I can’t believe I’m able to say this, but WE’RE GOING ON OUR HONEYMOON THIS WEEK! For those of you who don’t know, I wanted to go on a honeymoon way more than I desired to host a party (aka, a wedding). I asked my husband a thousand times if we could just elope and use the money for a really cool trip, but he insisted we have the wedding. And I admit it, he was right. Having a wedding was an incredible experience I wouldn’t have changed- my heart still swells when I think of all the love in that room.
Anyway, we were able to compromise and get both by pushing our honeymoon back to four months after our wedding, so this week we leave for Oranjestad, Aruba! We’re looking forward to nine days of fun and romance in the sun, just the two of us with no cell phone service and limited Wifi connection, and no reason to even look at a clock unless we have a dinner or a sunset to make. Friggin’ paradise, I tell you.
Before we leave, however, we need to pack!
Tropical vacations are my jam. I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent time on ten Caribbean islands and I’m always craving more. As such I have grown quite fond of bringing certain items along, and I thought I would share them with you. 🙂
- A lot of sun dresses.
Sun dresses look fabulous, fashionable, are great for picture taking, and most of all are super comfortable in the heat and humidity of tropical locations. Bring along shorts and hiking gear too, if that’s your thing! - A big floppy sun hat.
Once again, this accessory is both functional and fashionable. It keeps the sun out of your face (which is always harsher in the tropics!) while looking darn cute. Bonus: sun hats are totally in right now, which means you can find them anywhere. I found mine at Forever 21, but you can also get them at Target and Marshall’s! - A yoga mat.
Doing yoga when you’re already relaxed and zenned out, plus with the added bonus you don’t need to touch a thermometer to make it hot yoga, is an experience I would recommend to anyone. My thinner yoga mat fits perfectly tucked in the side of my suitcase and is always ready for some bending and stretching. - Something to store your wet bathing suit.
This is a new find for me, but I’m so excited to give it a try! The inside of the pouch is lined and waterproof so you can store your wet bathing suit (or snorkel gear). The outside of the pouch has clear pockets to keep your dry stuff dry and sand-free. I also believe you can use the touch screen of your phone through the clear liner, meaning it really is kept safe! - Sunblock and bug spray.
Normally I don’t use store-bought versions of these products, but when I’m out of the country I go with what’s easiest. Sunblock is essential because the sun’s rays hit the Earth more directly the closer you get the the Equator, meaning it’s easier to get burned faster. And especially right now with the Zika virus, bug spray is essential, too. - Bathing suits.
I plan to practically live in mine.
What’s on your essential packing list? Let me know in the comments!
Please note: While I am on my honeymoon, my plan is to ghost from social media. I won’t be checking Facebook or Twitter or Snapchat, and I’m on the fence about Instagram and publishing to my blog… well, let me just put it this way- while I’m in Aruba, my main focus will be on my husband and celebrating our marriage. ❤ 🙂
Until next time, namasté!
Stephanie Jean 