The Ultimate Caribbean Packing Checklist

A great Caribbean vacation starts with a great packing list. This checklist works for Punta Cana, Cancun, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and every future Festopia destination — from tropical beach days to nightlife nights. Copy it into your notes app, print it, or check off the items directly on this page.

Last updated: July 2026.

Table of contents

• How to use this checklist
• Travel documents
• Money and cards
• Carry-on essentials
• Clothing
• Swimwear
• Shoes
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen and sun protection
• Electronics
• Chargers and adapters
• Medication
• Beach items
• Rainy-weather items
• Nightlife outfits
• Excursion gear
• Items for group trips
• Items travelers often forget
• Items not to pack
• Last-minute departure checklist

How to use this checklist

Print or screenshot the full list, then remove items that don't apply to your trip type (family, couple, birthday group, girls trip). Adjust quantities to match trip length — 1 outfit per day plus 2 extra is a reasonable baseline.

Travel documents

• [ ] Passport (valid; check airline validity requirements)
• [ ] Photocopy of passport (stored separately)
• [ ] Digital passport backup (cloud + email)
• [ ] Visa (if required)
• [ ] Printed and digital E-Ticket QR codes (Dominican Republic) — see our DR entry requirements guide
• [ ] Flight itineraries + return-ticket proof
• [ ] Hotel/resort confirmations
• [ ] Excursion vouchers
• [ ] Travel insurance policy details
• [ ] Driver's license (if renting a car)
• [ ] TSA PreCheck / Global Entry card
• [ ] Emergency contacts list (paper backup)
• [ ] Kids' documents (birth certificates if traveling with minors)

Money and cards

• [ ] Two credit cards (Visa or Mastercard preferred)
• [ ] One debit card
• [ ] Cash — small denominations for tips (see our money guide)
• [ ] Backup card in room safe
• [ ] Travel-friendly wallet or crossbody bag
• [ ] Money belt (optional; useful for excursions)
• [ ] Currency conversion app on phone

Carry-on essentials

• [ ] Passport + documents
• [ ] Phone + charger
• [ ] Headphones
• [ ] Change of clothes (in case checked bag is delayed)
• [ ] Swimsuit (start your first day poolside even if bag doesn't arrive)
• [ ] Snacks
• [ ] Reusable water bottle (empty through security, fill after)
• [ ] Medications
• [ ] Sunglasses
• [ ] Book or tablet
• [ ] Light jacket or hoodie (flights are cold)
• [ ] Toiletries kit (TSA-compliant)

Clothing

• [ ] Lightweight tops (breathable cotton or linen)
• [ ] Shorts / skirts
• [ ] One casual outfit per day
• [ ] 2 dinner outfits (some resorts have dress codes)
• [ ] Coverup / kaftan
• [ ] Athletic wear for the resort gym
• [ ] Pajamas / sleepwear
• [ ] Underwear (1 per day + 2 extra)
• [ ] Socks (mostly for flights and excursions)
• [ ] Light cardigan or long sleeves (evenings, over-air-conditioned restaurants)

Swimwear

• [ ] 2–3 swimsuits (rotate so one is dry)
• [ ] Rashguard (recommended for excursions and long snorkel days)
• [ ] Coverup
• [ ] Beach hat
• [ ] Sunglasses

Shoes

• [ ] Flip-flops (pool/beach)
• [ ] Sandals (upgraded, dinner-appropriate)
• [ ] Water shoes (Hoyo Azul, rocky beaches, catamaran)
• [ ] Sneakers (excursions, walking, ATV)
• [ ] Nightlife shoes (heels or dress shoes)

Toiletries

• [ ] Toothbrush + toothpaste
• [ ] Deodorant
• [ ] Face wash + moisturizer
• [ ] Shampoo/conditioner (resorts often provide but quality varies)
• [ ] Body wash
• [ ] Razor
• [ ] Hair styling tools (check voltage compatibility)
• [ ] Contact lenses + solution
• [ ] Backup glasses
• [ ] Feminine hygiene products
• [ ] Nail file/clippers
• [ ] Small first-aid items (bandages, antiseptic)

Sunscreen and sun protection

• [ ] Reef-safe SPF 30+ (both face and body)
• [ ] SPF lip balm
• [ ] After-sun aloe
• [ ] Sun hat (wide brim)
• [ ] Sunglasses with UV protection
• [ ] UPF long-sleeve shirt (for extended sun days)

Electronics

• [ ] Phone
• [ ] Camera (optional)
• [ ] Waterproof phone pouch
• [ ] Kindle / tablet
• [ ] Portable speaker (respectfully)
• [ ] Portable battery pack
• [ ] Headphones
• [ ] Laptop (only if genuinely needed)

Chargers and adapters

• [ ] Phone charger + cord
• [ ] Extra USB cord
• [ ] Charging block with multiple ports
• [ ] Portable power bank
• [ ] Travel adapter — the Dominican Republic uses US Type A/B plugs (120V), same as the US. Mexico and Jamaica are also Type A/B. The Bahamas is Type A/B.
• [ ] Waterproof phone case

Medication

• [ ] Prescription meds (in original containers, in carry-on)
• [ ] Doctor's note for controlled substances
• [ ] Pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• [ ] Anti-diarrheal (Imodium)
• [ ] Antihistamine
• [ ] Rehydration salts / electrolyte tablets
• [ ] Motion-sickness tablets (for boat excursions)
• [ ] Bug repellent (DEET or picaridin)
• [ ] Anti-itch cream
• [ ] Any personal supplements

Beach items

• [ ] Beach bag (mesh preferred — sand drains)
• [ ] Beach towel (many resorts provide)
• [ ] Waterproof pouch for phone/cards
• [ ] Book or Kindle
• [ ] Snorkel gear (bring or rent)
• [ ] Portable fan
• [ ] Reusable water bottle

Rainy-weather items

• [ ] Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
• [ ] Dry-bag for electronics
• [ ] Quick-drying clothing
• [ ] Extra shoes

Hurricane season runs June–November. See our Punta Cana Weather by Month guide for what to expect when.

