🏝️ The Ultimate Checklist for Travel to the Caribbean
White sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, and vibrant island culture—there’s nothing quite like a Caribbean getaway. But before you swap your shoes for sandals and jump on that plane, it’s essential to make sure you’re fully prepared.
Whether you’re heading to Saint Lucia, Grenada, or other OECS islands, this ultimate travel checklist has you covered from passport to power adapter.
✅ 1. Travel Documents
Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining)
Return or onward ticket
Visa (if required) for your nationality
- Travel insurance document
Accommodation confirmations
Driver’s license (and international driver’s permit, if renting a car)
Pro Tip: Keep digital copies of all your documents stored securely on your phone or cloud.
🏨 2. Accommodation & Transport
Hotel or villa booking confirmation
Airport transfers arranged (consider pre-booking with local providers)
Local transportation plan (car rental, taxis,)
Maps or offline navigation apps downloaded (especially with car rental)
💵 3. Money Matters
Sufficient local currency (EC Dollars for OECS islands)
US dollars are widely accepted at varying rates from $1=2.50/2.60. Bring smaller bills as some places do not accept $100 notes.
Credit/debit cards (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted)
Notify your bank of international travel
Budget for activities, dining, tips, and souvenirs
Note: ATMs are available in most populated areas, but remote destinations may have limited access.
🧳 4. Packing Essentials
Clothing:
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Swimwear (more than one set!)
Water shoes or sandals
Light rain jacket or poncho (tropical showers are common)
Casual evening wear (some resorts and restaurants have dress codes)
Health & Safety:
Reef-safe sunscreen
Insect repellent
Prescription medications
Basic first aid kit
Motion sickness remedies (for windy roads and boat trips)
Electronics:
Mobile phone & charger
Power bank
Travel adapter (Caribbean countries generally use 220V or 110V, depending on the island)
Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag for water activities
🏖️ 5. Beach & Adventure Gear
Snorkel gear (optional—many tours provide)
Travel towel (most hotels/villa have beach towels for guest use)
Refillable water bottle
Waterproof camera or GoPro
Backpack or daypack
🍴 6. Food & Cultural Prep
List of must-try local dishes (e.g., callaloo, saltfish & green figs, oil down)
Schedule for food tours, cooking classes, or market visits
Small gift or souvenir from home (nice touch if staying with locals)
📱 7. Connectivity
International roaming plan, eSIM or local SIM card options
Download WhatsApp (widely used across the Caribbean)
Offline entertainment for flights or ferry rides
🎯 8. Pre-Departure Checklist
Confirm all bookings at least 48 hours before departure
Check the weather forecast
Arrange pet/house care if needed
Set auto-responses on work email
Re-check baggage allowances and restrictions
🌞 Ready to Relax?
Once you’ve ticked all these boxes, you’re ready to dive into the magic of the Caribbean. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Saint Lucia, relaxing on Grand Anse Beach in Grenada, or island-hopping across the OECS, being well-prepared means more time enjoying and less time stressing.
✈️ Book Your Caribbean Travel Experience
Ready to go? Visit www.cardibook.com to book airport arrival and departure fast track, lounge access, transfers, island tours, and more—curated just for your Caribbean escape.
