What to pack forBritish Virgin Islands
in December
82° / 79°F
9 days of rain this month. Sunset around 5:40pm.Typical December, from ten years of weather
9 days
of rain this month
5:40pm
sunset
Type A/B
plugs
0 of 63 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Travel insurance
Most home health plans stop at the border. A quote takes two minutes.
eSIM
An eSIM works the moment the phone is switched on in British Virgin Islands, with no SIM counter to find.
Copies of your documents
Photograph your passport, cards, and insurance. Email them to yourself. Ten seconds now saves a very bad afternoon.
Trail app
Download your trails before you lose signal.
Some cash in local currency
Cards fail more often than you'd think. Carry USD for markets and taxis.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid for British Virgin Islands. Talk to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks out.
International driving permit
Rental desks here ask for an International Driving Permit alongside your license. AAA issues them same day.
Good to know
- They drive on the left. Give yourself the first hour on quiet roads.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
Beach and water
Snorkel set
Don't have one? Check these out.
Waterproof dry bag 10–20L
Don't have one? Check these out.
Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag 35$48.73 was $65 at REIShop at REI
Goforth 10.5L Dry Bag$177 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Herschel Supply Dry Bag Backpack 32L Vermillion$130 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Wildwater 15L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$24.75 was $45 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBugs and health
Travel first aid kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit$30.95 at REIShop at REI
HART Outdoor Pocket First-Aid Kit$10.50 at REIShop at REI
Kikkerland Wilderness First-Aid Kit$12.50 at REIShop at REI
HART Outdoor Bleed Control First-Aid Kit$30.95 at REIShop at REIREI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
DEET or picaridin repellent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Ben's Eco Spray Insect Repellent - 30 Percent DEET$9.50 at REIShop at REI
Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Adventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ben's Spray Pump Insect Repellent - 30 Percent DEET$5.95 at REIShop at REIOral rehydration salts
Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Tropical Mango$19.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix - 1 Serving Salted Caramel$3.25 at REIShop at REI
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Drink Mix Salted Caramel-12 Pack Box$39.49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comAnti-diarrheal + probiotics
Don't have one? Check these out.
Permethrin-treated clothing spray
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sun and heat
Sunscreen SPF 50
Don't have one? Check these out.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Some islands fine you for the regular stuff.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Polarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smith Cheetah Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$93 was $155 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Zeal Isabelle Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$67.03 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smith Era ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$113 was $189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Zeal Bennet Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$59.60 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comWater and food
Filter water bottle
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickGrayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle$99.95 at REIShop at REI
HydraPak Breakaway+ Water Filter Bottle$50 at REIShop at REI
LifeStraw Go Series Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Filter Bottle$59.95 at REIShop at REI
LifeStraw Go Series BPA-Free Water Filter Bottle$44.95 at REIShop at REIPower and phone
Headlamp
Dark by 5:40pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job.
Don't have one? Check these out.
VPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Peak Design 65W Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at REIShop at REI
Charger Evo Lock-On Grips$27.19 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Lizard Skins Charger Evo Lock-On Grips Electric$24.58 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMoney and documents
RFID travel wallet / money belt
Don't have one? Check these out.
AirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
What to wear
Swimwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Lightweight wind jacket
Coastal wind cuts through a t-shirt fast.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Vuelta Performance Windbreaker Jacket - Women's$65 was $130 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Forclaz Men's MT500 Windbreaker Jacket$69.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket - Men's$293 was $650 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Helly Hansen Odin BC Infinity Shell Jacket - Women's$228 was $650 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSandals (sport)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Teva Women's Outflow Closed-Toe Water Sandals$74.73 was $100 at REIShop at REI
KEEN Women's Bali Strap TG Sandals$69.73 was $110 at REIShop at REI
Reef Water Vista Higher Sandal - Women's$80 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Reef Water Willow Marina Sandal - Women's$31.47 was $44.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMoisture-wicking t-shirts
Don't have one? Check these out.
SIMOND Women's Travel 500 Merino Wool T-Shirt$49.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Kiprun Men's Run 500 Dry Running T-shirt$20 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Simond Women's MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt$35 was $54.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quick Dry Short-Sleeve T-Shirt - Unisex$34.30 was $49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comNeck gaiter / buff
Don't have one? Check these out.
Turtle Fur Micro Fur Fleece Totally Tubular Neck Gaiter$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
REI Co-op Merino Wool Neck Gaiter$26.95 at REIShop at REI
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Multi-Position Hiking Neck Gaiter$17 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Smartwool Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter$25 at REIShop at REIBags
Dry bags
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOsprey Wildwater Dry Bag 35$48.73 was $65 at REIShop at REI
Osprey Packs Wildwater 15L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$24.75 was $45 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Vapor 16 Dry Bag$17.49 was $24.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comCarry-on backpack (35–45L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador SEG 45See price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Pacsafe Go Carry-On 44L Backpack Jet$180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comDaypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Carry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Waterproof phone pouch
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nice to have
You could skip every one of these
Bugs and health
Sunburn-safe insect bite relief
Don't have one? Check these out.
heat it classic Lightning Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIShop at REI
Badger Outdoor Itch Relief Stick$9.95 at REIShop at REI
heat it classic USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$29.95 at REIShop at REI
heat it pro USB-C Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Relief$49.95 at REIShop at REI
Sun and heat
Lip balm with SPF
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Money and documents
Passport holder
Don't have one? Check these out.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
What to wear
Sarong / light cover-up
Doubles as a towel, a scarf, and a cover-up where one's expected.
Don't have one? Check these out.
O'Neill Women's Saltwater Essentials Teddy Printed Mini Cover-Up Dress$43.93 was $64 at REIShop at REI
O'Neill Women's Saltwater Solids Teddy Mini Cover-up Dress$39.93 was $58 at REIShop at REI
Roxy Women's Golden Glow Cover-Up Dress$24.93 was $50 at REIShop at REI
Free Fly Women's Elevate Lightweight Cover-Up$56.73 was $84 at REIShop at REIShorts
Don't have one? Check these out.
Helly Hansen Men's HH Quick-Dry 11" Cargo Shorts$59.73 was $80 at REIShop at REI
Forclaz Men's Travel 100 Cargo Shorts$35 was $44.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua Women's MH100 Hiking Shorts$20 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Forclaz Men's Travel 900 Hiking Shorts$40 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaBags
Toiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
The basics
You own most of these. We are just making sure they make it in.
What to wear
Everyday pants
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickWild Rye Emmett Overalls$123 at Wild RyeShop at Wild Rye
Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Pant - Men's$75 was $125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ambato Wide Leg Everyday Pant - Women's$38 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Ambato Everyday Pant - Men's$57 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiThe basics
Sleepwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pendleton Pajama Set - Women's$74.63 was $99.50 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas - Men's$89.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Classic Lounge Shirt - Women's$22.73 was $64.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sundays Lounge Shirt - Men's$27.98 was $69.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comReusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Toiletries kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pelican DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging Night Shift$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Pack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comTravel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIShop at REI
Huppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
LuminAID Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Charger Evo Single Compound Grips$10.12 was $10.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comUnderwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Everyday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
REI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REIShop at REISocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickSockwell Men's Ranger Merino Socks$25.95 at SockwellShop at Sockwell
Sockwell Women's Undercover Socks$17.95 at SockwellShop at Sockwell
Kiprun Run 500 Thin No-Show Socks 2-Pack$9.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Womens Featherweight Fancy 3-Pack$98.85 at SockwellShop at SockwellPen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REIShop at REI
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShop at REI
Shokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 at REIShop at REI
JBL Tune Flex 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$110 at REIShop at REI
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Take this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.