So you’re going to the Bahamas, how exciting! My mom and I took a trip to the Bahamas in spring of 2023 and there are several things I was SO glad I had with me. I want your trip to be just as special so I have compiled a list of ten of the most important things you need for your Bahamas vacation to ease all your packing anxieties!
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1. A Swimsuit… Duh!
If you’re anything like me, you’re going to want to spend time on the beach! So, you’re going to need some beach apparel. A swimsuit is the perfect option for this so you can cool down in the ocean when needed. Plus, sunbathing and catching a nice tan are exactly what I picture when I think of a beach vacation. Amazon has so many cute options, you can find a link to one of my favorites here.
2. Sunscreen, and LOTS of it
If you’re anything like me, you will burn SO easy under the tropical rays. You know your skin best so choose an SPF that you know will protect your skin. Be sure to reapply your sunscreen several times throughout the day, especially if you are swimming. When I travel to tropical places I always like to bring with me a ‘reef safe’ sunscreen. Regular sunscreens can be very damaging to our tropical reefs so let’s protect them as much as we are able to while on vacation.
3. Comfortable Slip-On Sandals
When traveling to and from the beach you’re going to want sandals that are easy to slip on and off. Bonus points if they are waterproof so you can rinse the sand off of them when leaving the beach. Many resorts offer a rinsing station for your feet/sandals when leaving the beach area. Be sure your footwear is comfortable so if you decide to take a walk around the downtown market area your feet won’t be killing you by the end of the day.
4. A Waterproof Phone Case
If you plan to spend any time on or around the water, a waterproof phone pouch is a must! There would be nothing worse than having your phone ruined while on vacation. I prefer to use a waterproof phone cover that has a lanyard attached so I can keep it on me while on boat rides to excursions. Even if you aren’t planning on going on any excursions, it’s still nice to have it on the beach or when lounging by the pool. I can’t count the times I’ve been unexpectedly splashed while on vacation!
5. A Nice, Beachy Dress
I LIVED in dresses while in the Bahamas. They were so easy to just throw on and go in the morning. Not to mention they work so well as swimsuit coverups when it’s time to take a break from the beach and hit the buffet. It’s also a good way to elevate your style and stay cool at the same time.
6. Cash
If you plan to hit the downtown market you’ll need to have cash to pay the street vendors. I highly recommend traveling downtown for this while in the Bahamas as it’s a good way to get some souvenirs at a great price. You should also think about bringing cash to pay and tip your taxi drivers while you’re there. The amount of cash you should bring really depends on how many souvenirs you plan to buy. I think I brought around $300 with me and didn’t wind up spending nearly that amount.
7. A Beach Bag
I prefer to bring a beach bag with me whenever I plan to spend any amount of time on the beach. Every morning I would pack it with sunscreen, a beach towel, sunscreen, a bottle of water, and the book I was reading. This way I didn’t have to carry each of these items separately and it was kept all together and out of the sand during the day. The one I brought was a canvas-like material, but it’s really up to you!
8. A Good Pair of Sunglasses
Being that the Bahamas is a tropical location, it’s sunny the majority of the time! During the week I spent there it only rained once for about 20 minutes. So, I was happy to have a pair of good quality sunglasses to protect my eyes and keep me from having to squint while I enjoyed the beautiful weather. I wore the brand Blenders, but again, do your research and find a pair that is right for you.
9. Your Favorite Book
I think I read a whole book while on vacation! My favorite thing to do was lounge by the ocean while reading a book. I literally spent hours doing this! If you need recommendations on good books to read while on vacation, I highly recommend checking out pinterest or the booktok side of TikTok for ideas. Personally, I was reading Things We Hide From The Light, the second book in the Knockemout series by Lucy Score. Highly recommend!
10. Something to Take Photos With
The best way to remember your vacation is to remember it with photos! I personally just bring my phone with me on vacations, and with the high-quality cameras on mobile devices these days, it’s all you really need! However, if you are wanting professional quality photos, you may bring a camera specifically meant for photography. Basically, don’t forget to take lots of photos on vacation!
I hope this post was helpful to you and that you have SO much fun on your trip to the Bahamas. Don’t forget to share this post so others can use it as a packing tool too!
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