Consider these ideas before you board the plane.
Wherever you’re heading in the Caribbean, it’s likely you’re going to find sun, sand and sea.
But that can mean many things for many people — whether you’re looking to lounge with some music on the beach, head for a snorkel or take your favorite read on the sand.
But there are certain things that make a Caribbean trip better, from gadgets to gear, and we’re here to help. Here are some of the things we recommend you get for the best kind of trip to the Caribbean.
Luggage.
Particularly if you’re heading on a multi-island trip or traveling to a destination that requires more than one flight, you’ll need some durable (but stylish) luggage.
If you’re a techie traveler, you may want to go for the Bluesmart One Smart Luggage, a carry-on that includes GPS, remote locking and even a battery charger. And yes, it’s the first luggage to connect wirelessly to your smart phone.
Sunglasses.
If you’re going to the Caribbean, you want style, but you also want something you’re not afraid to take into the water or on a boat. Some people are big fans of Prada’s Linea Rossa sport line.
“I’ve been wearing these exclusively for years,” says CJ Editor in Chief Alexander Britell. “They’re ultra-light, durable and they’ll survive just about anything.”
Cameras.
We tend to bring several cameras on any Caribbean trip, but most CJ travelers will need two: one for land and one for the water.
On land, you’ll need something mobile and lightweight, without compromising quality. Go for a point-and-shoot, but make sure the photo quality is superb and the camera will fit in your pocket. You can get SLR-quality photos in a very small package nowadays.
Cybershot.
For a waterproof camera, there is no denying the popularity of the GoPro, although there are some very good dive cameras out there (like the Sealife Micro 2.0). But the GoPro is eminently easy to use, tough and offers a unique wide-angle perspective that will make your shots and footage memorable. Right now, the GoPro Hero 5 is a good choice for your Christmas list.
Snorkeling Masks.
When we first recommended the Tribord Easybreath snorkeling mask, we didn’t quite expect the overwhelming response we got from CJ readers — you loved it!
And it’s increasingly becoming one of the more popular snorkeling masks out there, thanks to its unique construction that allows you to breathe underwater as you do on land — without the cumbersome tube.
Snorkeling Fins.
If you’re planning on snorkeling, it helps to have an easy-to-pack, lightweight set of fins to bring with you. U.S. Divers is the most recognizable consumer snorkeling brand out there, and their Trek Travel Fin will more than do the job.
Mosquito Repellent.
This has always been necessary on a Caribbean trip and whether you’re on a beach in Curacao or a rainforest hike in Tobago, you’ll still want to keep mosquitos away. We’ve always had the most success with Off! Deep Woods, particularly the company’s small, travel-friendly bottles.
Sunscreen.
The Caribbean Sea is a treasure, and protecting it is paramount. That means that while some sunscreens are easier to put on, or may rub in a bit better, they aren’t good for coral reefs.
Happily, the Environmental Working Group has a very helpful guide to environmentally-safe sunscreens from a range of manufacturers. Tropical Sands Sunscreen is a solid choice, in large part due to its biodegradability. More importantly, for certain eco-parks and areas of the Caribbean (particularly in Mexico), it’s an approved brand. You can find it here.
Waterproof Speakers.
Here’s a scenario: you’ve gotten all the way to Loblolly Bay in Anegada, nothing but you, the white sand and the waves. But you have this pressing need to hear Toots and the Maytals. That’s why a waterproof, portable speaker will always come in handy on a Caribbean trip.
Check out the JBL Charge 3 Waterproof speaker. It’s a bluetooth speaker, so just fire up the song on your iPhone and then put it away in safety.
That’s a lot of great stuff that will help you enjoy your next all inclusive resort escape.
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