How to Pack Light for Your Next Boracay Beach Holiday

Whenever I travel, I always choose to go light, more so when I go to a beach destination. I always prefer a backpack over a suitcase. It’s always easier to move around when carrying a backpack, especially if your hotel is located on the beachfront. It’s important to choose the right backpack for the occasion. Don’t carry a 40-liter bag for a three-day holiday. A small backpack where you can put your belongings with extra room for souvenirs would be enough. Bringing a backpack cover can also save your bag from water and dirt.

Forget about carrying your entire closet, which will be burdensome. You can still have different outfit-of-the-day (OOTD) posts by switching up your clothes. Carry just at least two to three tops and shorts or long pants. Choose lightweight clothing. Instead of denim pants, I opt for leggings since they’re lighter and allows me to move easily. Also, bring enough underwear, whether made of cloth or disposable material. If you did not bring enough clothes, there are lots of 24-hour laundry shops in the island. You can also just buy a new shirt with the Boracay design on it.

No beach vacation is complete without a swimsuit. Have your bikini ready or a rash guard, if you prefer more cover. Choose whatever makes you feel more comfortable. Even though I bring bikinis with me, I still bring along a rash guard for island hopping activities. If you forget to pack one, you can find different types of swimsuits around the island. Don’t forget to pack a cute cover-up as well, to protect yourself when it gets too hot or if you don’t want too much exposure.

Putting on sunscreen should be a daily habit, more so when you’re planning to bask on the beach. The higher the SPF your sunblock has, the better. Remember to protect your face also. Sunglasses are not just made for fashion, so I recommend you have one, too. A pair of flip-flops is also a must. Though it’s better to walk barefoot along the beach, you’ll need slippers to move around. You can buy a pair from the Havaianas store in Station 1, White Beach. Another option is to buy cheaper ones in souvenir shops along the beach.

One thing most of us should never forget when traveling is toiletries, especially for girls. Hygiene should always be a priority. To save on space, I always have ready travel-size bottles to put my stuff in: lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and facial wash. I just refill them whenever I travel. I also bring travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste to save on space. Whenever I stay at hotels, the cheapskate traveler in me usually takes the toiletries to use for my next trips. Don’t forget to bring wet wipes for quick clean-ups and to freshen up when on the road.

I always keep a personal first-aid kit in my bag either for long or short trips. I bought a small one that contains the most necessary stuff—Betadine, band-aid, and bandage, among others. Have in handy medicines for emergencies like ibuprofen for pain relief, paracetamol for a headache or hangover, cetirizine or loratadine for allergies, and loperamide in case of an upset stomach. Also, carry antacids in case alcohol triggers your acid reflux, like in my case.

Though I mentioned not to bring too much, I always have some extra stuff in my bag that are worth the space. I carry zip lock bags to keep my things waterproof and organized. To keep your things from getting wet, bring a dry bag. They come in different sizes with two liters at the smallest. Don’t forget your power bank also. Have an extra power source, especially if you use your phone to take photos. Lastly, always have a foldable bag as carrying a plastic bag is now prohibited in Boracay.

Traveling light may not also be applicable for everyone. Everyone’s packing list will still depend on their travel personality. No matter what your packing preference is, don’t let your baggage get in the way. Just enjoy the sun, sand, and sunset of Boracay.