Whether you are going on your first trip to the Caribbean or you have been on several, there is always a little something extra you can do to prepare to make your overall experience a little more planned out and safe. By doing these simple things you can enjoy the time away without wasting time worrying if you’ve made the right decisions.
Tips for planning your trip
Know before you go
After you have come up with a list of ideas on where it is you would like to travel to, find out as much about the destinations as you can before you make it official.
No matter where you go there will always be a slight risk, you can reduce the risk by finding out if the country’s region you are planning on going to is safe. You can do this research by looking on your government’s website for travel information such as Canada’s Travel Advisories by destination.
Know what time zone the country is in before you go
Find out what the weather will be like on the days you plan on going there, In the Caribbean hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30
Know that currency they use
Find out what immunizations you may need to have before you go
Ways To Beat the Heat
When traveling somewhere hot there are a few tips you can follow to be able to enjoy your adventures under the sun and still avoid heat exhaustion.
- Wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun
- Drink enough water and don’t wait until you are super thirsty before you start drinking it, make sure to have small sips regularly. Having a water bottle like this one is very handy and stylish and you can refill it when needed.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade or inside a cool building.
- Wear sunscreen making sure it has a high spf and apply it as needed such as before sun exposure. Reapply it if you have been sweating or if you have been in the water,
- Try and not do too much physical activity if you are not used to it.
- Wear proper clothes that will keep you cool and will also protect you from the sun such as loose breathable clothing.
- Cool off in the ocean or a nearby pool.
- If you are going to drink alcohol have a glass of water for every drink you have this will help you stay hydrated.
Quick Travel Tips
If you are looking for some simple travel tips check out the list below, these tips will be sure to help you out and possibly save you from getting a headache!
- Drink Bottled water – Even if the water at the location you are staying at seems clear and clean, it can still carry many illnesses drinking bottled water is the safest way to go.
- Only drink bottled water that has been opened in front of you so you know it wasn’t tampered with.
- Keep a little cash stashed back at the hotel just in case you lose your purse while you are out.
- Do not flash your money around this is a sure way to grab the attention of a thief.
- Many countries have different electrical plugs, so look in advance at which adapter you will need for which country is vital.
- Keep important documents and identification in a nearby pocket so you know where they are at all times and can pull them out quickly when needed. I find using a handy little bag like this works perfectly to keep your hands free while it holds all of your important papers.
What to Pack in your Check in bag
Essential Items for your Carry on bag
- Passport, tickets, insurance papers, ID, and money make sure to keep it in a handy pocket of your bag or in a crossbody bag for easy access.
- Entertainment – games, books magazines, and movies downloaded on your Chromebook.
- Important items that are breakable – anything that can be broken easily such as your camera laptop or souvenirs that you purchased.
- Pen – You will need it for filling in travel documents and customs forms.
- Some simple toiletries – toothpaste/toothbrush and deodorant so you can freshen up when needed..
- A travel pillow and blanket to give you a little more comfort while you are flying to your destination.
- A small package of wipes, they are good for little spills or for just quickly cleaning your hands.
- Healthy snacks that you can enjoy while on the plane
- Lip balm & Gum
Some important medical items
A small medical kit is an important item to bring along. It is like insurance, you will be glad to have it if something happens to you while you are traveling. Here are a few items that you can stock your medical kit with just in case.
- Prescription Medication
- Antihistamine for hay fever or allergies
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic Skin wipes for cleaning a scrape or wound
- Pepto Bismol for upset stomach
- Motion sickness medication
- Muscle relaxant
- Sleeping pills
- Prescription glasses
- Band-aids
- Gauze & adhesive tape for wounds
- Small scissors
- Tweezers
- Ibuprofen for headaches and pain
- Eye drops & ear drops
- Insect repellent
- Sun screen and lip balm with a high spf
at the airport
To make sure you will have enough time to check in and go through security most airlines recommend that you show up at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
- Once you are at the airport you will want to search for your airline’s counter to check in your bag and get your boarding pass.
- Before you hand over your check-in bag you will want to make sure you have everything in your carry on bag that you will need for the flight like paperwork and important medication.
- When you get to the counter you will have to show your passport and ticket information.
- Once you have your boarding pass you can head over to the airport security this is where your bag will be x-rayed and you will go through a metal detector.
- There are certain items that are not accepted in checked or carry on luggage. Here is a full list.
- After passing through security you can now find your gate. Check your boarding pass to see which gate your plane is departing from.
- After you have found your gate you can go grab a refreshment and relax. You can also keep yourself busy by checking out some shops while you are waiting for your plane to arrive.
- Once your plane arrives board the plane and find your seat. Sit back and enjoy your flight, it won’t be long before you are at your destination.