If you are planning a trip to a tropical climate, you will need to take a different approach to how you prepare for your holiday. You will also need to pack differently.
Get your vaccinations
Tropical climates are usually home to a range of disease-carrying insects and powerful viruses. In all likelihood, you will need to get some shots before you travel. Even if you are only planning to spend a few days in the country, it is still wise to get your vaccinations. Your doctor will tell you which ones you need. Remember that some need to be administered weeks before you travel, so be sure to book an appointment early.
Bug spray and treatments
Even if you have had your shots, you still do not want to be bitten, so pack good quality bug spray. This will help to protect you, but it is also wise to take some basic insect bite treatments as well.
Sun protection
For most of the day, it is likely to be hot, so you will need to protect yourself from the sun. Again, take your own sun cream. You may be able to buy it where you are staying, but it is likely to be extremely expensive and may be in short supply.
Basic medications
Most people who are not used to a tropical climate find that they get an upset stomach at some stage. It is always best to be prepared for this eventuality. You should always pack your own basic stomach and pain medications.
The right clothing
OK, that is all the yucky stuff out the way. Now for the fun stuff, what clothes you need to be able to get the most out of your trip and enjoy some adventures.
Beachwear
The chances are you are going to spend quite a bit of time on the beach, so you want to be prepared for that activity. A nice swimming costume is an essential, but at certain times of the day, it will get very hot, so you need to pack something light to throw over your shoulders. This stops you from feeling uncomfortably hot, which will allow you to stay on the beach longer to enjoy the view and swimming.
Sundresses, playsuits and sarongs are ideal for this. They tend to be made from lightweight fabrics that can easily be washed and dried. This is important because you will still need to wear sun cream, so you can be 100% certain you are not burnt. As you can see here, there is plenty of this type of beach clothing available in the shops this year.
Other clothing
In many tropical climates, there is a big temperature differential between night and day. This means that even though the thermostat shows a high temperature you actually end up feeling a little chilly. Therefore, it is a good idea to pack outfits that can be worn in layers. That way you can put on and take off a layer, as you need to.
The above are just a few basic tips. It is always wise to look up the specific travel advice for your destination and follow it.