Traveling Mindfully

Be Mindful & Enjoy the Journey

Packing for the Ultimate Mindful Tropical Vacation

A tropical vacation can be one of the most anticipated trips of the year. This is also magnified if you live in a region where snow and cloudy weather are prevalent throughout the year. So, how does one prepare for this cornerstone trip? Depending on where you plan on visiting, there are a few things to consider. This guide will help you in those decisions and it will guide you through everything that you may need for that Ultimate Packing Guide for a Mindful Tropical Escape.

Himmershee Canal Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Planning Potential activities on your Tropical Vacation

Planning a trip can be a cumbersome process, especially if you are not familiar with the weather or location you plan on traveling to. Weather patterns can be tricky and often times disruptive. In some destinations the weather can change periodically. With this in mind, it is important to have a plan for what you would like to see and do throughout your trip. I guess there should be some type of goal sheet identifying your plans such as beach days, pool days, shopping, hikes, and various attractions that are unique to the area you are visiting. Whatever the case might be, you should plan a little ahead in order to not be disappointed when it is time to check out of your hotel. You do not want to leave your vacation unfulfilled, and the only thing you did was acquire a sunburn at the beach. Moreover, you do not want to feel like you missed out on a list of unique experiences that you and your kids would have really enjoyed.

Here is a list of a few activity ideas and what to bring to them.

• Pool Day: sandals, swim trunks or swimsuit, towel, beach bag, waterproof cell pouch, magazine, book, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sunscreen lip balm
• Walking the Beach: sandals, so you can dip your toes in the water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sunscreen lip balm.
• Shopping: casual wear, comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunglasses
• Beach day: sandals, swim trunks or swimsuit, towels, beach bag, beach cooler, sunglasses, sunscreen, sunscreen lip balm and waterproof cell pouch
• Exploring: casual comfortable shoes, casual wear, hat, sunglasses
• Boat Tours: casual wear, sun hat, sunglasses
• Sunset: sandals, beach hat, good company

What to Pack for Your Tropical Vacation?

When it comes to packing, we are often at a loss. If we are traveling by plane, we want to be efficient and bring what we really need. If we are traveling by car, we want to bring a lot more but do not want to be burdened with overpacking. When preparing a packing list, we recommend asking yourself questions about the type of activities you plan on doing, daily temperatures, and climate patterns. Here is a list of ideas and items that might help you plan and execute the ultimate mindful tropical vacation.

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Sunscreen

When choosing the right sunscreen, you need to be conscientious of the environment and where you plan on traveling to. Some countries and even States have beaches that are located near a coral reef and often require people to be prudent of this factor and only apply sunscreens that do not contain certain chemicals. We discovered this information when we were considering a honeymoon in Hawaii. Hawaii has recently passed strict regulations on what kind of sunscreen can be bought and used on their beaches.

The chemicals to look for are Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. Studies have shown that oxybenzone and octinoxate are toxic to coral reefs and marine life (3). The chemicals have negatively impacted the marine ecosystem which is a fundamental part of a healthy ocean and planet (3). As we venture to these beautiful places, we do not want to impact the environment negatively or add to more destruction of our precious coral reefs and exotic sea life. Part of the reason we love venturing to these exotic places of the world is to see the beauty these coral reefs and ocean waters give us. The following sunscreens are marine and coral reef safe and are approved in places such as Hawaii and other tropical paradises throughout the world.

Sun Bum is a great company that has been around for some time now. They have been protecting kids and adults from sunburn since 2010. We have personally always enjoyed their products and feel they provide great protection from the sun during peak hours of the day. All of the Sun Bum’s Original Sunscreens have been tested, approved, and recommended by the Sun Care Foundation. Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104.

Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray

• Easy to apply and reapply.
• Water resistant for (80 minutes)
• Dermatologist tested (it is oil-free, so it doesn’t increase breakouts)
• Gluten Free
• Vegan
• Antioxidant Enriched (Vitamin E)
• Oxybenzone Free

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion

• Easy to apply and reapply.
• Water resistant for (80minutes)
• Fragrance Free
• Dermatologist tested (it is oil-free, so it doesn’t increase breakouts)
• Gluten Free
• Vegan
• Oxybenzone Free

Lip Sunscreen

When it came to sunscreen for my lips I was at a loss. I did not realize the importance of it, especially if you are planning on spending a lot of time in direct sunlight. Protecting your lips from the damaging rays of the sun is important since our lips are much thinner and contain very little melanin (the substance found in your skin responsible for the tanning of your skin when exposed to sunlight). Taking extra precautions is always an added benefit when traveling with loved ones and children. When it comes to lip sunscreen, we recommend Sun Bum lip balm.

