I love tropical vacations and day trips are always one of the most fun and exciting parts. However, it can be difficult to know what to pack for a tropical day trip in order to stay clean, dry and comfortable. Without a packing list, you’re bound to forget at least one essential item which is why I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re touring around Chiang Mai or roaming around South Africa, here’s everything you need to pack for a tropical day trip to remember.

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Wallet 

Let’s start with the most obvious: you don’t want to be out and about without your wallet. Stick to the basics: cash, credit card and a form of ID. Leave your library card behind.

Hand Sanitizer 

Let’s be real: COVID-19 is still very much a threat. Be sure to pack – and regularly use – hand sanitizer when you’re out and about. 

Mask

Again, it’s always best to be prepared and protected. Here are some of my favorite stylish mask brands – check out this post for more inspiration.

Travel First Aid Kit

It’s best to be prepared when you’re exploring. You never know when you might need a travel first aid kit, so make sure you have one in your day bag.

Power Bank 

Your phone is your camera, navigator and all-powerful information resource… so make sure you’ve got a fully-charged power bank just in case the battery dies! Choose a good quality one with plenty of power. 

Tissues 

It never hurts to have a pack of tissues handy – especially in tropical locales where toilet paper is often scarce at temples and sites of interest.

Swimsuit

You never know when you might have the chance to go for an impromptu plunge, so packing a swimsuit is always a good idea.

Travel Towel

Even if you’re not going to be swimming, dry weather is never a guarantee in a tropical country so pack a lightweight travel towel just in case. The following are good quality options which won’t take up too much room in your backpack. 

Packable Raincoat

It never hurts to have a raincoat packed away, but you don’t want a bulky one that takes up a ton of room. It’s not as if it gets cold in the tropics, so you don’t need a fur-lined jacket, just a simple, thin layer you can stash away and whip out when the rain starts to fall. 

A Change of Clothes

If you’re travelling during monsoon season, you’ll definitely want to pack a lightweight change of clothes. There’s nothing worse than getting caught in a shower and then feeling uncomfortably soggy all day. 

A Dry Bag

Dry bags are so useful for keeping your wet towels and swimwear separate from your other possessions, without having to lug an extra bag around. I highly recommend packing one for every day trip – you never know when rain is coming! 

Sun Protection

There are few things more painful, embarrassing and itchy than a sunburn. Be sure to pack a sunscreen with high SPF and decent staying power so that you don’t end up looking like last night’s lobster.

Sunglasses

Naturally, you’ll want to have your most stylish sunnies with you so that you can look fabulous whilst protecting your eyes from UV damage. 

Sunglasses Chain

Sunglasses straps and chains are a surprisingly practical new fashion trend and honestly, I’m here for it. There’s nothing worse than losing your favorite pair of sunglasses on a day trip, and it’s happened to pretty much everyone at some point. Keep them safe with chic chains like these: 

Shawl + Sarong

It’s always a good idea to have some light cover up items in your bag for visiting sites of worship. Conservative dress is often required at such places, so if you like to day trip in shorts and tank tops, pack a shawl and sarong to cover up with when necessary. 

Insulated Water Bottle

Last but not least, it’s oh-so-important to stay hydrated when traveling in tropical climes. An insulated water bottle will help to keep you cool in the sweltering temperatures. Add in some ice cubes in for extra refreshment. 

Now that you know what to pack for a tropical day trip, why not check out my carry-on packing guide or what to pack for a luxury vacation in Bali?