Last night David, Hailey and I went to dinner to talk over some issues. Nothing serious, but you know when adult issues come up (bank talk, travel logistics, etc) it’s more fun to sort them out over buffalo chicken salad and beers. Well, just one beer. A Seeing Double IPA which lived up to its name.
After sorting things out, we got home, blasted Margaritaville, danced around (OK, maybe that was just me) and posted a ridiculous picture on instagram while packing our things.
Now I’m analyzing everything, trying to make sure I’m not forgetting any items of dire importance.
We have loads of sunscreen, flippers, snorkels, hats and my Maui Jims.
And bathing suits.
I have cover ups and lounging clothes, quick dry dresses, flip flops and sandals.
I have my toothbrush and comb ready to go, along with other toiletries.
I’m not planning on wearing makeup most days, but am bringing tinted moisturizer, mascara and blush to fancy up if the occasion arises.
No hairdryers or straighteners, so I’m preparing myself for curlytown.
I have my camera, video camera, charger and book.
I even got my first manicure in years! …with gel. I love it.
I’m bringing some medicine (Tums, advil, etc) just in case and a big ‘ol bag of almonds. I’m looking into trail mix or bars, too, after your suggestions.
Hailey is set with plenty of grab-n-go snacks and last minute meal choices.
Pouches, Chobani, Annie’s Mac and Cheese, Larabars, cooked lentils, olives, Mandarin oranges and guacamole
So… am I missing anything?
What are your MUST packs for a tropical vacation?
Lee says
Sunscreen and books!
Liz @ iheartvegetables says
Sounds like you’re well stocked! I need to learn how to travel without my straightener haha
Brittany says
It usually results in a lot of braids and ponytails, but its so nice not to worry about it 🙂
Kaitlyn @Keeping up with Kaitlyn says
Aren’t gel manicures the best?! I’m obsessed with them. I only get them once and a while, but I love them!! And I loved your instagram photo!! Looks like you are all set to go!
I am going to Disney on Saturday for a week w/ my friends and haven’t packed a thing! I’m blaming it on midterms. boo 🙁
Brittany says
Ah, DISNEY!!! Have so much fun 🙂
Ali says
Aloe?
Dramamine?
An empty extra carry on bag for souvenirs or new items acquired?
Dried Fruits?
A few cereal bars?
Vitamins?
A hat of some sort?
Brittany says
I did better than dramamine (that stuff makes me pass out!). After talking to many sailors, we ordered stugeron from Cananda. It’s not available in the US, but is supposed to be amazing. Hoping I don’t need it, though 🙂
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Your swimsuits are SUPER cute! I love them :).
I also love that you are being a minimalist and only packing what you REALLY need. I need to work on that when it comes to packing for trips! :/
blackhuff says
I think you got everything sorted already. You are really so organised
Hanna says
I love your selection of bathing suits! When I go on beachy vacations I never forget my cover ups 😉
I’ll be heading in the opposite direction as you next week. I’m going to Maine for a work trip all week. The bad part about it is my daughter Abby, will be turning 1 on March 18th and I’m still nursing her! So I reckon I’ll be taking my pump as a carry on. Wanna trade places?! LOL!
Brittany says
Though I feel for you for having to pump on a work trip (NO fun!!), I am jealous you get to see Maine! I’ve never been, but have heard it’s gorgeous. I hope you get a chance to explore.
And HAPPY (almost) 1st birthday to Abby!! 🙂
Kathy says
Have a wonderful vacation and enjoy that special time with your hubby!
Karen says
I hope you have tons of fun!! Can’t wait to see some pictures and hear all about the vacation.
Jen says
I think you’re set as long as you have sunscreen and bathing suits. Have so much fun!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Ahhh how fun! Tropical vacations are my favorite. Living in swimsuits, sipping on tropical drinks, and getting my tan on – it all sounds glorious. Have so much fun!
M says
Wow your packing looks so much like mine from last weeks Cancun trip its scary! My only advice that saved our trip from a serious let down, put one full day of clothes in your carry on. We had a blackout at the airport as we were leaving and I knew the bags weren’t coming after that! I packed my essentials, favorite bikini, shorts and top, dinner dress, flip flops.
Enjoy!!!
Brittany says
ohhhh great suggestion!! Thank you 🙂 And Cancun? How nice!
