9 Insider Packing Tips for Your Trip to Negril
You have a trip to Negril coming up! Fantastic choice. Negril is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the amazing vibes of Jamaica.
Plus, it’s on the western-most tip of the island… hello beautiful sunsets every night!! You’ve got crystal clear water and the Seven Mile Beach to look forward to. What a dream.
But before you get there, you have to pack! If you’re anything like me, you’re researching your destination like crazy and triple checking your packing list to make sure you have everything you need.
Beyond the classic essentials for international travel (passport, prescription medication, alert your bank you’ll be abroad), I’ve created a list of the essentials I always have for my trips to Negril.
Sunscreen
First things first, take care of your skin! After a particularly nasty sunburn years ago, I’ve become a sunscreen fanatic. Not only do I diligently protect my skin, but I’ve been through countless sunscreens to find my favorites.
When traveling to a tropical location like Jamaica, it’s important to purchase reef friendly sunscreen. Let’s go environmentally conscious traveler with lush skin!
If you can’t stand the heavy, lotion feel of most sunscreens, let me introduce you to Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen. This sunscreen goes on smoothly and dries with a powdery finish. You truly can’t feel it after a few seconds!
Not only is this sunscreen reef friendly, but it is also the perfect size for travel. It’s easy to slip into any bag (including your carry-on), and with SPF 40, you’ve got perfect protection that also lets you get a tan.
Given the higher price point of Supergoop, I like to pair it with SunBum products. SunBum offers a wide variety of sunscreen types including lotions, sprays, face mists, sticks, and even a scalp sunscreen!
The UV will be incredibly high in Negril, so if you’re planning to style your hair with any skin showing (I’m looking at you, French braids), I would definitely recommend that spray.
Big bonus: you can find SunBum products at your local grocery store, Target, or Walmart in addition to Amazon.
Bug Lotion / Spray
On the topic of skincare, let’s address the pesky elephant in the room – bugs. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than massive, itchy bug bites.
Like most beachy spots, Negril is home to mosquitoes and sand flies, especially around sunset when you’ll likely be walking the beach and soaking up the views.
You’ve come all this way, you deserve to keep your head in the clouds instead of swatting at bugs!
You already know I’m big on taking care of my skin, so it goes without saying that I can’t stand using DEET. The texture, the smell, the fact that it melts plastics – not for me.
Even essential oils-based bug sprays go on oily and are not pleasant to touch. Instead, I prefer using products that use picaridin as the main ingredient.
Picaridin is as effective as DEET (if not more so), is odorless, and goes onto the skin with a light feeling. My favorite product is Boogie Insect Repellent Lotion. It boasts up to 14 hours of protection from mosquitoes, and 8 hours of protection from sand flies.
I recommend filling a travel-sized bottle of the lotion to bring in your carry-on or pop in your bag for a day trip. If bug spray is more up your alley, OFF! has a picaridin-based spray that feels a lot better than DEET and offers 8 hours of mosquito protection.
Mini Portable Fan
Here’s the truth – it’s going to be hot in Negril. For the moments when you won’t be in the water or are without AC, I highly recommend bringing a portable, rechargeable mini fan like this or this.
It’s nice to have your own breeze at the ready to make sure you’re always comfortable during your stay! You never know when an unexpected hot moment might sneak up on you.
Face Handkerchief
The other piece of heat management is your sweat. If I’m sweating up a storm, there is a 100% chance I’m distracted and uncomfortable.
Sweat is unavoidable if you’re spending lots of time outside in Negril, so having a good kerchief to wipe yourself off is an absolute gift that future you will be grateful for.
While you could carry a classic cotton bandana, I find that cotton fabric will get wet and stay wet. Not exactly the most pleasant experience to have a wet rag in your bag or pocket.
My go-to is the Dryki Sweat Absorbing Handkerchief. These are made from microfiber material and easily wipe off any unwanted sweat. They also dry quickly – a big plus when you’re in a humid climate.
Insulated Water Bottle
Easy access to cold water in the heat is an absolute must. Whether you’re taking day trips, laying on the beach, or hanging by the pool, you don’t want to think twice about a refreshing sip of water.
This insulated bottle will keep your drink cold for up to 24 hours, is leakproof, and has a collapsable straw. It’s easy to hold by the top handle, and you can pop it in the dishwasher when you get home.
If you’re going to buy a metal bottle like the one I linked, I also recommend a silicone cover for the bottom. It’ll protect your bottle from getting banged up, and will provide extra stability when you’re setting it down.
Maybe you’re a Stanley cup fan that prefers a handle on the side for your cup. A big downside to the Quencher is you can’t just throw it in your bag and hit the road without making a big mess.
BruMate makes a bottle similar to the classic Stanley, with one big improvement. It’s leakproof! The Era cup comes in two sizes – 30oz or 40 oz. A cute color like this would pair perfectly with a beach vacation and look gorgeous against the blue ocean background.
Portable Phone Charger
Whether you’re using it during your travels or at the beach, there’s nothing like having a reliable power source so your devices are always at the ready.
My favorite electronics brand is Anker. Their portable charger has never let me down, and is equipped with fast charging technology. The design is slim, making it easy to bring with you wherever you go.
Bonus tip: their charging heads are also fantastic and will power your devices fast as heck! This one can even charge a 13” 2020 MacBook Pro.
Beach Chic!
Now for the fun part! No trip to Negril is complete without at least 2 swim suits, your favorite cover ups, and a beach bag. Let’s get into it.
Gorgeous Beach Clothes
You’ll want your clothes to be lightweight and cute. Why not romaticize your trip with incredible outfits?
Bring out your main character energy and wear whatever will make you feel amazing on the beach! I love to wear a sarong that can be tied into at least 5 different looks so I can switch it up.
Feeling that light fabric blowing in the breeze while I walk along the shore is unparalleled. You’ll be relaxed, on top of the world, and looking your best!
Another fun, stylish choice is a two piece set in bold, tropical colors and prints. No color looks bad on the beach, and it will be perfect to wear to nice meal. It will also photograph stunningly.
Beach Bag
A beach bag of any sort is another must. Woven bags are super cute and are a perfect beach accessory. I like to use a thick, cotton tote that can hold a towel, sunscreen, bug lotion, my mini fan, a water bottle, and a portable charger.
Pro tip: bring a few Ziplocks in various sizes with you. I always carry at least one sandwich bag with me to stash my phone and keep it safe from the sand and water.
Swim Suits
Most important is your collection of swim suits. I recommend bringing at least two of your favorites. Remember, Negril is hot and humid. It’s not always a guarantee that your suit will be dry the next morning. And besides, who doesn’t like to have at least two suits to choose from?
If you really want to lean into the Jamaican vibe, pack suits that are green, yellow, black, and red. The Jamaican flag is green, yellow, and black, and the rasta colors are green, yellow, and red. One love, many swim suits.
As with any trip, save room for cute souvenirs. Negril vendors will have a wide variety of items, including swim suits, mesh coverups, bracelets, carved wooden items, and much much more.
Pack Up and Get Here!
With all of this in your suitcase, you’re sure to have a fantastic trip in Negril! And since you’ve come all this way with your cute swim suits and favorite beachwear, why not schedule a portrait session with a local photographer?
You’ve trusted me this far, now let me capture beautiful moments of you on vacation that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
A photography session is so much more than just the photos. It’s the chance to unplug and connect with the moment, those with you, and the peace in Negril.
You’ve wandered, let me capture your glow. Click here to schedule a free consultation!
