What to Pack for Jamaica

Packing for any trip, whether it is a weekend vacation or a months-long getaway, is a task that should be well-planned. Jamaica is a vibrant island-country with a decidedly tropical climate--high temperatures, heavy rainfalls and even the occasional hurricane--meaning that there are specific items every Jamaica-bound traveler should bring.

Things You'll Need

• Sturdy luggage
• Mosquito netting
• Camera and film/memory cards
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
• Lightweight clothing

Instructions

1. Purchase sturdy, high-quality luggage. These pieces should withstand harsh weather, including the salt-laden breeze, without significant wear.

2. Have plenty of film and/or memory cards for your camera. Depending on what part of Jamaica you'll be visiting, there may be a limited availability of this equipment, and you want to be able to capture every moment.

3. Bring plenty of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. The Jamaican sun's rays will be harsher on your foreign skin, even if you are naturally darker, and therefore more damaging to the skin all over your body.

4. Buy or borrow a generous length of mosquito netting. The netting should be large enough to form a comfortable canopy over your bed in Jamaica and will guard greatly against repeated bug biting during the night.

5. Select lightweight, light-colored clothing when packing for Jamaica instead of heavy or dark fabrics. Darker colors absorb more heat and will not feel comfortable against your body. Lighter-weight clothing will dry faster in the event of a sudden thunderstorm.

Tips & Warnings

• Rolling your pants, shirts and underwear instead of folding them on top of each other will save tons of space in your luggage. It also makes it easier to select an item without having to pull everything out to find it.

• Invest in bug spray, especially if you are staying near or on a Jamaican coast. Mosquitoes are the worst at night.

• Don't overpack. Not only are you taking up space that should be reserved for souvenirs, you also may be costing yourself extra in the form of a luggage weight violation.

• Do not attempt to smuggle illegal substances, such as marijuana, in or out of the country. This could land you in prison.

Resources

• Mosquito Nets: Purchase Low-Cost Mosquito Netting