by Red Ashton
Everyone's seen the cliche: excited tourists on a plane wearing gaudy beach clothes and flip-flops in anticipation of their island vacation. While it's not necessary to dress for the Caribbean before arriving there, some practical considerations regarding attire will ensure a more comfortable plane ride to paradise and may come in handy if you lose your luggage.
Layers
Layering clothing helps if you must transition from colder climates to the steamy heat of the Caribbean, and does away with the need to bring bulky winter coats that won't be used during your trip. However, remember that nights can be cold in the Caribbean and rain is a fact of life, even if it's not the rainy season. Wearing warmer clothing on the plane can save space in your luggage. Start with tank tops or short-sleeved shirts. Layer with breathable, long-sleeved shirts and a summer sweater. Finally, zip up with a lightweight, insulated and rain-resistant hooded windbreaker. Cargo pants are ideal bottoms thanks to their useful pockets. Avoid jeans, because denim doesn't breathe easily and once you're in the Caribbean, they won't be practical.
Footwear
Keep your footwear simple. Boots or shoes with lots of laces or buckles will slow you down at the security line and won't be the most useful kind of footwear once you're in the Caribbean. Go for simple sneakers or sandals that can be worn with heavy socks.
Accessories
Because airplane cabins have low humidity, the dry air can dry out contact lenses. Lens wearers should bring glasses and a lens case. Wear your sunhat on board -- or better yet, purchase it in the Caribbean -- rather than packing it, which can leave it wrinkled. Limit your jewelry, which can complicate the security process and easily get lost or stolen while traveling.
Carry-On Items
Pack extra clothing items in a carry-on in case your luggage is lost, or to change into once you arrive in the Caribbean. For example, a pair of slim flip-flops take up little space and are the essential, if not only, shoe for an island vacation. An extra lightweight T-shirt, a pair of underwear and socks can come in handy on the plane, or if there's a delay in getting your luggage once you've landed.
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About the Author
Red Ashton has been writing and editing professionally since 2003. Her work has appeared in "The Times Ledger," "The Lit Review," "Not For Tourists," Voyage.tv, and the Rough Guides website. Her areas of writing expertise include travel, home-and-garden and education. Ashton earned a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the New School.
