Before setting off on a relaxing summer getaway, many travelers face a familiar moment of pre-trip stress—scrambling to pack their suitcase, tying up loose ends at work, and tackling last-minute to-dos. No matter how much planning goes into it, vacation prep always seems to take longer than expected, and there’s almost always something that gets left behind. To help make your trip smoother and stress-free, we’ve put together the ultimate beach vacation packing list, ensuring you have all the must-haves for your sun-soaked adventure in Curaçao.
Sun Hat
A sun hat is an absolute must-have for your beach vacation packing list, combining style, comfort, and essential sun protection. With its wide brim, it provides much-needed shade, shielding your face, neck, and shoulders from harsh UV rays while keeping you cool under the sun. Whether you're lounging on the beach, exploring a tropical destination, or enjoying a seaside stroll, a sun hat adds the perfect touch to your vacation look. Plus, it’s a versatile accessory that pairs effortlessly with swimsuits, sundresses, and casual outfits. Don’t forget to pack one—it’s the ultimate blend of fashion and function for any sunny getaway!
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay cool, refreshed, and ready for every adventure with this must-have item from your beach vacation packing list! Staying hydrated is essential, especially under the hot sun, so don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle. Not only does it keep your drinks cool and refreshing, but it also helps reduce plastic waste—making it a smart and eco-friendly choice for your travels. Whether you're lounging on the sand, exploring coastal trails, or strolling through a beachside town, having water on hand ensures you stay energized and comfortable all day long.
Beach Bag & Insulated Soft Cooler Bag
Pack smart for the perfect beach day! A spacious and durable beach bag is a must-have to carry all your essentials, with handy compartments to keep everything organized. For ultimate convenience, bring an insulated, leakproof cooler bag—designed for strong ice retention, it keeps your drinks chilled and snacks fresh while you soak up the sun. Stay prepared and enjoy every moment!
Cover-Up or Lightweight Clothing
Stay stylish and sun-safe with a breezy cover-up or lightweight clothing—an essential item on your beach vacation packing list! Perfect for effortlessly transitioning from the beach to lunch, shopping, or sightseeing, these easy-to-wear pieces provide both comfort and protection while keeping you cool under the sun. Whether you prefer a flowy dress, a chic sarong, or a lightweight linen shirt, having the right cover-up ensures you're always ready for any activity without sacrificing style. A must-have for any sunny getaway!
Swimwear & flip flops
Sun, sea and sand requires swimwear. Chances are your swimwear is the first thing you’ll wear and will also be the most worn piece of clothing during your vacation. There are many shops to complement your wardrobe so there’s no need to panic if you forget to bring your bikini or swim shorts, but you’re going to need it either way. Your outfit to the beach isn’t complete without a pair of flip flops.
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Sunglasses
The bright sun on Curacao doesn’t only pose a risk to the skin, but also to the eyes. The cornea is vulnerable, but it’s also easy to protect. A good pair of sunglasses with an UV filter offers complete protection to the eyes. Besides, when wearing sunglasses, you won’t have to walk around with squeezed eyes all day. If you do not have proper sunglasses or forgot them you can buy well priced quality brand sunglasses on Curacao in one of the many stores.
Sunscreen
Curacao is pretty much always sunny. To protect your skin from the bright sun, sunscreen is absolutely necessary. Sunburn is not only bad for your health, it can also really ruin your holiday. To prevent this from happening, we recommend sunscreen factor 50. Tip: bring your sunscreen in your suitcase (not your hand luggage) because otherwise it probably won’t be allowed through customs.
When lodging at the Avila Beach Hotel you don't need to bring your own sunscreen as the hotel provides complimentary reef safe sunscreen.
Mosquito repellent
When the sun goes down, mosquitoes come to life – even in paradise. To keep the mosquitoes at a distance, we highly recommend mosquito repellent. On Curacao you can even buy natural mosquito repellent, such as one that is based on the aloe vera plant and is made at the Aloe Vera Plantation on Curacao.
Visa / ED-card & Other Documents
As a foreign visitor, you will need to fill in an ED-card or temporary visa to enter Curacao. Most airline companies distribute these well in advance during the flight to Curacao. Fill in your ED-card online before you depart via this website.
Due to the corona virus you will be needing more documents to travel and enter the island. For example a PLC card and depending on the country you are traveling from, you may also need a PCR test or Antigen test. Please visit this government website for an up to date overview on which documents/tests are needed.
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Go Pro/Action Camera
Capture every thrilling moment of your beach adventure with a GoPro or waterproof action camera—an essential item on your beach vacation packing list! Whether you're snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, catching waves while surfing, or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery, this compact and durable gadget ensures you won’t miss a single second of the action. Record stunning underwater shots, epic waves, or spontaneous moments with friends and family, all while keeping your camera safe and protected from the elements. From the beach to the ocean, document your trip in incredible detail and relive your memories long after you’ve left the sand and surf!
Power plug adapter
To make sure you can charge your digital devices (photo camera, phone, laptop, et cetera) in the comfort of your own hotel room, it is recommended to bring a power plug adapter to Curacao. The Avila Beach Hotel offers 220 and 110 volts in most rooms. More information can be found in the room descriptions.
Passport
The most important thing to bring is your passport. You won’t even be able to leave the airport of your departure without it, which most likely is quite the distance from Curacao. You may need your passport during your holiday as well, for example when checking in at your hotel or when renting a car.
Telephone and charger
Your phone is probably your most versatile device; you use it to take pictures, look up information, plan a route, keep in touch with friends and family at home, and so forth. It’s important to bring your phone on vacation, but it’s just as important to leave it in your hotel room or on flight mode every now and then.
The Avila Beach Hotel offers – just like many other locations on Curacao – free Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected. Make sure to bring your charger as well and perhaps even a juice/power pack for extra battery.
Driver’s license
Like many other destinations, Curacao is a great island to explore by car. To rent a car, you need a driver’s license. In addition, your driver’s license can also be used as your ID, which is always useful to carry with you.
Even if your hotel is surrounded with great restaurants, bars and beaches, there so so much to see and do spread over the island. You don't want to miss that!
Debit card / Credit card
When travelling abroad, it is very important that you can use your money. Make sure that your debit card or credit card is recognized in the country you travel to. If you are unsure about this, contact your bank well before your vacation.
Remember that if you forgot something or have the feeling you forgot to pack something, you can always buy it. So, no worries and try to also enjoy your vacation preps. There are so many people who would wish to travel to a sun trenched Caribbean island, and you have that privelage soon 🙂
