In May 2019 I spent 9 days in Belize, splitting my time between inland San Ignacio, the peninsula Placencia, and the island of Caye Caulker. Here’s what I’m packing for my trip which happens to be at the beginning of the rainy season in Belize. I brought my Dakine rolling duffel bag and Tocode backpack.

Belize rainfall chart from Belize.com

Medication/Toiletries

Activated charcoal and Pepto Bismol – this stuff saved me in Thailand when I had an upset stomach.

Gummy vitamins – stay healthy like an adult!

Eye drops

Allergy medicine

Bug spray/wipes

Moisturizer

Sunscreen! 1 spray bottle for 2 people per day. Pack more than you think you need.

Aloe vera- for when you forget to re-apply the sunscreen

Clothing

Bathing suits – 4 (bikinis because it’s too humid for one-pieces!)

Lightweight sneakers – for hiking and travel days on the plane

Waterproof jacket – I’m bringing a windbreaker for tropical storms

Shorts – 2 pairs denim/linen and 1 pair for athletic activities

Pajamas – 2 sets of LIGHTweight shorts and tops

5 T-shirts/tank tops

1 kimono and 1 light jacket for windy nights

Dresses/rompers – 3

Sandals – 1 fancy, 1 casual

Socks – 4 pairs

Sports bra, regular bra, and panties – note that I ended up wearing a bikini most of the time we were on the island

Accessories

Dry bag – bag specifically made to keep your stuff dry! Great for snorkeling days.

Beach bag – to hold towels, sunscreen, sandals, etc.

Quick-dry towel

2 pairs of sunglasses

Travel scarf (with POCKETS)

Hats – 1 floppy hat for the beach (note that it’s too windy to wear these on Caye Caulker) and 1 baseball hat for hiking

Electronics

Canon M50 + lenses, batteries, case, ND filter, memory cards, etc.

Moza Air Gimbal

Headphones

Go Pro Hero 7 Black – for water activities! Plus batteries.

Phone charger cord + power brick + power brick charging cord

See our whole kit here.

Random Things

Pillowcase or plastic bag for dirty/wet clothes

Granola bars for snacking

Chapstick

Blow dryer – when I went to Belize we stayed in 3 hotels and not ONE had a blow dryer – be careful with voltage

EARPLUGS because our hotel in San Ignacio was by the valley where dogs barked all night

Hand sanitizer

CASH, credit cards, ID, and of course passport!

What essentials do you bring on tropical vacations? Tell us in the comments below!