Whether you’re planning on sampling the culinary delights of Puerto Rico, hitting up the beaches in Jamaica, hiking in the U.S. Virgin Islands or exploring any other of the many Caribbean islands, there are a few things you should always take with you. Whether you’ll be within a short flight of South America (such is the case in Curaçao) or are as close as the Bahamas, don’t leave home without these items:
Sunscreen
The sun in the Caribbean is brutal, so apply sunscreen frequently and in copious quantities. Chances are you’ll spend a fair amount of time waterside, so make sure you choose a brand that is waterproof and sweatproof. If you dip into the water, reapply when you get out, and if you’ve been outside for any length of time, don’t hesitate to slather on a little more sunscreen. Even with the heavy applications, chances are you’ll still go home with some sort of sun.
A sarong
Whether you’re a guy or a girl, packing a sarong can serve so many different purposes. Wrap it around as a beach cover-up, use it to dry off when you don’t have a towel handy or throw it over your shoulders if you need to protect your skin after a swim. Sarongs are small and easy to stuff into a day bag, so take one with you whenever you leave for the day.
