So you are vacationing in the tropics. Well, when you are in the highly important process of packing, there is one simple thing you need to keep in mind. The weather is hot!

Don't worry about the weather report you viewed, which informed you that it would rain, the temperature will not drop far below thirty degrees Celsius. So remove all the jumpers from your suitcase, along with any long pants. If buy some freak of nature you do get cold, then you can make do with the pants and jacket you wore on the plane. It may be going to rain, but the weather is far to hot for a coat. Instead take a good umbrella, and a couple of cheap plastic rain ponchos, which you will find often come in handy.

Also don't bother with stockings/pantyhose to wear beneath skirts. The tropical climate is also extremely humid. It will be far too hot sticky to be wearing tight stockings.

Be sure to wear runners, as they are the heaviest, and you don't want to have to lug them in your suitcase. They will be useful if you plan on doing a bit of walking. Other than them, take only one comfortable pair of thongs/flip flops. You don't really need a pair in every different color, just take one neutral pair that will go with most outfits.

What you will require are lots and lots of t-shirts. These you will either get sweaty, smelling of lotion, or wet from wearing over bathers. Account for one or more per day, unless your destination is a good place to shop and you are planning on buying things there.

Don't take any jeans or track-pants, its far too hot for them. All you will need is shorts /skirts, or if you are going to a beach, board shorts.

Bathers are also a must.

Summer pajamas are a must, but don't bother with winter ones.

Beanies or head scarves are out of the question, but you will certainly require a good hat.

You can forget taking makeup altogether, as you will be in and out of the pool/beach. The swimming makes the makeup pointless, and even if you aren't swimming, having makeup on in humidity will make you very uncomfortable, and when you start to sweat it will look absolutely dreadful. Just pack a good lip gloss, preferable one with sunscreen in it

Even though your suitcase might look awfully empty now, you'll be thankful when you're packing to return home, and realize the incredible amount of stuff you purchased over there. You will also enjoy having a light suitcase, which is not to difficult to lug around in hot weather.

Enjoy your tropical vacation!

Learn more about this author, Melissa Brush.
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