Travel Hacks for your Beach Vacay

Traveling out of the country can be exciting, but it’s easy to let the thrill of getting to the beach allow you to forget important things. Here’s a list of travel hacks to remember before travel and while you’re on vacay!

Before travel:

• Bring a pen for customs forms.
• Bring small bills for tipping.
• Notify your credit card company/bank that you are traveling out of the country.
• Add international plan to cell phone.
• Download movies, shows or music before leaving home.
• Bring headphones.
• Fully charge electronic devices before departing.
• Bring large ziplock bag for wet bathing suits (if you forget, use a trash can liner from room).
• Set a backup alarm, so you don’t miss your flight.
• Don’t forget to pack some ibuprofen to avoid overpaying in the gift shops.
• Add a floaty to your keys, so they don’t float away into the waves.
• Keep beach essentials in your carry-on for easy access when you arrive.
• Know conversion rates before you go.
• Bring a basic first aid kit and tuck it in your beach bag.
• Bring a yoga mat for under your beach towel because it makes a great waterproof sand cushion.
• Bring a waterproof sleeve to store your phone.
• Consider bringing swim trunks with pockets.
• Pack a jacket for those long walks under the moon.
• Pack your own colorful beach towel.
• If you’re planning to bring your own golf balls, pack them in your checked bag.

On vacay:

• Before leaving hotel, if you have free room service and you will be at airport during meal time, order and take with you (bring ziplocks to pack food in).
• Leave the sand on the beach, or risk bringing home Carribe-bugs.
• Bring a sand-free bag to the beach.
• Remember ride-sharing apps aren’t common in the Caribbean.
• Learn a little of the country’s native tongue.
• Build a collaborative playlist of beach tunes with your friends.
• Change your lock screen to show your contact info in case you misplace your phone.
• Take screenshots of your travel documents.
• Stay hydrated! Drink water between alcoholic beverages.
• Whenever you go swimming, go with a friend.
• If you go scuba diving, don’t touch the reefs!
• Buy local gifts to add that special personal touch.
• Remember paradise even has a last call.
• If you’re planning a beachfront engagement, keep your engagement ring safe, but not in the room safe.
• Buddy up and reapply sunscreen every two hours. Real friends don’t let friends get sunburns.

Hopefully these tips will make your escape that much sweeter. Now get to packing!