
Hi friends! We are getting ready to head to Puerto Rico – whoo hoo! Preparing for a vacation to Puerto Rico involves more than just throwing a few items into a suitcase. With its tropical climate, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, packing for Puerto Rico requires careful consideration to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable trip.
In this blog post, I’ll show you what’s coming with me from clothing essentials to must-have accessories, helping you pack smart and travel with ease.
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(Details: Sandals, Bag, Swimsuit)
Clothing Essentials
- Lightweight Clothing: I’m packing breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton and linen to stay cool in Puerto Rico’s warm climate. Opt for loose-fitting tops, shorts, sundresses, and skirts for daytime excursions. LOFT’s “getaway shop” is my absolute favorite right now for vacation clothing. I’m loving the selection of beach dresses, with fun prints and light weight fabrication.
- Swimwear: Don’t forget to pack your favorite swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip-flops for beach days and poolside lounging.
- Sun Protection: Bring wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Don’t skimp on sunscreen with high SPF ratings to shield your skin from sunburn.
- Rain Gear: While Puerto Rico is mostly sunny, it’s a good idea to pack a compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket for unexpected showers, especially as we are planning to visit the El Yunque rainforest!

(Details: Sandals, Sarong, Swimsuit)
Footwear
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Choose sturdy yet comfortable shoes for exploring Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets, hiking in El Yunque National Forest, or wandering through historic sites. These Sam Edelman sneakers are a new favorite (sporty but also stylish) – and very comfortable for walking!
- Sandals: Pack a pair of supportive sandals or water shoes for beach outings, water activities, and casual strolls along the shoreline. Keens are my absolute favorite – their waterproof sandals work SO well for hiking through rough, wet terrain.
Accessories
- Daypack or Beach Bag: We are bringing a lightweight daypack for hiking and beach bag to carry essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, towels, and cameras during your adventures. This beach bag from JCrew is my all time favorite. It’s classic and doubles as summertime purse.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing a refillable water bottle. I love my Hydro Flask!
- Snorkeling Gear: If you plan to explore Puerto Rico’s underwater world, consider packing your snorkeling gear or renting equipment from local shops.
- Travel Adapters and Chargers: Don’t forget to pack travel adapters and chargers for your electronic devices to stay connected and capture unforgettable moments.
Misc Essentials
- Packing cubes: Packing cubes are a great way to ensure everything stays organized. I recently started using them and love their functionality.
- Laundry bag: This travel laundry bag is a game changer – seriously! I use this once we arrive and hang it up in the bathroom and during vacation, I toss the dirty clothing inside to keep our clothing organzied and not laying all over the floor.
- Waterproof Phone Case: I’m packing these for our rainforest and boat excursions we have planned. One for me and one for the hubby!
- Medications: Don’t forget any medications you may need, along with a basic first-aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and motion sickness medication. I have seen a lot people mention motion sickness on the ferry rides to surrounding islands!
- Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects. This is my absolute favorite natural bug repellent! It comes in the perfect size for travel to throw in your suitcase and beach bag.
Packing for Puerto Rico with the essentials listed above, you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic vacation. Remember to leave some space in your luggage for souvenirs and treasures you’ll discover along the way. Your Puerto Rico vacation is sure to be an unforgettable experience filled with sun, sand, and exploration.
Let me know where you are headed this year for vacation!
-Natalie, xo

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