What Not to Bring on a Tropical Vacation

On a recent vacation in Caye Caulker, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico, the first time out of my native U.S., and my first trip where I could bring only one bag, I completely over-packed. Despite unpacking and re-packing three times, I still took a backpack across three countries that weighed over 60lbs! I only weigh 138lbs! In my defense, I was not the only woman who over-packed but that doesn't mean we all couldn't use a little guidance when it comes to packing. Here are my tips.

When going to a warm weather destination it is not necessary to bring a lot of clothes because the only things you will actually wear are your bathing suit, a t-shirt or tank top, a pair of shorts and flip flops or sandals. That being said, you will also wear these things repeatedly and only need another pair or two of shorts, a dress or skirt and a couple of extra tops, tanks or t-shirts.

Of course, if you are traveling during the winter months you already have a pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt or sweater just in case the weather gets cooler. Therefore, you do not need to bring an extra dress, an extra skirt, four additional pairs of shorts, two spare t-shirts and two extra pairs of flip flops. As much as you want to believe that your appearance and stock of clean clothes is essential, once you get to your destination you will quickly realize it is not important.

Also unnecessary, is two bathing suits, in addition to the one you plan to wear. One additional suit is OK, but most likely, you won't even pull it out of your bag so leave it at home.

Toiletries are a woman's true cross to bear. Don't make the same mistake I did. I brought a make-up bag full of two eye shadow palettes, mascara, blush, three lip-glosses, including chap stick, eye liner, cover-up stick and powder. I only wore the powder on the first and last days of my 11-day vacation. In tropical locations like Belize, you sweat standing still, plus you are swimming in salt water. Make-up is a joke, you do not need it and will not have a reason to wear it, but if you insist, powder, lip-gloss, blush and mascara should do it.

As for jewelry, less is definitely more. You will want pieces that are versatile and that can withstand any activity, like snorkeling, that you might be doing on whim. Also, make sure your jewelry can withstand salt water. I took six bracelets, and wore one. I took three pairs of earrings, I wore one pair.

Forget about scented lotions and perfume, unless you like being bitten by mosquitoes that could potentially be caring malaria.

Leave your blow dryer at home as well, enjoy the freedom from doing your hair and let it dry naturally in the warm tropical breeze. It's hot and muggy, and nothing ruins a hairdo faster than these elements.

If you are a runner, bring your running shoes. To avoid packing them, wear them while traveling. Try to limit your running shorts to two pairs, same with your sports bras. After your run, wash your shorts and your bra in the sink and hang them out to dry.

If you can't stand the idea of skipping a workout but don't want to pack extra clothes and shoes, rent a bicycle. You don't exactly need shoes to peddle, flip-flops work, and peddling around at a slow to moderate pace is still exercise. Swimming and walking count, too - you're on vacation after-all.

I brought two pairs of running shorts, I wore one. I brought eight pairs of socks and wore five. I brought six tank tops and wore three. I brought eight tops and wore five. I brought five pairs of casual shorts and wore three. I brought three pairs of flip-flops and wore one pair for the most part. I brought two dresses and only wore one. I actually brought my blow dryer and never took it out of my backpack. I totally over-packed and I suffered for it. Nevertheless, I also learned a very valuable lesson and had to take a lot of grief from my boyfriend and every person who tried to help me with my ridiculously heavy backpack.

In short, you will don't need as much stuff as you think you do and if your only option for carting your belongings on vacation is one bag, then it's a good idea to narrow what you need down to the nitty-gritty. In addition, you can get laundry service or do it yourself, further eliminating your need for five pairs of shorts, eight tops, your blow dryer, full make-up kit...