Sun Bum Sunscreen lip Balm SPF 30

• Aloe vera
• UVA lip care
• Ultraviolet A is the longer wavelength and is responsible for skin aging) / UVB or Ultraviolet B, is the shorter wavelength and is responsible for skin burning (1).
• Vitamin E
• Vegan
• Designed for sensitive skin.
• Protects, heals and moisturizes lips.
• Comes in many flavors such as Mango (my favorite) Banana, Coconut, Key lime, etc.

Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch

When we are taking that perfect family photo, we forget that many of them might be in the pool or ocean. This can be tricky especially since most of us use our cell phone for all our picture taking needs. Some of the best moments are when our children are frolicking under a waterfall or coasting down a lazy river on an inner tube. When my wife and I went on our honeymoon, my wife discovered this little invention that not only kept our phones safe and dry but also allowed us to take amazing pictures. That is why we recommend the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch.

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch (Universal Waterproof Case)

• Compatible with iPhone 11, 12, 13, Pro Max and XS Max
• Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S10 / Google Up 7.2”
• Certified Waterproof Phone Cases: IPX8 Cellphone Dry Bag up to (100ft/30m). On a side note, I would not be tempted to go very deep with these as water pressure can build relatively quickly. (International Protection X8 – is a rating system that is based on testing conditions where the device is submerged in water up to 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. (4)
• Comes in a pack of two (cost effective and convenient)
• Detached cord from 13.8 to 21 inches in length to put on your wrist to hold your phone without dropping. (Great for in the ocean or lake)
• Can not only keep cell phones safe but also other items such as credit cards, IDs, room cards that can be a better alternative than lugging a wallet or purse while at the pool or beach.
• Touch friendly.
• Secure lock seal (seal must be locked to keep dry)
• Waterproof / Scratch resistant / Snow proof / Dust proof

Swim Trunks (Attention Men)

Packing for a tropical vacation, we sometimes Fellas we forget how much of the time will be spent in our swimwear. We book these lavish resorts that have incredible pools with lazy rivers and mountains of waterfalls cascading everywhere all of which overlooking a vast body of water but yet we pack one or two swim trunks thinking that will be sufficient. Meanwhile our wives/girlfriends have swimwear for days and are able to effortlessly change in and out of different bathing suits depending on their mood, solar cycle, day of the week, and many other factors. Then, after finding the perfect bathing suit that not only accommodates them comfortably but projects their best attributes in a resort pool setting, they have to glance over at us and see last night’s ketchup stain from the fries we ate at the pool the other day, all because we did not think we needed more swimwear. Well Gentlemen, I have found the answer and yes Amazon ships it. Let us unanimously rise together and stop embarrassing our women by packing accordingly.

Kanu Surf Men’s Swim Trunks – great swim trunks that are affordable, high quality, and offer convenient pockets to carry your essentials such as wallets, phones, and keys. I personally love the style of these swim trunks. They give off a nice unique tropical vibe and they feel great on. I ended up buying four of these for our honeymoon and have enjoyed them ever since. If you are in the market for a good pair of swims trunks I would strongly recommend Kanu Surf Men’s Swim Trunks. Here are a couple of my favorite styles.

Kanu Surf Men’s Infinite Swim Trunks

• 100% Polyester (dries quicker)
• Elastic Enclosure
• Machine Wash
• UPF 50 (Ultraviolet Protection Factor, which blocks 98 percent of the sun’s UVB and UVA rays)
• Quick dry microfiber (creates a lightweight, comfortable, and durable pair of swim trunks that is a great option for the pool, lake, or ocean).
• Triple needle side seams adds’ a higher quality and durability to the swimwear.
• Side seam pocket and cargo pockets for extra storage (just do not forget to remove items before plunging into the water)
• Very comfortable and lightweight

Kanu Surf Men’s Barracuda Swim Trunks

• 100% polyester (dries quicker)
• Elastic closure
• Machine Wash
• UPF 50 (Ultraviolet Protection Factor, which blocks 98 percent of the sun’s UVB and UVA rays)
• quick dry microfiber (creates a lightweight, comfortable, and durable pair of swim trunks that is a great option for the pool, lake or ocean).
• A side stream pockets, and cargo pockets give options for wallet and phone storage (just do not forget to remove items before plunging into the water)
• Very comfortable and lightweight

Hats

More often than not when you embark on your tropical vacation it will most likely be sunny out, in fact very sunny. This can pose discomfort when trying to manage activities in the sweltering onslaught of the tropical sunshine. That is why we recommend packing several hats. This is a great way to limit your head’s sun exposure and alleviate some of the access heat that the sun generates, while also providing additional sun protection.