Nightlife outfits

• [ ] 1–2 club-appropriate outfits (dress codes are common — no beachwear)
• [ ] Comfortable but stylish shoes
• [ ] Small crossbody bag
• [ ] Light scarf/shawl (air conditioning)

Excursion gear

• [ ] Small backpack
• [ ] Closed-toe shoes (ATV, hiking)
• [ ] Bandana or gaiter (dust/sun)
• [ ] Swimsuit under clothes
• [ ] Cash for tips
• [ ] Waterproof pouch
• [ ] Snorkel gear (optional)
• [ ] GoPro or waterproof camera

See our Best Excursions in Punta Cana guide for gear-specific tips.

Items for group trips

• [ ] Matching outfits (birthday sashes, custom tees)
• [ ] Instant camera or Polaroid
• [ ] Portable speaker
• [ ] Decorations for room reveal
• [ ] Group folder with itineraries
• [ ] Prepaid drinks/celebration package confirmations

Items travelers often forget

• [ ] Ear plugs (thin resort walls)
• [ ] Eye mask
• [ ] Chapstick
• [ ] Extra hair ties
• [ ] Small umbrella
• [ ] Chargers (yes, again)
• [ ] Sunscreen (yes, again)
• [ ] Ziploc bags (wet swimsuits, snacks)
• [ ] Laundry-detergent sheets for quick washes
• [ ] Backup contacts / glasses
• [ ] A pen (for landing cards)

Items not to pack

• [ ] Excessive valuables or heirloom jewelry
• [ ] Illegal substances
• [ ] Drones (many resorts and some countries restrict them)
• [ ] Bulky beach towels (resorts provide)
• [ ] Hair dryer (usually in the room)
• [ ] Full-size toiletries (miniaturize)
• [ ] More than 2 pairs of jeans

Last-minute departure checklist

• [ ] Passport + wallet + phone
• [ ] Charge devices
• [ ] Screenshot boarding pass
• [ ] Confirm airport transfer time
• [ ] Empty water bottle before security
• [ ] Snacks packed
• [ ] Meds in carry-on
• [ ] Turn off water heater / lock house
• [ ] Pet care confirmed
• [ ] Auto-pay bills scheduled
• [ ] Cancel deliveries or hold mail
• [ ] Notify credit-card companies of travel dates

Bonus: Copy-paste version

``` CARIBBEAN PACKING CHECKLIST

Documents: passport, E-Ticket, insurance, IDs Money: 2 credit cards, debit, cash (mix of $1, $5, $10) Carry-on: docs, meds, phone, chargers, headphones, snacks, swimsuit Clothing: 1 outfit/day + 2 extra, 2 dinner outfits, coverup, workout Swimwear: 2-3 suits, rashguard, coverup, hat, sunglasses Shoes: flip-flops, sandals, water shoes, sneakers, nightlife Toiletries: full basics + first-aid Sun: reef-safe SPF 30+, aloe, lip balm, hat Electronics: phone, camera, waterproof pouch, power bank, adapter (Type A/B for DR) Meds: Rx + Imodium + electrolytes + motion-sickness + repellent Beach: mesh bag, dry pouch, book, snorkel Excursions: closed-toe shoes, cash, waterproof case Group extras: sashes, tees, camera, speaker Often forgotten: earplugs, eye mask, chargers, ziplocs, umbrella Skip: heirloom jewelry, drones, bulky towels, jeans ```

FAQs

Can I bring sunscreen through security? Only TSA-compliant sizes (3.4 oz) in carry-on. Full-size in checked bag.

What plug adapter do I need for the Caribbean? Type A/B (US-style) works for Dominican Republic, Mexico (Cancun), Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

Are towels provided at resorts? Yes. Bring a small microfiber towel for excursions if you want backup.

Do I need cash? Yes — small US bills for tips. See our money guide.

Is bug repellent necessary? Yes, especially during rainy season or if you're near mangroves/countryside.

Any Caribbean-specific dress codes? Many all-inclusive à la carte restaurants require "elegant casual" — no swimwear, no tank tops for men. Bring a collared shirt or a sundress.

Can I use my hair dryer? Voltage in the DR, Mexico, and most Caribbean islands is 110–120V (same as US). Dual-voltage tools work; single-voltage European tools need a converter.

Should I pack for hurricane season? If traveling June–November, yes — pack a light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, and a dry-bag.

Bottom line

Print this list, cross off what doesn't apply, and pack from the top down. The most-forgotten items are chargers, extra sunscreen, and ziploc bags — start there. Traveling with a group? Festopia sends a curated pre-trip checklist so no one shows up missing the essentials.