Packing For A Tropical Getaway

If you are lucky enough to be visiting a tropical place like Seychelles this year, you will find this packing advice to be particularly helpful. It is not a comprehensive packing list, more general guidance that will ensure that you pack wisely for what is likely a very different climate from the one you are used to.

The right holiday dresses

Dresses are great for wearing while on holiday. They are comfortable and cool to wear during the day because they let the air circulate. Most summer dresses are also smart and classy enough to wear for a meal out, in a nice restaurant. There are plenty to choose from. For example, Fashion World stocks dozens of them.

However, for a tropical climate, you need to choose your dresses carefully. Ideally, you want something that is made from a fabric like cotton, which enables your skin to breathe naturally and wicks moisture away from the skin. 

Bamboo, hemp, and linen are also a good choice, which is fortuitous because all of these fabrics are coming back into fashion. The fact that these are relatively environmentally friendly fabrics appeals to a lot of modern consumers.

Shorts and tees

Most of the day it is going to be quite hot, so you are going to want to wear clothing that is cut to keep you cool. It is best to opt for loose-fitting clothing rather than something that hugs the body. This allows more air to circulate, which will help to keep your skin relatively dry.

Wear colors that reflect the sun

It is best to avoid dark colors when travelling to a tropical climate. These will not reflect the sun, which can leave you feeling uncomfortably hot.

Choose lightweight fabrics

Avoid heavy-duty fabrics like denim. Instead, opt for poplin or seersucker. Lightweight fabrics will keep you cooler and dry faster when you end up sweating. The more open weaves are usually the best option.

Protect yourself from the sun

It is really important to pack a broad-brimmed hat, good sunglasses, and high factor sun cream.

An unlined lightweight coat

For the evenings, it can be good idea to have a lightweight cotton or linen coat available to put on just in case you start to feel cold. Make sure that it does not have a manmade lining. It is typically cooler in the evenings, which is why a coat or shawl is a good idea. But, certain areas of you, for example, under your arms will still get hot. So, you need the material your coat is made from to allow your skin to continue to breathe.

There are certain times in the year where there isn’t a huge difference in temperature from day to night. But, you can be certain there will be air con blasting in your hotel room and in indoor restaurants. It can also feel great to put something long sleeved on after a day in the sun!

If you are not used to buying, wearing and caring for these types of fabrics, I suggest you read this article before you travel. It tells you everything you need to know to make sure that your clothes stay in good condition and continue to look nice.

Packing for a trip with a toddler

If you are planning to travel with a toddler, you may enjoy reading this post and find it helpful. I wrote it a few years ago when we took a trip to Sri Lanka with Arthur, who was only 3 at the time. It covers most of what you need to know.

If you are looking at coming to Seychelles with your little one, be sure to check out my tips for taking babies or toddlers to the Seychelles

Arghhh this picture of Arthur has given me all of the feels. Look how tiny he was!!!