You just arrived in a tropical paradise and are unzipping your suitcase with two goals: relax and explore a new place! Your plans for the rest of the afternoon and first day of vacation? Exploring the city, possibly hike, find something local and fresh to eat and then go for a night swim. The last thing you want to do is waste time thinking about what you’re going to wear!
smaller bag = less emission output = happier planet
I travel to the tropics a few times a year and I like to pack as minimally as possible. Packing minimally is key for any conscious consumer. The weight and amount of luggage you bring contributes to the overall weight of the plane. The weight of the plane determines how much fuel it burns, which ultimately impacts the amount of CO2 that’s emitted into our air. So, smaller bag = less emission output = happier planet. I can confidently say I have perfected the perfect minimalist packing list for the adventure maximizer.
Every minute on vacation is precious, and if you take a lot of pictures it’s important to wear something adventure friendly and stylish in the case you come across an amazing opportunity to shoot. Gotta do it for the gram, amiright?? This is how I pack under 15 items on my coastal adventures.
Necessities for the best tropical vacation:
2 tops
- 1 cotton tank for the plane. Style tucked in, tied up or for coverage on a hike
- 1 nicer top. Style with pants at dinner or shorts during the day in the city (I love the Hermosa Tie-Back Top from Vegan Resort Wear)
2 bottoms
- 1 pant. Style dressed up at night or down to the beach. These are my favorite from Vegan Resort Wear, I also love these from Matter Prints
- 1 short. Style for walking around the city during the day or down to the beach. The paper bag style is the only style of shorts I wear now, these are my current favorites.
2 two-piece swimsuits
Style for swimming, use the tops as sports bras or wear as a crop top during the day. I like to bring two suits to allow time for air drying, but you can definitely get away with just bringing one!
1 one-piece swimsuit
Style for swimming and as a bodysuit with pants or shorts.
1 pair of active leggings or shorts
Style for comfort on the plane, exercising/hiking. I recommend wearing long leggings in the rainforest for protection against mosquitos. My favorite leggings are these classic ones from Girlfriend Collective made from recycled water bottles!
3 pairs of shoes
- 1 pair of tennis shoes for the plane and hiking
- 1 pair of Tevas or any waterproof sandal/shoe. Wear for watersports, protection against urchins, casual walking, and hiking in wet or muddy areas
- 1 pair of comfortable heeled sandals to style at night and nice dinners. I love my ethically made Nisolos.
1 robe
Style for sleeping in, as a kimono/light jacket or cover up at the beach. This one is my favorite from Miakoda NY!
1 maxi dress or romper or jumpsuit
Wear to a nice dinner or night out dancing. Or style by layering a tied tank top or nice top over it for another outfit.
Under garments and socks
Ironically, don’t skimp here!
Accessories
Style to elevate and make any outfit look more chic. I prefer wearing gold or plated gold jewelry because it keeps from tarnishing. Etsy is a great place to get ethically made pieces.
Eco-fashion tip: I personally prefer linen because it’s (1) biodegradable, breathable, quick to dry and is perfect for humid environments and (2) the only fabric that actually looks good when wrinkled
These are the guiding principles that I use for all of my trips. Depending on where you’re going pieces can be replaced, like a coat for a robe, or hiking boots for waterproof sandals. It’s the perfect combination of items to look eco-chic 100% of the time.
xo,
P.S. love what I’m wearing? Use my code “SHAE20” for 20% off your entire order at Vegan Resort Wear.
Thank you, Vegan Resort Wear, for sponsoring this post! As always all opinions, suggestions, reviews are my own.