The Caribbean is known for its tropical climate, typically hot and humid all year round. However, the subregion is currently experiencing an excessive heatwave, and people are finding it even hotter than usual. According to the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum’s heat outlook, the excessive heat is expected to continue until October—with the temperatures peaking during the months of August and September. While residents and locals
are used to the intense daytime to nighttime temperatures and are equipped to take them on, any upcoming visitors to the area must be prepared for the onslaught of extreme heat.
Most tourists who come to visit are looking to spend most of their time outdoors, where they are most prone to heat exhaustion. As such, below is a list of essentials that you shouldn’t forget to pack for your next Caribbean getaway:
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things to do on a trip—especially if that trip is to the Caribbean. As such, a personal tumbler or reusable water bottle is one of the most essential things to pack. Hydro Flask and Klean, Kanteen are some of the most popular choices.
For people spending a lot of time outdoors and in excessive heat, it is advisable to drink eight ounces of water every 15-20 minutes, so be sure to carry your own container for water refills every now and then. If you need a refill, tap water is typically safe for drinking at most locations in the Carribean.
Sunscreen
While visitors are undoubtedly looking to soak up some Caribbean sun, too much-unprotected sun exposure combined with the heatwave could be harmful to your health. This is why it is important to pack your sunscreen. There are various types of sunscreen to choose from, but make sure to choose one that is SPF15 or higher, as it provides the most effective protection.
Brands like Banana Boat and Neutrogena carry this type of sunscreen and are affordable and readily available in local stores. This product will not only prevent painful sunburns but can also help protect you from heat exhaustion. With the current heatwave in the Caribbean, it may even be best to double-apply that sunscreen for added protection.
Sunglasses
No Caribbean trip would be complete without a pair of sunglasses. Like everything else on this list, sunglasses provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In particular, they minimize eye strain and glare, allowing you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Just like sun hats, sunglasses add a lot of flair to your beach outfits, and luxury sunglasses, in particular, provide both functionality and fashion. Brands like Versace, Prada, and Burberry come in various styles and colors and, most importantly, are equipped with UV protection and are anti-reflective. You can also opt for popular unisex brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. This combination of style and protection is perfect for your trip to the Caribbean.
Sunscreen
While visitors are undoubtedly looking to soak up some Caribbean sun, too much-unprotected sun exposure
combined with the heatwave could be harmful to your health. This is why it is important to pack your sunscreen.
There are various types of sunscreen to choose from, but make sure to choose one that is SPF15 or higher, as it
provides the most effective protection.
Brands like Banana Boat and Neutrogena carry this type of sunscreen and are affordable and readily available in
local stores. This product will not only prevent painful sunburns but can also help protect you from heat exhaustion.
With the current heatwave in the Caribbean, it may even be best to double-apply that sunscreen for added protection.
Sunglasses
No Caribbean trip would be complete without a pair of sunglasses. Like everything else on this list, sunglasses
provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In particular, they minimize eye strain and glare, allowing you to
enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Just like sun hats, sunglasses add a lot of flair to your beach outfits, and luxury sunglasses, in particular, provide both
functionality and fashion. Brands like Versace, Prada, and Burberry come in various styles and colors and, most
importantly, are equipped with UV protection and are anti-reflective. You can also opt for popular unisex brands like
Ray-Ban and Oakley. This combination of style and protection is perfect for your trip to the Caribbean.
Sun hat
Whether it’s a wide-brimmed straw hat, a trendy bucket hat, or a baseball hat with built-in sun protection, be sure to pack at least one type of headgear for your Caribbean trip. Brands such as Timberland, Reebok, and Adidas carry a variety of choices for hats. Not only will this add a fashionable touch to your outfits, but a hat can also provide several protective benefits. The face, neck, and ears are some of the most susceptible areas to sun damage that need the most protection, and a sun hat is one of the best items to get the job done.
In fact, it will not only protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, but also provide protective benefits to your eyes by blocking out glare and preventing your hair from turning dry and frizzy.
Need more advice on travel essentials? Check out our other packing list for what to bring on a future cruise trip, and make sure you don’t leave your passport behind!
