You’re probably thinking of nothing more than relaxing in the sun and enjoying the warm weather while on vacation, but it’s essential you pack your travel luggage properly to avoid inconveniences down the line. Since it is easy to be carried away, we have put together a quick list of packing “do’s” and “don’ts” to make the packing process easier.

Keep it simple.

Even the nicest resorts are relatively relaxed in tropical areas. There’s no need for high heels or a full suit. Women can wear a nice sundress and men can get by with dress slacks and a polo shirt in the evenings. Keep accessories in mind for dressing your look up or down. Strappy sandals and the right earrings can take you from a casual day to an elegant evening in a snap. The only exception is if you are going on a cruise - you may need to wear formal attire for the captain’s dinner. When in doubt, call and ask.

Bring two bathing suits.

Your travel luggage should have a compartment for wet or damp items, so take advantage, and pack two swimsuits. If needed, a Ziploc bag will also do the trick, but either way, you’ll want an extra suit - there is nothing worse than putting on a damp swimsuit because yours didn’t have time to dry.

Don’t forget sunscreen.

It’s tempting to plan on buying sunscreen and bug repellent once you get to wherever you’re going, but don’t. The last things you want to do when you arrive are look for a drugstore or gift shop, and then pay an arm and a leg for what costs a mere 6 bucks at home. Just pack it in advance.

Bring extra sunglasses.

The sun’s glare can be blinding, especially near beaches where it reflects off sand and water. You’ll need sunglasses just about everywhere you go, and you’ll probably lose or break a pair. Toss at least one extra pair of inexpensive shades into your travel luggage and you’ll be safe.

Don’t over pack.

Base your wardrobe around mix-and-match items in neutral colors for versatility. You can always add a punch of color with bright accessories. You may want to bring one colorful piece that coordinates with the rest of your items. Finally, avoid white – it becomes dirty quickly and isn’t practical for travel.

Versatility.

For men, there’s nothing more versatile than khakis. They look great with tees during the day and can be dressed up with a polo or button-down shirt at night. For women, a sarong can be worn as a cover-up at the beach or a wrap on chilly evenings.

Don’t bring lots of shoes.

High-heels and dress shoes aren’t needed on most warm weather vacations. Sandals, flip-flops, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes for long days of sightseeing should be all you need. Choose neutral tones to match most of your outfits and avoid anything too dramatic.

Remember to bring a sweater.

Sea breezes can turn into cold winds at night, even in tropical climates, so pack a light sweater or jacket in a neutral or dark color. You’ll appreciate having something warm and cozy to wear for late-night walks on the beach, afternoons spent sailing, or in the midst of a surprise storm.

Everyone needs a tote bag. Vacations usually mean shopping and a sturdy, versatile tote is a great way to carry around your finds. Check out online luggage stores for bargains on durable folding totes that will slip into your travel luggage and last for years.

Follow these simple packing tips and you’ll be ready to enjoy a fabulous warm weather vacation without being bogged down with more luggage than you need.

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