What to pack - beach vacation?

Justa_Paperbag
Justa_Paperbag Posts: 59 Member
in Chit-Chat
Tomorrow will be 4 weeks from when my husband and I are leaving for vacation. We're taking our honeymoon 6 years late, lol. We're headed to Punta Cana to an all-inclusive for 6 days, and having never been on a beach trip where I have to fly to get there (I've only ever driven to the beach, so packing is much different there), I'd appreciate some tips on packing for a tropical destination and also packing for an airplane in general. Can anyone give me some advice on what I need to bring, what to leave at home, and the best way to pack it (carry on, checked luggage, etc)? I don't know how many swimming suits to bring, or if I should bring more than one dress and keep the rest just casual shorts and flip flops and tank tops, or how exactly to figure out what's necessity. Since most airlines charge per weight of the checked luggage, I thought it best to ask for some advice!

It was suggested by a friend that my husband and I each pack half of our stuff in one suitcase, then the other half in the other, so that if our luggage is lost, we're not completely out of luck. Beyond that, I have no idea what should go in a carry on, or so forth. I've only ever flown once. I'm trying to finish up shopping for the trip next week (have been able to pick up a lot of stuff on EXTREME clearance since the season has changed), so I'm trying to figure out what else I'll need.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • RunIntheMud
    RunIntheMud Posts: 2,645 Member
    Kay, this all depends on personal preference pretty much. My own thoughts....

    2 swimming suits (alternate days, let them air out)
    Coverup for the beach
    2-3 dresses
    1 pair capris & 3 cute tops
    2 pairs shorts
    3-6 tanks
    Flops for beach use only
    Sandals to match dresses/capris
    Towel for beach
    Sunscreen ;)
    Folded duffel bag (in case you purchase too much to fit in your suitcase on the way home)

    That all goes in your suitcase (less one emergency outfit & swimsuit in case your luggage gets lost). The dresses and capris are for dinner (unless you plan to stay casual the whole time, that's where personal preference comes in to play). When I fly, I try to pack as little as possible. Find shorts that can be paired with as many shirts as possible, same with shoes. I prefer packing as many sundresses as possible in the summer because they take up less room in the suitcase. You might want an extra large ziploc as well in case you have anything that's not quite dry when it's time to come back home.
  • Justa_Paperbag
    Justa_Paperbag Posts: 59 Member
    Thank you -the duffel bag is brilliant!
  • magj0y
    magj0y Posts: 1,911 Member
    keep one -2 days worth of clothes (especially underwear) in your carry on.

    You emergency kit is most important.
    Anti-biotics
    Pain killers if you can
    Ibuprohpin
    stomach medicine. enough for both of you for the entire trip
    throat lozenges
    rubbing alcohol and q-tips for any ear problems
    cold medicine
    excess sun screen
    excess stuff for sunburn
    2 extra pair of flip flops & sunglasses
    hair repair stuff.
    if you wear nail polish, extra, the chemicals in the pool make it chip off faster.
    *ahem* water proof lube, a silicone base
    make-up towelettes and really good facial moisturizer
    bubba-keg for water/drinks. or you will be waiting in line for a drink for eeever when i t's busy. and they come in small cups. (wal*mart)

    have fun!

    If you roll things up tightly, they fit better. You can find thin, light weight shirts at Khols. probably at the clearance rack by now.
  • Dub_D
    Dub_D Posts: 1,760 Member
    Sunblock, bug spray, aloe vera.
  • wolverine66
    wolverine66 Posts: 3,779 Member
    I always thought Punta Cana sounded like it was something dirty.




    but it's not

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