Selecting the right hat should be done with a few considerations such as will this hat endure a lot of sweating when you are out and about in direct sunlight? Will you be able to use this hat freely such as going from the hotel to a possible boat cruise? Some boat rides have increased speed which creates quite the breeze. You do not want to be sitting with your hand on your hat while everyone else is enjoying the ride. You also want a hat that can take a lot of washing and still look like it is brand new. That is why we recommend the Nike Unisex Aero bill Featherlight Cap.

Nike Unisex Aerobill Featherlight cap – is made with dri- fit technology that’s keeps you dry and comfortable. This hat can handle weekly machine washings and still looks new. It is a very comfortable lightweight hat that is adjustable.

• The hat is 100% recycled polyester.
• Mesh inserts enhance breathability.
• Adjustable back closure provides a custom fit (helpful when you need to tighten it up in windy situations)
• Made for both men and women with many colors to choose from
• Great to wear at the pool or beach as the material is very easy to wash.
• Hat maintains its shape and integrity even after multiple washes and daily use. (Long lasting which means worth the price since you will not need to replace it year after year)

A personal suggestion when choosing the right color hat for the pool, I would recommend white or a lighter color as it reflects the most amount of sunlight thus keeping you cooler. Darker colors absorb a lot more UV sunlight which will increase your overall temperature.

Beach Bag

I never put much stock into a beach bag until I met my wife and realized how important and useful a beach bag really is. Let’s face it, the beach is sandy, and sand gets everywhere. You need to have a bag made specifically for the beach to help protect your electronics and other items from exposure to those tiny little sand particles. Having a bag can be helpful as you will have a safe place to place your beach gear such as towels, books, cell phones, and other items you may want to bring with you.

When it comes to the right bag you need to consider looks and functionality. Both are key to having the space you need for your beach essentials and something that represents your unique style.

Beach Cooler

A day at the beach can be one of the best days of the entire year. Filled with ocean waves, pelicans diving and warm sunshine that never ends. Finding that perfect spot on the beach can also be daunting but exciting as this is your spot for the day. A spot that overlooks the vast shades of blue from the ocean, a place that also sits close enough to the water to enjoy the frequent sea breeze but yet far away enough to not interrupt beach walkers. A spot that is comfortable but yet close enough to watch and prevent young children from going out too far in the water. Setting up your operating base can take some time so that is why you will want to consider bringing a beach cooler for snacks and drinks.

As beach activities can work up an appetite and so can a prolonged amount of exposure to the sun, we recommend bringing a cooler for snacks and refreshments. This will add to the experience as families can spend more time enjoying the beach and not having to worry about children getting hungry and needing to leave earlier than expected. Having a beach cooler will better prepare you for any cravings that may arise while enjoying yourselves at the perfect beach spot in the sand.

Beach Cooler (if traveling by plane) – Lilly Pulitzer Insulated Soft Beach Cooler

This colorful beach cooler is a true piece of art that keeps your refreshments and snacks cold. This is a great addition for a resort cooler, picnic or beach day as it looks great, is easy to transport and can hold a decent amount. A practical choice for the practical traveler.

• The cooler is 10 inches by 12 inches with a wide-open zipper top to easily remove and replace items.
• Easy to clean, the cooler features a soft white lining that keeps food cool and is easy to wipe down with a damp cloth for small messes or leaks.
• Comes with an adjustable strap as well as a top handle for easy portability when traveling from location.

Beach Cooler (if traveling by car) – Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler

This is a great beach cooler or even road trip cooler as it was built for durability. The cooler is large enough to accommodate a small family. The cooler features a flip open top for ease of access to drinks and food. The top uses a Velcro strap in addition to a latch system inside the bag. This is the perfect road trip cooler as it is a little larger and built for more durability. It is the practical choice for a family on a long drive.

• The cooler is 16.5 W X 11 D X 12.75 H inches.
• High performance insulation keeps your drinks and snacks cold for an extended amount of time.
• FDA compliant Hardbody liner with removable Smart shelf (allows for separation between drinks and sandwiches so things do not get smooshed). and insulated front pocket.
• Leak proof, easy to clean interior, water, and stain repellent exterior.
• Adjustable shoulder strap, for easy carrying.
• The cooler is very transversal as it can be a hardbody cooler or a soft body cooler.

Beach towel

This is always a tricky one and will depend on several factors such as where you will stay and how you will get there. Most beach resorts offer some kind of towel service, which is advantageous as it is one less thing to pack. Let’s face it, beach towels take up a lot of room and weight. If we can forget the beach towel, we reduce a substantial amount of space in our travel luggage. Now, if you are not staying at a beach resort then you may consider bringing a beach towel as store bought towels will need to be washed and can be pricier in touristy beach regions. If you are planning on driving then problem solved, just pack an extra bag with everyone’s towel.

