Suit Yourself

A vacation in St. Kitts means lying on the beach, exploring the sites, and very simply relaxing.  But before you get to that point, you need to pack your luggage.

If you've never been to St. Kitts, determining what to pack can be a challenge.  Looking at the typical weather patterns for the time you're visiting, plus taking into consideration the activities you will be participating in will help you to decide.

First and Foremost

Upon entrance to St. Kitts, vacationers will have to travel through customs, and present officials with their valid and up-to-date passport, as well as a return or onward ticket.  Make copies of these documents, and place the copies in a separate location, such as your checked luggage.  If they are lost or stolen, it will be very helpful to have a back up.

Even if you plan to use credit cards during your stay in St. Kitts (as many travelers do), it is wise to have cash on hand for those times when credit cards are not accepted, or when a credit card machine is down.  The official form of currency in St. Kitts is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, but the United States Dollar is so widely accepted that often you can get by without exchanging your money.

Super prepared travelers will also want to bring with them copies of their hotel and rental car reservations, confirmation of any pre-paid activities, and a prescription slip for any medication you have packed in your carry on bag.

Clothing

Comfort is up utmost importance when packing for St. Kitts.  Chances are you'll be spending any time you aren't on the beach, you'll be out touring the island.  For this you will need light-weight, light-colored clothing to keep you from overheating.  Natural fabrics, such as cotton, are your best option.  Fabric shorts or khakis, t-shirts, and tank tops will likely provide you with the most ease as you make your way around St. Kitts.

Don't forget some of your most important essentials:  undergarments, socks, and pajamas.

Formal Wear

Formal wear is not necessary in St. Kitts, but if you want to dress up for a nice dinner, you can bring along some more dressy clothing.  Men will be safe with collared shirts and slacks, and women should bring along a sun dress, cock tail dress, or pants suit.

Swim Wear

Because there are no nude beaches in St. Kitts, if you want to do some swimming, you'll need to bring a swim suit along.  We actually recommend that you bring along two or more swim suits.  This will prevent you from having to start your day with a wet suit.  Instead, you can leave the suit you wore the previous day in your hotel to dry. 

In St. Kitts, it is considered to be in poor manners to walk around without a shirt on or in skimpy clothing.  This includes a bathing suit.  Respect island customs, and pack a sarong or large t-shirt to cover yourself when you leave the beach or pool.  Don't forget to bring sandals or flip flops, a sun hat, and a pair of sunglasses.

Toiletries and Health Care

Some hotesl in St. Kitts will provide you with the essentials: shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion, but you're in charge of the rest.  Shaving supplies, dental hygiene, and any other toiletries are up to you.  You can save space by purchasing travel sized containers before you leave home, and packing everything into a small toiletries bag.

Mosquitoes and sand fleas can be a problem in St. Kitts, so arrive prepared.  Bring along an insect repellent that you can apply to your body before you leave your hotel room each morning, and carry it with you for applications throughout the day.  If you are bit, hydrocortisone cream or Benadryl will offer relief.

What Else To Pack

Rainfall and cool nights are weather changes that vacationers rarely consider.  Stay ahead of the game, and pack a sweater or wrap in case a cold front comes through (or air conditioned restaurants), and a rain coat, poncho, or umbrella for when those afternoon showers which may threaten your outdoor plans.

Another thing you want to stay on top of is boredom.  You're unlikely to experience it with everything you have to do in St. Kitts, but perhaps as you travel between your home and the island, you may want a few entertainment items on hand.  A good book or your e-reader, an mp3 player, a portable DVD player, a personal journal, a laptop, and a hand held video game system, or a deck of cards are all options.  If you are bringing electronics, remember to pack fresh batteries or power cords. And you definitely do not want to forget to bring your camera!

Packing Concerns

If you are worried about packing too many articles of clothing so that you have something new to wear every day of your trip, here's a tip for you: pack a small collection of clothing that is similar in style, and all in complimentary colors.  These interchangeable items will allow you to wear each item of clothing more than once, but in different pairings so that the outfit looks new. 

Another common worry is that the airline will lose your luggage.  To guard against this, pack one full outfit and your swimsuit in your carry on bag.  This will allow you a little wiggle room while the airline locates your belongings, or until you are able to go out and purchase new clothes.

Check List

It is easier to pack for St. Kitts than you think.  Don't bring more than you need, stick to breathable, comfortable fabrics, and pack shoes that will get you where you need to go.  If you are still worried, use the checklist we provide above to help you draft your own list of must have items.