by Karen Jones

Created on: February 05, 2009   Last Updated: February 11, 2009

Soon you'll be heading to the sun-kissed Caribbean for the vacation you have been eagerly awaiting. The only thing left to do is pack your luggage, so what will you need? The best advice is that anyone can give you is to travel light - why waste time and effort packing stuff you are unlikely to wear or use? Keep the empty space in your suitcase available for those precious souvenirs that you'll undoubtedly return home with.

The Caribbean climate is fairly constant - hot, hot, hot! Even the rainy monsoon period in mid-late summer is warm. Yes, it is likely to rain during the day across this season, but this is warm and short-lasting. As long as you don't wear thick cotton or wool garments you will quickly dry. Sometimes, you'll find the rain a welcome change from the scorching sunshine - quite refreshing.

The locals wear bright, vibrant colours - follow their example. Summer tops, t-shirts, shorts, skirts, swimwear and a hat are all that you should need for the beach or a dip in the warm ocean, topped off with sunglasses and suitable footwear. I'm sure you'll agree that these take up very little space in a suitcase. A long-sleeved cotton shirt and a pair of loose trousers will be needed during the evening after a day sunbathing or when walking along fusia-hedged country lanes.

Caribbean resorts awaken with a burst of activity and musical magic in the evenings so do take a couple of changes of smart-casual clothes with you so that you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Be warned that suits are not common attire in the land of reggae; keep it light, bright and comfortable (especially if you are prone to sunburn). Free flowing dresses (for women!) will keep you cool as you dance the night away or dine alfresco. If you look and feel good you'll have a wonderfully memorable time. Do take a comfortable pair of sensible shoes that you can wear in a hotel restaurant, dance in or walk along dirt tracks with; flip-flops are only suitable for the beach. Most restaurants will expect men to wear a shirt at meal times.

Something that you will need to take with you is any regular medication, a small first-aid kit (yes, accidents do happen), headache-relief pills and something to cure a dodgy tummy (mainly because the mineral balance in water will be different to that at home). Why ruin your holiday by having to spend time looking for a pharmacy?

Take suntan lotion (high SPF) and plenty of after-sun lotion with you. It will be available to purchase at the resort, but might not be suitable for your skin type and could be quite expensive.

Pack a cotton shoulder-bag to carry your beach clothing and wet swimsuits in. You might even wish to take a book to read as you lie back on the golden sand and allow the sun to caress you.

Now you've packed the essentials, grab your passport, cash and camera and have a great time!

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