If you are staying at a resort and are unsure, we recommend going to the resort’s website, they will have a section titled amenities and you will be able to see what they are providing and if there is a cost associated with the service.

UV Protection Sunglasses

When arriving on your tropical vacation you need to have a good pair of sunglasses to help protect your eyes and not spend your whole trip squinting. Choosing the right pair of sunglasses requires a few variables such as making sure your sunglasses are 100% UV protected as this will make a real difference in regions with powerful UV rays and direct sunlight. According to Dr. Roxana Barad, M.D. “we should think of sunglasses like sunscreen for our eyes” (2).

When it comes to choosing a brand of sunglasses, I have always been drawn to the Ray Ban brand. These sunglasses have been around for a while, they are of excellent quality, and they do a great job protecting your eyes from the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. I also find Ray Bans to be stylish as they offer a wide selection of different styles and types that will most likely match everyone’s unique style. Ray Ban is also a more durable sunglass brand in my opinion, allowing the sunglasses to withstand a lot of wear and tear. This is important since you will be making a significant investment when acquiring a pair, you want it to last a while.

Ray-Ban Rb 3016 Clubmaster Square Sunglasses – has an iconic look, feel, and style that has survived the test of time throughout the generations. This look has never gone out of style and is perfect for any tropical vacation.

• 100% percent UV Protection
• Lightweight and durable
• Choose from a wide assortment of frames and lens color to meet your style and preference.
• Multiple size options which include 49mm and 51mm

What Clothes to consider packing on a Tropical Vacation

• Lightweight mesh jacket (for the cooler or breezy evenings)
• Swim trunk
• Bathing Suit
• Hats
• Kakis Shorts
• Dri-fit polo’s (you will thank me when you are walking from shop to shop in the many outdoor malls).
• Long sleeve shirt (for the cooler evening or dinner)
• Athletic shorts (when you plan on hiking or walking and getting somewhat dirty or sweaty).
• Tank Tops
• Sandals / Flip Flops (footwear for pool and beach)
• Dress shoes or sandals (for those nicer dinner dates with your significant other)
• Casual shoe (everyday walks around the resort, rental, restaurants, etc.)
• Athletic shoe (hikes, morning walks, boat tours)
• Dresses
• Skirts

A few Items to avoid packing when you are traveling.

• Expensive jewelry, and electronics if you do not plan on wearing or using them.
• Pack mindfully, think about what your hotel or accommodations offers as in towels, toiletries, and bath products. This way you can save space for souvenirs and avoid excess baggage fees when weighing in at the airport. (Yes, that is correct I was that guy having to rearrange my suitcase to meet the minimum 50lbs. Don’t be that guy/girl).
• Heavy jackets are meant for cooler climates. In most tropical places the climate does not drop excessively, so bringing your best fall jacket might not be the most conducive and most likely a waste of space.
• Try not to bring all your electronics when traveling, this can become expensive if they are broken and it can be a big distraction, taking away time together. A vacation is meant to be a time to reconnect and take a break from the average day. You will not fully enjoy yourself if you are overloaded with checking emails, statistics, video games, the news, and social media. It will be there when you get back, I promise.

Atlantic Ocean Sun Rise South Florida

Conclusions

So, there you have it, The Ultimate Packing Guide for a Mindful Tropical Escape. This guide should help you get started and give helpful reminders of things you might want to consider bringing with you. As a reminder if you are staying at a resort, check to see if they offer towels for the pool and beach as this will save you additional space in your suitcase. The important part is to have fun and enjoy yourself. Packing should not be a cumbersome task and if done right can be quite an enjoyable time for you and your loved ones. We hope this post helps you with some of those packing questions and offers product ideas you may not have heard about that could benefit you and your family. We hope you have a Great Time and Enjoy the Journey.

Westin Resort Cape Coral FL.

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The product descriptions in this article were partially obtained from Amazon.com.

References

1. Chien, A. MD, Jacobe, H. MD. (2021). UV Radiation & Your Skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation
2. Pittsburgh Eye Associates. (2022). How to Pick the Best Sunglasses to Protect your Eyes. https://www.pittsburgheyeassociates.com/how-to-pick-the-best-sunglasses-to-protect-your-eyes/
3. Downs, C.A., Kramarsky-Winter, E., Segal, R. et al. (2015). Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) on Coral Planulae and Cultured Primary Cells and its Environmental Contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-015-0227-7
4. Samsung. (2022). The meaning of IPX8 – rating on my Samsung Galaxy Z series. https://www.samsung.com/my/support/mobile-devices/what-does-ipx8-rated-water-resistance-mean-for-my-galaxy-z-fold3-or-galaxy-z-flip3/#:~:text=IPX8%20is%20based%20on%20testing,they%20are%20not%20dust%2Dresistant.