Hey there, fellow travelers! We’re in Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean. Honing in on a good beach packing list can be challenging, especially with ever-changing airline rules, regulations, and fees. We thought it would be helpful to give you a beach packing list for a Turks and Caicos vacation. However, these items will apply to any beach vacation, whether you visit the Caribbean, South America, Mexico or the Mediterranean. These are our top beach essentials for a tropical vacation.
Beach Bag
The number one thing to bring on a beach vacation is a beach bag. You don’t want to bring your carry-on roller bag to the beach! We have a lightweight tote bag that we picked up in Belize. It packs down to almost nothing, so it doesn’t take up a lot of space in your luggage. You can also use it when you go shopping, and as an extra carryon bag on the way home if you end up buying too many souvenirs.
Buying Souvenirs: What Not to Buy When You Travel
Flip Flops
After a beach bag, the next beach essential is a pair of good flip flops. (or thongs, for our Aussie friends!) We like Havaianas, but any pair of flip flops will do. Don’t think you can walk barefoot on all the beaches. Some areas, like Iguana Island, have sand spurs and those can really hurt your bare feet! Also, sometimes the sand is too hot for walking barefoot.
Water Shoes
Flip flops are great for getting to and from the beach, but if you plan to actually go in the water, you’ll want to have some water shoes to wear. Aqua socks can work, too. You want something to protect your feet from anything hiding under the water, and you want a shoe that won’t easily slide off your foot as a flip flop would.
Sunscreen
This should go without saying, but you’d be surprised at the sunburned tourists walking around the beaches of Turks and Caicos. You can save a lot of money by bringing your own sunscreen from home, as you’ll pay a premium on the islands. Look for a reef-safe sunscreen that won’t damage the coral reef. Most importantly, don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen often! Even if it’s waterproof, you still need to reapply.
Hat
A hat is another important part of sun protection when you visit Turks and Caicos. You don’t have to be bald to get a sunburn on your scalp! A good hat protects the skin of your scalp from getting a nasty sunburn. A wide-brimmed hat will also provide shade for your face, neck, and ears, which are all common places to get a sunburn.
Bug Spray
Usually, you’ll have a nice ocean breeze to keep the bugs away. However, no-see-ums like to come out at sunrise and sunset, and they can be super annoying. If you don’t have a good bug spray, they will hamper your enjoyment of the spectacular sunsets in the Turks and Caicos.
Ziploc Bags
We always throw a few extra Ziploc bags in our luggage when traveling. They can protect things from getting wet on the beach, like electronics or books. They can also be used to pack wet beach clothes when it’s time to go home.
Underwater Camera
The snorkeling and diving in Turks and Caicos are amazing. You’ll definitely want an underwater camera to record some of the underwater scenery during your trip. If you even take just one tropical trip a year, it’s worth it to have a dedicate camera for underwater usage. Make sure you bring an extra battery as well!
Beach Vacation Clothing
It’s usually warm in Turks and Caicos, and that’s probably why you are visiting! You’re going to spend most of the time in your swimsuits, so you don’t need to pack a lot of clothes. For women, a couple of lightweight dresses will get you through a week in Turks and Caicos. I like to have a coverup to wear at the beach; something lightweight that will cover your skin if you start to burn or get too hot. You might want to pack one nicer outfit if you plan to go out for a fancy dinner. Otherwise, “resort wear” means you can wear your casual clothes or beach clothes just about anywhere.
Snacks
Turks and Caicos can be expensive and unless you rent an apartment with a kitchen, you’re going to be eating out quite a bit. We like to pack some snacks for between meals. You can buy groceries on the island, but even these are very expensive. Plan to spend around $20 per entree at lunch and $40 per entree at dinner. If you are traveling with kids, it’s always a good idea to have some granola bars and other snack packs handy, rather than buying them once you arrive.
How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling
Cash
The official currency in Turks and Caicos is the US Dollar, but we didn’t see a ton of ATMs, so get some cash from the bank before you leave for your Turks and Caicos vacation. Not only will this save you some time from finding an ATM, but you’ll also save money on bank and ATM fees.
Visiting Turks and Caicos with Kids
For the first time in a long time, we were not traveling with kids this tie. However, if you do decide to visit Turks and Caicos with kids, there are a few extra things you should pack for them:
- A rashguard is a great way to keep their skin safe from the sun
- Beach toys. You don’t have to pack a lot, but something to occupy them at the beach
Hopefully, this beach packing list helps you start planning your own Turks and Caicos vacation. What’s on your beach packing list? Tell us about it in the comments! For more Caribbean travel tips and destination advice, check out these blog posts and videos: