| Have you just made your all-inclusive Caribbean | | | | recognizable form of photo id, health insurance cards, |
| vacation plans? If so, your all-inclusive resort is | | | | and so forth. Be sure to keep a short list of phone |
| booked, your airline reservations are made, and you | | | | numbers with you at all times for emergency |
| are ready to go right? Well at least you are ready to | | | | purposes. As for money, most islands do accept |
| start packing. If this is your first Caribbean vacation, | | | | major credit cards, but currency exchange centers |
| you may wonder what you need to bring. Continue | | | | are located onsite for easy exchange. |
| reading on to find out! | | | | Reading materials, such as books and magazines. |
| Applicable clothing. I used the phrase applicable | | | | These aren't necessarily for your Caribbean vacation; |
| because it all depends on a number of factors. For | | | | you will have so much fun that you don't have time |
| the most part, comfortable lightweight clothes will do. | | | | to stop and read a book. However, you may be in |
| You are vacationing in the warm and sunny tropics. If | | | | for a long flight to the Caribbean. These books and |
| you travel during the winter months, a lightweight | | | | magazines will come in handy for the plane ride and |
| jacket or sweater will do for nights. On vacations, it | | | | any layovers. For that reason, be sure to pack all |
| is best to be comfortable. With that said, know that | | | | reading materials in your carryon bag, so that they |
| many all-inclusive resorts have dress codes for | | | | are easily accessible. Books and magazines are sold at |
| upscale restaurants. If you plan to visit a few of | | | | airport stores, but are much cheaper in your local |
| these restaurants, a nice suit or evening dress should | | | | stores. |
| be packed as well. | | | | Anything beach related. This includes your swimsuit, |
| Clothing accessories. When packing accessories, like | | | | beach towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhat, and so |
| handbags and jewelry, it is important to remember | | | | forth. Remember, Caribbean vacations are all about |
| value. Most valuables should be left at home. Opt for | | | | the beaches, so you want to be prepared in this |
| a cheap $10 waterproof watch instead of your $500 | | | | aspect. Always have a swimsuit or two handy. |
| one. Women should opt for purses they can wear | | | | Sunscreen and other sun protection is needed |
| around their neck or drape across their upper body. | | | | because many will tell you that the sun is always |
| The Caribbean is safe to visit, but tourists are always | | | | brightly shining in the Caribbean. |
| at an increased risk of theft (no matter where the | | | | A digital camera. You can also pack a video recorder |
| destination). As for shoes, a pair of sandals, sneakers, | | | | if you want, but be sure to keep it with you at all |
| and dress shoes are recommended. | | | | times. Electronics are not items that should be in a |
| Health and beauty products. Now, most all-inclusive | | | | checked suitcase. Keep them in your carryon bag or |
| resorts in the Caribbean do provide you with the | | | | leave them at home. I wouldn't recommend leaving a |
| small samples of shampoo and soap; however, you | | | | camera at home because the Caribbean is |
| may not want to depend on them being there. You | | | | picture-perfect (literally) and you want to have |
| can purchase travel sizes of your personal favorites | | | | pictures. |
| at your local beauty or department stores for a | | | | The above mentioned items are considered |
| fraction of the price. It is also a good idea to have a | | | | must-haves for all-inclusive Caribbean vacations. |
| small first-aid kit on hand that includes bandages and | | | | Anything else that you pack should be a personal |
| pain reliever. | | | | preference. It will only take a few minutes to create |
| Necessary documents for travel. As you know, a | | | | a checklist and mark each item off as you place it in |
| passport is required for travel to and from the | | | | your luggage. You should do this small, but meaningful |
| Caribbean. Make sure your passport is either in your | | | | step. Although just about anything you need can be |
| purse, wallet, or carryon bag. Other ideal documents | | | | purchased on your trip, it will cost more. |
| to have include your driver's license or another | | | | |