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Before you go:

In your carry on and your checked baggage carry:

Passport, emergency phone numbers (relatives, the hotel at your destination, airline (if you’re using scheduled air), photo copy of your passport, health insurance card & your travel insurance policy number.  I often scan these documents and send them to myself in an email to my Gmail or Hotmail account.  That way, anywhere in the world that there is internet service, I can pull up copies of my important documents and numbers

Just in case:

1. Put film in your checked luggage-X-rays aren’t as strong

2. Pack stuff you’ll need if your luggage is lost for a day, prescriptions, change of underwear, swimsuit.  Remember the new rules for liquids-under 3 oz.  That includes semi-solids like Chapstick too.  Put everything in your carryon in a small, sandwich size clear plastic baggie.  If the screeners object to one of your items or decide you’ve got more than 3 oz, ask them to donate your beloved perfume to a needy person.  They’ve got lots of nice smelly stuff where you’re going and you may even like it better. 

3. Take lots of $1, $5 and $10 bills.  In most countries I’ve traveled to, US dollars are often the preferred currency.  If you take larger bills, you’ll get change in their currency which must then be changed back before you head home (currency exchanges are usually at the airport)

4. Tipping, except where forbidden, often makes the difference between good service and great service.  Many countries in the Caribbean have very low wages.  Your tip to your bartender, maid or favorite wait staff could very well make a big difference in their families wellbeing.

5. Do not use credit cards at flea markets or anywhere besides upscale malls, etc.  It’s very likely that you may find your card number copied and you’ll end up ordering a new computer that you want delivered to Tijuana instead of your home for some reason. Get money from a money mover before you shop, it will be that countries’ currency however.  And remember, you’ll want to change that currency back before you leave or you’ll have to hang on to it until you go back someday.

6. Check the luggage weight with your airline.  Most airlines even charge for just checking 1 bag nowadays.

7. You’re allowed 1 purse/satchel and 1 carryon.  They must both either fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.  Think small backpack size.

 

There are sometimes specialty restaurants at the all-inclusive resorts that require nicer clothes than the usual fare.  Men must wear long pants and women long pants or dresses.  They also very often require you to make advance reservations.  The Apple rep or hotel front desk will have info on these.  Horse back riding always requires long pants.  Visits to churches sometimes require headwear like a scarf for women and always respectful attire, no shorts, tube tops, etc.

 

Paper back books, sun screen, film, etc. is usually more expensive abroad.  I bring my own books and leave for the maid or a favorite hotel staff member as gifts.  I usually put them in some type of sack and write a little note explaining that  they are gifts and my way of expressing my gratitude for their excellent service.  I would hate for their management to think they had taken them without my permission.

 

Other Good Stuff to Have

We always pack an insulated mug.  I put my meager jewelry in mine for the suitcase.  It comes in handy for the tiny drinks you get at the all-inclusive and also for the morning coffee.  They still don’t have coffee makers in the rooms at all of the hotels.  Wash cloths aren’t usually standard at hotels abroad either.  Tums, Imodium, extra prescription glasses, aspirin, allergy meds, and aloe lotion are also great to have just in case.