You're all booked and ready to head to Central America for the trip of a lifetime, but you've never been to the tropics before and you're wondering if the two pairs of shorts, flip-flops, and a tank top is everything you'll need for the week. The truth is, to make the most of your tropical vacation there are some packing essentials that will maximize your enjoyment and comfort.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS
ITEM 1: SUNSCREEN
We have all been there... you're having a blast with at the beach with the family playing a lively game of ultimate frisbee or just relaxing reading a good book and you lose track of time. Next thing you know, you're looking like a shrimp cocktail. Our tropical beaches provide a warm laid back environment filled with salt air and coconuts, and it's easy to spend a little too much time in the sun. Make sure you don't spend your trip sleeping in your bed like a burnt mummy, or smothering yourself in aloe every 5 minutes because you didn't use sunscreen the first day. We recommend natural, reef-safe sunscreens like Acao Sunscreen an organic locally produced product that smells like dark chocolate!
ITEM 2: A GOOD HAT / SUNGLASSES
For hiking, lounging, fishing, or any other outdoor activity you need a good hat and a pair of sunglasses to keep that sun off your face and eyes. You will enjoy the natural beauty around you 100% more if you're not squinting at everything you see.
ITEM 3: LIGHT, LONG SLEEVE CLOTHING
Long pants and long sleeve shirts will make your experience way more pleasant by keeping the sun and the bugs off your skin whether you are out fishing or 3 piña coladas deep in a hammock listening to the sound of the ocean. Make sure that the materials are breathable and light to keep you cool in all conditions. If you find yourself in Cambutal and didn't bring the right clothes to maximize your vacation relaxation, stop in at Cambutique for all your tropical accessory needs.
ITEM 4: BUG SPRAY
We are blessed in Panama to be surrounded by natural tropical beauty, but unfortunately, we don't get to choose which part of nature comes with the package. While bugs are rarely an issue during the dry season (December - May) they can be a nuisance while exploring hidden jungle waterfalls or at night on the porch of your hillside bungalow. Make sure they don't put a damper on your vacation by bringing some bug spray for protection.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Clothes
4 pairs of shorts/skirts
4 shirts
3 bathing suits
1 "nice" outfit
8 pairs underwear
1 raincoat
1 set of exercise clothes (sports bra, gym shorts)
Electronics
Shoes
Flip-Flops
Hiking Shoes
Others
Small thin towel
Snorkel and goggles
Toiletries
Body wash
Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
Body and face moisturizer
Tan oil
Toothbrush and paste
Nail clippers
Deodorant
Hair ties
Hairbrush
First aid
Bandaids
Paracetamol
Hydralyte
Food bug pills
Prescriptions
Insect bite cream
Travel Needs
Passport
Travel documents
Health insurance
Cash
License