The Top 15 Items to Pack for Your Trip to the US Virgin Islands and the Top 5 Items NOT to Pack

So you are getting ready for your trip and you just aren't sure what to pack! First and foremost, don't pack too much.  It is warm, you will wear as little as possible during most of your trip and you won't want to be lugging things with you around airports, etc.  Also - if you rented a Jeep, there is VERY little room in the back for luggage!
To make your life easy, use this list as your guide for the top 15 things to pack and the top 5 things NOT to pack for your vacation!  Of course, if you are getting married, make this the top 16 things to pack as you will probably also want to pack your wedding attire!

1. Swimsuit(s), depending on your plan you may want to pack a few for your beach and pool days! 
2. Swimsuit cover up, this can come in the form of just a pair of shorts and shirt for the beach or in the form of a formal cover up, just make sure you have something to cover yourself in public as it is rude not to.
3. Shoes - you will likely want 3 pairs of shoes, athletic shoes, flip flops/casual sandals and a pair of dress shoes or sandals. 
   1. Athletic shoes - if you plan to do any hiking, horseback riding or trail riding you will want proper shoes and socks.
   2. Flip flops/casual sandals - aside from your athletic shoes these may likely be the only shoes you will wear, and no one cares what color they are or if they match your outfit!
   3. Dress shoes or sandals for dinners, weddings, etc.  
4. At least one pair of comfortable lightweight shorts and  several lightweight t-shirts or tank tops for hiking and exploring the island! You will sweat, even during the cooler months of November - April, the sun is warmer than you are used to due to the proximity to the equator!
5. Lightweight sundresses for women (preferably short to allow for your legs to breathe), these are easy and comfortable and a nice alternative to shorts/pants.  
6. A collared shirt and long pants for men.  There are one or two restaurants that may require this so always good to be prepared!  If you are the one getting married, this will be needed when visiting the courthouse. A business casual dress or outfit that is not revealing or inappropriate for women,  just in case. If you are getting married you will need this type of an outfit to visit the courthouse.  
7. A beach bag or a backpack! Pack or purchase upon arrival a bag that is convenient to carry with you to the beach, the pool or maybe even on a hike. 
8. Reef safe sunscreen - reef safe sunblock is the new law of the land starting in 2020 but surprisingly it is still fairly difficult to find on St. Croix. The chemicals oxybenzone or octinoxate are killing the coral reefs and following the lead of Hawaii, the Virgin Islands had banned these ingredients. Need help  finding Reef safe Sunblock? Check out this article for the 15 best options. If you are flying on Spirit or economy on American or Delta you are going to want to make sure the sunblock you bring is 3.4 oz or less so it is permitted in your carry-on!
9. Bug spray - it is recommended that you either pack or bring with you a good bug spray, especially one known to work on sand fleas/no-see ums.  Avon skin so soft has been said to work wonders for these critters.  
10. Benadryl or similar itch cream or itch sticks for bug bites! Again, remember to pack one that is 3.4 oz or less so you can carry it on.
11. Baby wipes that fit in your purse or backpack- these are great to "freshen up" throughout your trip. You WILL sweat and will be glad you have them!
12. Water shoes - yes we all know they look RIDICULOUS but there are lots of rocky areas that you will encounter, especially in the best areas for snorkeling and these will save your feet! Also, if you opt to to to either the Carambola Tide Pools or Monks Bath Tide Pools you will be so glad you have these!
13. Reusable water bottle - you are traveling to an island that just recently started recycling plastic and aluminum and most likely, your hotel or vacation rental isn't recycling yet so do your part and bring your own water bottle for refilling (not to mention an insulated bottle will keep your water cold!).  You can then buy gallon jugs of water to refill your bottles.
14. Snorkel equipment -  You can rent equipment at Cane Bay beach and it is provided when you take a Buck Island tour but if you would like to snorkel at your own pace where and when you want it is nice to have your own equipment. Fins aren't as necessary as the snorkel and the mask!
15. Entertainment for the plane and for lying on the beach such as a good book, audio book, Netflix or Amazon Prime Video downloads, etc.  If you are flying on any airline other than Delta, once you start flying over the open water of the Caribbean Sea, there will be no on board wifi or entertainment available. 

What not to pack you ask?? 

1. Makeup other than maybe lipstick and a waterproof mascara.  Remember what was said above about sweating? Yeah, you will sweat it right off so don't waste your time!
2.  Pants - aside from the one pair listed above for men
3. Jackets or sweaters other than maybe something lightweight for the plane, you are in the tropics, it rarely gets below 70 degrees.  The coldest temperature EVER on record for St. Croix is 57 degrees in 1997.
4. Too much of anything - it is warm, you don't need much and you won't want to be lugging around a big suitcase!
5. Cigarettes - if you are a smoker don't bother bringing cigs because if you purchase them by the carton they are usually $3.50-$3.75 per pack or $5 per pack when purchased individually.  You are allowed to bring 5 cartons with you when leaving. You may not be able to find all brands but the big ones like Marlboro, Camel, Parliament, Newport, etc. you should be able to find!

And there you have it folks, the top 15 things to bring and top 5 things NOT to bring on your St. Croix Virgin Islands vacation!

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