Lauren B. says
A flattering bathing suit, a great coverup, sandals, sunglasses, floppy hat, sunscreen, snacks, a couple of good books, and my favorite traveling partner- my hubby!
Can I just say how envious I am right now?! 😉
Lauren B. says
P.S. I love Luna bars for an easy-to-grab snack! Especially the chocolate dipped coconut flavor-yum!
Mrs FF says
Copies of your passport bio-data pages (and scanned copies sent to your email) and of your tickets (if applicable), proof of vaccination (if required – some countries randomly check for those), extra cash and sunscreen. I know I probably sound like an old maiden or someone’s mom right now 🙂 😉
Mrs FF says
Ps: the extra cash is in case your credit card decides not to work or by some fluke the card machine is out of order and heaven forbid you need to clean dishes to pay for your dinner (ha ha ha ha ha)
Brittany says
Luckily I’m an excellent dish washer! 😉
Great idea about copying passports- never thought about that!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
Sunscreen, books and music. Have a blast!
Lisa says
Woohoo, get excited! Well, you probably already are. Duh;)
I always make sure to have sunscreen, sunglasses, a few books, tunes, gym clothes (in case), nice clothes, makeup, toothbrush, hair + face wash, a few accessories, shoes, hm, I feel like I could go on forever, but I won’t. Have the best time!
Christina says
Some gallon zip-loc bags, in case you need to keep things dry (or keep wet things from touching dry things). And I second the Dramamine suggestion, but maybe that’s just me 🙂
Brittany says
We bought a drug called stugeron from Canada for any possible sea sickness that (hopefully doesn’t) arise. We’ve talked to a lot of sailors and they all swear by it 🙂
And I just grabbed some ziplocks- great suggestion!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
Your vacation sounds like it is going to be SO much fun! I can’t wait to see the pictures. I have been dreaming of a tropical vacay for a while now. You are an excellent traveler too! I pack my entire closet and bathroom. It’s kind of a problem. 🙂
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I definitely need my sunscreen and reading material! And snacks. I can’t go anywhere without travel snacks, even if I never eat them.
Is it weird that I REALLY want all of Hailey’s food? [Clearly I am a kid at heart…and stomach.]
Maria says
Ummm, how could you forget the most important thing? Me, obviously! I wonder if there’s a direct flight from Maui to Tortola 😉
I straightened my hair once this week. Not even sure why I tried.
I picked up some of the Kirkland Signature (adult) wipes. Hear me out, haha. I use them to freshen up midday and to cool off my neck and shoulders. Also, makeup wipes to clean your face…so much easier than washing.
Brittany says
If you look into flights, I’ll let you snuggle into mine and David’s cabin! 🙂
Maui to Tortola… that would be quite the vacay!
I got some makeup wipes (brilliant) and I giggled a bit at your adult wipes, but I totally get it! Hope you’re having an amazing time 🙂
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
You’re going to have so much fun! I’m a really light packer. All I need for a tropical vacation is a swimsuit, a sundress, and hair gel. Nope, no hair dryer needed at the beach, just some gel for some beach hair.
Kelly @ Runmarun says
It looks like you are all set! I hope that you have a fantastic trip! I think it’s great that you and David are getting away. Looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing some pictures too!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Bathing suits, snacks and suncream! I’m like Casper the friendly ghost so I need lots of it and a selection of hats!
Kim @ Cooking in the City says
Snacks are definitely my #1 must have, but Neosporin is #2. I ended up with a bad cut on my arm the last vacation and was really freaked out about it getting infected! So glad I had that stuff.
Nicole @ Fruit 'N' Fitness says
I always make sure to bring a sweater or two for cold nights! I feel like I always get cold at night after spending the day in the sun.
LINDA says
Your vacation sounds fabulous! I have always wanted to do that in the Caribbean. Are you renting a boat? If so, can you tell me who you went through to set this up? Thanks, and have a wonderful time! (How can you NOT!! 🙂
Brittany says
We are on a chartered catamaran with 2 other couples and a captain and cook. If you google BVI Charters, you’ll find a ton of companies that provide the service. It’s all about finding the best deal and boat to fit your needs. Since I’ve never done this before, I’ll have a lot more info to share when I get back 🙂
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Looks like you’ve got the essentials!
Cassidy @ wine and ice cream says
Thank you for posting what you’re leaving for Hailey! I am always at a loss about what to leave for my daughter when I leave her with someone (even for a night)…