Hold it right there, don’t pack that heavy jacket! Do you know what you should be taking on your trip to Punta Cana? It’s nothing out of the ordinary for a beach vacation, but you need to be aware of the essentials. It’s always better to be prepared than to be sorry afterward when you realize you left something at home! Don’t be scared, though, because these things are really simple, and they will make a huge difference! Here’s your packing list for Punta Cana with 7 items you’ll need for your tropical vacation.

Light clothing is at the top of your packing list for Punta Cana

I can’t say it enough! Swimsuits, light tops, and shorts will be your best friend in Punta Cana. Don’t pack anything that is too heavy because five minutes after you leave your resort you will regret it. Temperatures in Punta Cana can go as high as 88°F, and you don’t ever want to be caught wearing heavy clothing in that kind of heat! Avoid jeans and thick pants as a whole and choose shorts instead for proper ventilation. A dress is an amazing solution to all of these problems! And if you have a photo session scheduled, they will be your saving grace.

Don’t slack on style, though. Almost any bright color will be stunning in Punta Cana, but if you’re planning to take pictures by the beach be sure to get a lot of blue, green, and cream pieces to spare. Anywhere else is fair game!

Bring lots of sunscreen

You can never have too much! Because of the style of clothing you’re going for, your skin will be exposed constantly, and you need to avoid nasty burns at all costs. Remember to apply sunscreen whenever you’re going outside, and reapply often. In case you do get burned despite all your best efforts, you might want to check out the next item on the list. Besides, there is nothing worse than being all red for that photo session you had planned!

Moisturizer

In case you have a burn to treat while on the go this is just the product you need. If you can, get one with aloe in it. This will speed up the healing process. And even when you don’t get burned, moisturizer is good to have on hand. This will ward off any dry skin since the heat and the ocean will surely take their toll on you! Better safe than sorry!

Don’t forget a hat in your packing list for Punta Cana

One big sunhat! Make it as large as possible and don’t forget to match your outfit with it. It will be both an extra layer of protection against the sun and a fashionable item you can carry to your photoshoot. You lose practically nothing by wearing it! Besides, this is a perfect excuse to wear one. Come on, you know you want to!

Add polarized sunglasses to the list too

They will be extremely useful if your eyes are sensitive to sunlight. After all, Punta Cana is very sunny and the sand at the beach is perfectly white, so for anyone with problems adjusting to that much brightness, it’s a necessity. Though as a fair warning, you shouldn’t wear them before a photo session or during them; it’ll be a very unflattering look, and they leave marks on your eyes! For everything else, it’s fair game, though!

Bring your sandals and flip flops

You might think you want to wear shoes, but you’ll quickly change your mind when you arrive to the island and see all that sand. Big mistake! Do yourself a favor and pack your flip-flops and sandals because you’ll want to wear them constantly. And hey, it’s a tropical island, everyone has them! Did you buy a pair recently? Then it’s your time to shine. Don’t have some? Run to the store before your trip! Don’t stress too much. You’ll probably be barefoot most of the time anyway.

Add bug spray to your packing list for Punta Cana

It doesn’t smell very nice, but you probably need it. Punta Cana is a wonderful place full of natural wonders that you won’t be able to pull away from, but bugs are a major inconvenience! Especially the mosquitos. This is especially important if you’re planning to go on excursions or deeper into nature, where they thrive. If bugs are a big problem for you, make sure to get bug spray for everyone in the family.

There you have it! Those are some of the most important items to add to your packing list for Punta Cana. Trust me when I tell you these things, they come from experience. Your tropical paradise is waiting for you, but that doesn’t mean you should go unprepared! Grab all of these for your safety and enjoyment!

Want some more help with your suitcase? Check out Packing Tips: How to Pack For Your Trip to Punta Cana