATER GEAR:
  • Snorkel Face Mask:  I purchased two of these years ago and love them! So much easier to use than standard snorkels, your view is unobstructed and lots of great color choices.  Adult Mask/Snorkel | Kids Mask/Snorkel
  • Reef Safe Sunblock:  While you're on Amazon, many tourist areas w/ coral are now requiring sunscreen that is reef safe, to protect the aquatic life.
  • Spray | Lotion: Some parks only allow sunscreens that contain oxide to protect the environment.
  • Waterproof Phone Cases:  If you want to capture video or pics while underwater (or even just have your phone, room key, money or other small items w/ you while in the water), I purchased these two years ago & they have held up well (have had them in the Dead, Red & Mediterranean Seas, & several places throughout the Caribbean).
  • Water Skipping Balls: Uh.., they're just fun :)

TRAVELING:
  • In-Flight Ear Protection: I always have EarPlanes on me for any flight to avoid equalization discomfort.
  • Packing Cubes:  I received these eBags Cubes as a gift ages ago. At first, I thought "why would I bother with those?". Then I started using them and I will never go back. It makes packing/unpacking a cinch and overall just makes my travels so much easier and more organized. As someone who is comfortable with living out of a suitcase, this ended up being a game changer. I've blew through others I have picked up at Marc's or TJ Maxx. They did the trick for a handful of trips but these eBags have been with me for nearly a decade now, nearly 100 days/yr in travel and are still my favs, holding up well.
  • Digital Travel Luggage Scale: I never leave for a journey without one (because I fully intend on getting as close to the airlines max weight limit as possible 😉).
  • Roll-up Compression Storage Bags: One mystery of the universe... how does our luggage items expand while in destination??  While I don't know the answer to this, I have found the cure in these bags. During the trip, I start throwing my dirty clothes in these & roll/compress them when packing for home. It's also nice when you still have damp swimwear you want to isolate from your other items.
  • Cushioned Luggage Handles: Not a necessity, but a nice, inexpensive luxury that also makes identifying your luggage on the conveyor belt easier.
  • RFID Blocking Wallet: Not just a good choice when traveling but in everyday life.
  • Charging Station: Most resorts have a decent number of outlets, but this may come in handy if that is not the case or you do not want to have electronics plugged in the bathroom or all over the suite.
  • Portable Charger:  Running on a low battery in flight or at the beach? I never leave for a trip without my portable charger.
  • Universal Power Adapter: When traveling to countries on different power voltages/plug types, this item is a necessity.​
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector: There should be a universal law which requires carbon monoxide detectors for every hotel, resort or anywhere guests are staying/sleeping. More and more headlines are surfacing of fatalities from this... even at 5-star, luxury resorts (and if it can happen there - it can happen anywhere). After much research, this is the one I selected & am currently traveling with.

MEDICAL: Customize this for you but don't forget these...
  • Bonine: Whether I'm doing a water excursion or not, these motion sickness tablets come with me anyway, just in case.
  • Mosquito Bracelets: You're in a tropical environment, always be prepared for mosquitoes. I don't like to shower before dinner only to spray myself down w/ repellent before heading out the door. I hate the feel (and smell) of it on me & really don't want to climb into bed w/ it on. I do much better with these bracelets around my wrist or ankle (or both).
  • Compression Socks: Assist with in-flight blood circulation and help reduce ankle swelling.

​APPAREL:
  • Hidden Pocket Scarf: Sometimes I don't have enough pockets for all my crap & I usually get cold in flight. These scarves kill two birds with one stone.
  • Wrap Skirt/Cover Up: This is one of the more versatile pieces I have. I've used it as a wrap skirt, cover up, formed into a dress, used as a shawl when chilly or entering religious sites/temples where you cannot have shoulders/knees exposed, used it to sit on at the beach, throw on top of loungers or tables. Standard Sizes | Plus Sizes
  • Lightweight Robe: (women) Are there robes at the resort/hotel? Probably. Will they fit & feel good? Probably not. I can never find a decent hotel robe that fits me just right. They're too small, too stiff, or too hot in a very humid environment. I love these robes because they are so lightweight and just perfect when you get out of the shower.   
  • FitFlops:  (women) This is more subjective, but my favorite sandals are FitFlop's, thick-soled toe-posts.  They feel a little firm on the bottom at first, but very quickly become very cushy.  They are the only sandal I wear when in the Caribbean, I have over a dozen pairs, but my Mom hates anything between her toes, so it really depends on preference. Someone else in travel recommended these to me years ago (and I am so thankful they did); most travel advisors wear these when doing a long day of site inspections for comfort. Their site is great when out of season but when in season; DSW or Foot Locker usually have a few different styles.
  • Skorts:  (Women) One of my all-time favorite skorts for Mexico/Caribbean is from Duluth. It has pockets, is lightweight, holds up well, and can be worn during the day w/ anything or at a la carte restaurants in the evening with a dressier shirt, sleeveless top, or blouse.... and allow you to still be comfortable.  Standard Sizes  | Plus Sizes
  • Gentlemen.... don't forget that many a la carte restaurants require dress slacks, collared shirt & close toed shoes.  You don't need a lot as you will only be in them for a few hours each evening.  I usually take one-two pairs of slacks at most. Take a few more dress shirts to rotate between.  If you need these items, consider picking them up soon.