Pack Right for a Holiday in the Tropics

When you're booking a holiday to the tropics, there's more to think about than just sandals and sunglasses - things like single trip travel insurance and a specially chosen wardrobe will make your travels much easier. If you've never been to the tropics before, you might be in for a surprise and then realize that you didn't pack appropriately. Some people describe being in the tropics as like being in a sauna for several hours wearing a winter coat! In other words, you'll be sweating a lot, and many people are not prepared for the sultry and humid climate. But if you plan a list for every single trip (travel insurance, proper clothing, etc.) you'll be more prepared once you arrive.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

This one might not seem that obvious to some people, but not everyone adjusts to the climate and the water of tropical regions in the same way. Knowing that you have booked good single trip travel insurance will help put you at ease, knowing that if you fall ill you can seek medical treatment.

Whatever you would normally bring, pack double

This goes against most packing mantras which urge travellers to pack light. But in the tropics you'll be showering several times a day and changing our clothes just as often. Because of the intense humidity, each time you return to your hotel, you'll be pretty sweaty, and you'll appreciate having a fresh outfit to change into. Depending on how much time you expect to be spend outdoors, and how much importance you place on clean un-sweaty clothing, you might be changing your clothes two to four times a day.

Lightweight Shirts

Though many travel guides show smart looking tourists in clean white polo shirts, the reality is that the fabric is far to thick to be comfortable in this climate. Try to find loose-fitting and lightweight gauze or linen shirts with sleeves, so that you can enter into the temples - they might have a dress code that doesn't allow uncovered shoulders.

Trousers or Shorts?

Though it might seem like hot weather demands shorts, in the tropics lightweight trousers are a better option. They keep your legs shielded from bugs and mosquitoes, will protect your skin from the harsh sun, and will allow you access to temples that do not allow entrance with uncovered legs. Keep them lightweight and leave the denim at home - it's far too thick and will cause you to overheat in the hot weather.

Flip flops, hats, and hand towels

Flip-flops, hats and hand towels are an essential part of travelling in the tropics. Not only are flip-flops great for kicking off in the sand, but they'll keep you cooler since heat won't get trapped in shoes. Also, when entering temples, you can just slip them off. Hats or umbrellas are good for keeping the sun and heat off of you. If you're going for a hat, choose one with a wide brim so you get a lot of shade. Another great trick for keeping cool is carrying hand towels. Not only can you use them to clean up, but also you can soak them in cold water and lay them over your neck if you think you might in danger of getting too warm.

trick Chong is the Managing Director of Insuremore. We provide low cost travel insurance and offer a range of policies including single trip travel insurance, annual, multi-trip and family cover. For all your travel cover needs, Insuremore can help you in the quickest and most cost-efficient way.