Hello, friends! My husband and I just go back from a 5 day trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica with my family! It was our first time on the island and it will not be our last. Everything was STUNNING. From the coral pink sunsets to the crystal-clear waters or even the perfect weather, I’m already dreaming about when I can go back. I can’t stay in the heat long because of my MS and never really had an issue because of the wind! I’ll be sharing a full hotel review later on, but until then let’s get into my packing list for Jamaica!
I used to share my packing list do’s and don’ts here on the blog and I’ve decided to bring them back. I feel like they’re a lot more helpful than just a simple outfit round-up!
If you’ve been following me even for a short period of time, you know I don’t play about my skincare routines! Sun damage is the #1 cause of aging. And while I love laying out by the beach as much as the next person, health comes first. Like I mentioned above, the weather was so amazing that we stayed out longer than we ordinarily would. Make sure to pack oversized hats to adequately shield your face and sunglasses, too! Pair it with an SPF 30 or greater (here are a few of my favorites that won’t leave a white cast) and enjoy that extra vitamin D!
One of my favorite things to do before I travel to a new place is to create a mood board. It might just be the influencer/creator in me, but it really helps me organize my ideas for the trip! Also, after researching and seeing too many photos with neutral outfits of white, greens, browns, etc. I decided to do something different. Jamaican culture can almost be summed up with one word: BOLD. Bold flavors, bold colors, bold confident men (LOL iykyk). So, you’ll fit right in with a vibrant color palette whether you’re exploring the lush countryside or having a photo shoot at your resort. Lightweight fabrics like linen are also a necessity given the heat!
A swimsuit should be at the top of your list for any Caribbean vacay. However, the distinction of versatile should be noted. In the age of social media, a lot of swimwear isn’t the best for actually, well, swimming. The country of Jamaica has so many exciting activities to offer that it’s important to be prepared! Excursions with hiking, snorkeling, zip-lining, and horseback riding all typically end with a dip in the ocean (or at the very least a spring). Also, make sure you pack swimsuits that are good for lounging AND a bit more movement, just in case!
A lot of the resorts in Jamaica are all-inclusive, so you don’t need to pack too much. However, there are still a few items that are nice to have! A beach bag to transport your things the short distance from your room to the shore. A mini portable fan in case the wind decides to have an off day. And I LOVE these clips to keep your towel secured to your beach chair!
I’m not sure why I didn’t think I’d need bug spray in a humid, tropical climate. But trust me, you do. They’re not too terrible during the day but first thing in the morning and late at night they come out in droves.
And if you’re planning on doing excursions, you’ll definitely want to pack these! While we only ended up doing river rafting, I’m glad because I would’ve been so unprepared. Also, they’re a necessity for most of the top attractions and you’ll get plenty of use out of them!
*Black girl hair probs. I found the cutest straw hats to pack on this trip and they ended up not fitting with my butterfly twists! Thank goodness my mom packed this hat I bought her for mother’s day. It fits more like a visor and stayed on despite the strong wind! I saw a lot of floppy hats lost on the resort and was thankful I had this one haha. Plus, it’s way easier to pack than other ones!
I’ll be sharing an itinerary of our time in Jamaica soon, too! If this post is helpful for your next vacay, def let me know!
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