20 Things Students Need to Pack for One-Week Tropical Vacation

December 22nd, 2022 by Swati in Travel

Winter break is a very exciting time for students. After you’re done with your exams and all the stress that comes with them, you are finally free to travel and have fun. Many choose to see their families during the holidays, while others opt for a tropical vacation. Both are great options for students as you get time to recharge, refresh, and reset, whether it’s with family, friends, or alone on a beach.

While there’s still some time left till the coveted vacay, you might still be struggling with assignments thinking, ‘who can write my essay for me so I can plan my vacay?’ As you deal with those final assignments, we are going to help you figure out what to pack for your trip.

If you live in a colder climate, it’s only natural you’d want to travel to a warmer place, even if it’s just for a week. Many choose this option to escape the constant cold. As little as a few days near the sea can give you the vitamin D we all miss so much during the colder months and a longer-lasting good mood along with it.

If you opt for a low-cost flight, which is what most students would do, you need to pack light and not overstep your limits. Otherwise, you’d have to pay a hefty fee for oversized luggage, and no one wants that.

So, without further ado, let’s get into the 20 essentials you need to pack for an unforgettable vacation.

Table of Contents

Clothes

Let’s start with the most obvious thing: clothes. When traveling from one season to another, many of us get lost and can’t seem to remember what we wore during the hot months.

In a tropical location, the weather is often warm and humid, so you’ll want to pack lightweight, breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable. Avoid packing heavy fabrics like denim, which can be uncomfortable in hot weather.

Depending on the duration of your stay, you’ll need the following:

flip-flops or sandals;
2-3 shorts or skirts;
3-5 T-shirts or tops, depending on your personal preference;
one classier top & bottom (make sure they match!);
a pair of comfy sneakers that matches every outfit;
swimsuit;
hat.

The reason this list doesn’t mention outerwear is that if you want to save as much luggage space as possible, you might just wear the bulkiest items as you travel. This way, they won’t take up any of that precious space in your backpack, and you’ll still have something to wear on chilly evenings.

You can also wear your most comfortable shoes and just have one pair with you so that they don’t take up any room in your carry-on.

If you travel from a place that is too cold and you just have to wear a winter jacket to get from home to the airport, we have a life hack for you. Get a friend to drop you off and pick you up from the airport. If they have a car, you can change in it and leave your winter clothes with the said friend. Then, you won’t have to sweat all through the journey and carry your useless winter clothes around.

Toiletries

One of the most vital things you need to pack for a sunny destination is sunscreen. Unfortunately, many people tend to forget about it and end up sunburnt. Not only is this uncomfortable and painful, but sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer.

So, before leaving, go to your local drugstore and get yourself a bottle of good SPF. Make sure the protection factor is 50. Any number less than that gives you more chances of getting burned, and anything beyond makes little difference, as no sunscreen can protect you from 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Keep in mind that you have to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Yes, even if it’s cloudy.

Now that the most important thing is dealt with, we can move on to other hygiene products. Here’s a list of things you might need for a one-week vacation:

toothbrush & toothpaste;
deodorant;
shampoo and conditioner (the latter is optional and depends on your hair type);
soap or body wash;
razor and shaving cream (if you plan on shaving);
floss;
lip balm;
makeup (if you use it);
nail clippers (not all airlines allow them, so check the regulations);
feminine hygiene products (if applicable).

It’s a good idea to pack travel-sized versions of these items to save space in your luggage. You can also consider buying travel-sized toiletries when you arrive at your destination to save space in your luggage.

If you’re short on money, buy travel-size containers and pack the items you already have at home into those containers. This way, you won’t have to spend any extra cash on mini versions of products that can add up to be quite costly.

It’s important to remember that different countries and regions may have different regulations about the size and quantity of toiletries that you can bring with you, so it’s a good idea to do some research before you pack.

If you’re going to a tropical location, make sure to bring insect repellent. Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance in tropical locations, so it’s a good idea to bring along something to keep them at bay.

Accessories

If you’re planning on spending time at the beach or pool, you’ll need to pack at least one swimsuit. Consider bringing along a few different options so that you have something to wear each day. Of course, that only applies if you have extra space. However, swimsuits don’t take that much of it and can also be worn as tops.

Sunglasses are a must. Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays is just as important as protecting your skin. Opt for high-quality, more expensive sunglasses, as those will last longer and serve you better. Ensure they have UV protection; otherwise, they are pretty useless.

A beach towel is essential for drying off after a swim or lounging on the sand. Look for a towel that is lightweight and quick-drying, so it won’t take up too much space in your luggage. There are great microfiber options made for camping – they are thin, highly absorbent, and dry in a matter of minutes. Your local camping or sports equipment store should have many options to choose from.

Consider taking a reusable water bottle with you. It’s important to stay hydrated in a tropical location, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Bring along a reusable water bottle so you can easily stay hydrated throughout the day. There are many bottles that can be clipped to a backpack strap, so they won’t take up any space at all. Foldable bottles are a good option, too.