Ah, holidays in the sun! The beach, the sea, the pool, buffets bursting with flavours, relaxation… The best way to warm up in the middle of a long winter. Whether you choose Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico or one of its neighbours, a week of relaxation will do you good.
But to get the most out of your holiday, you need to think carefully about what you’re bringing. The most important item? A swimsuit, of course! But what else is essential? Here are the essentials to pack for a successful holiday in the south.
Essentials for a successful holiday in the Sun
Necessities for day and night
As well as your swimsuit, you’ll need sandals, sunglasses, a hat, shorts and a T-shirt. And underwear, of course! Don’t forget to bring warmer clothes, though, as some beach destinations have a more moderate climate in the evenings at certain times of the year. Also, depending on the type of hotel you choose, a more formal outfit may be useful in the evening for a la carte restaurants.
And shoes? A pair of trainers, a pair of sandals and a pair of dress shoes will suit all occasions.
Keeping busy on the beach
Bring a book or digital music player if you want to use your holiday to relax. If you’re planning a family holiday, bring some beach games for the kids. Remember that many hotels have kids’ clubs where the little ones can find lots of activities and new friends!
Capture every moment
To capture the memories of your trip, don’t forget your camera. Many waterproof cameras are now available on the market, which is great for holidays in the south! But don’t forget to rinse your camera thoroughly with fresh water after each use: improperly washed salt and chlorine can damage or even break the mechanism.
Protect yourself from the sun, heat and other inconveniences
Priority number one: the first aid kit. It’s important to carry sunscreen (reapply several times a day to protect yourself from the sun) and aloe vera (if your sunscreen isn’t up to scratch). Also bring a good body and face lotion, as the sun, sea and chlorinated pools can dry out your skin. Finally, insect repellent is highly recommended!
Other health essentials: ibuprofen, paracetamol, dimenhydrinate for nausea, medicine for travelers’ diarrhoea, and don’t forget any prescription medication. Check with your pharmacist to make sure the over-the-counter medicines you’re bringing are compatible with your prescription medicines. And don’t forget to bring a copy of your prescriptions!
Other essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, feminine hygiene products and deodorant. Most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner and lotion, which can free up some space in your suitcase!
For women, give your skin a break by limiting the amount of products in your beauty kit. Keep your skin well moisturised, but skip the make-up, which is pretty pointless if you are going swimming anyway! For dressier evenings, a touch of mascara is all you need to enhance your look.
Good to know
A suitcase that fits
When packing your suitcase, make sure it doesn’t exceed the maximum weight or dimensions allowed by the airline. You may have to pay an extra fee at the airport.
Take every precaution
In addition, make sure you have the essentials in your hand luggage in case your suitcase is lost or delayed at your destination: underwear, swimsuit, contact lenses, glasses and emergency medication. It’s also a good idea to take a photo of the inside of your suitcase before you leave, for identification purposes or in the event of a claim with your insurance company.
Driving licence
If you plan to drive once at your destination, obtain an international driver’s licence from a CAA-Quebec centre. This type of licence may be required for car rental and local police may ask for it if you’re stopped for speeding or at a checkpoint.
Currency
Remember that American money is accepted in most beach destinations, but prices may be inflated compared to the local currency. Check with your hotel’s activities agent to find out what is recommended.
