What to Pack for a Trip to the Caribbean
The best bikini top I've ever found, a trick for traveling with a sun hat, and an SPF coverup that's actually cute.
Every summer for the past few years, I’ve planned a trip to the Caribbean—St. Barts, Anguilla (I wrote about this dreamy hotel for Travel + Leisure), St. Martin… and this summer, Nevis. It’s the off-season, which means flights are generally cheaper and the islands are less crowded.
Packing for these types of trips is also incredibly straightforward. A couple of bathing suits—see the most flattering, supportive bikini top below—some coverups, maybe a nice dress or two, and a pair of sandals. I also like to follow a color scheme; my summer wardrobe is filled with blues and whites anyway.
The only slightly annoying part is packing sunscreen. I’ll typically have a few TSA-sized bottles on hand and purchase a big bottle at my destination.
Travel-day outfit
This outfit is a slightly tweaked from the traditional airplane uniform I shared in my last newsletter. I refuse to arrive on an island in anything heavy, but I would also never wear shorts on a plane. So I switch the jeans for linen trousers with an elastic waist, pair them with a simple tank, and I’ll throw a summer cardigan or light sweater on over my shoulders (just in case the plane is chilly). I also keep my sandals in my personal item bag (which doubles as a beach bag) and change right from my sneakers right before I disembark.
Swimsuits and coverups
I finally achieved what I believed to be impossible last year: finding a bikini top that is supportive, has back coverage, and is incredibly comfortable. The matching bottom is also amazing; it provides support around the stomach, and it doesn’t dig in anywhere. I now own this LSpace set in both black and white (and I will never purchase another bikini again). Although I may have to invest in the light blue soon…
Right before I left for Turks and Caicos last month, I snagged a couple of coverups on Amazon (I couldn’t find mine from last year). One is a simple sarong; it’s ideal for turning a bathing suit into a semi-appropriate outfit for a casual lunch. The other is an SPF tunic—perfect if I’m heading somewhere on a boat.
A sun hat
A sun hat (like this or this) is a must-have for me. Summer in the Caribbean is hot, and the UV index frequently reaches or exceeds nine. I usually go for a hat with a strap, and I’m a big fan of a hat clip—so I don’t have to carry the hat in my hand while in transit.
Sundresses
Admittedly, I have a solid rotation of sundresses, and I’ll add a few new ones each year. My favorite Mara Hoffman dress is now discontinued (one size here, though!), but I have one rule for any sundress I bring to the Caribbean: It can’t require a bra. I love a halter dress (like this white one from Tuckernuck), a flowy dress that’s a bit more supportive in the bust (like this blue and white dress from Apiece Apart), or one that’s super oversized (this Frank & Eileen dress doubles as a coverup).
I love the look of that halter dress BUT the info says nothing about any built in bra. What do those of us do who wear a D or larger cup size? You recommend this as a good no bra alternative but this is not it. Please do a run down of good sun dresses with built in bras for us bustier gals.