If you’re not a fan of the cold weather and wish to escape to somewhere warmer over the Christmas and New Year period, now is the time to start planning where your tropical destination will be.

Regardless of whether you choose somewhere like Hawaii, Fiji, Bali, Australia, or another warm, sunny spot, you can get your trip off to a great start if you pack well. Read on for some key do's and don’ts to follow when packing for vacation.

Do Pack the Essentials

If you’ll likely be spending a lot of your time lazing by the pool or listening to the waves at the beach, it’s vital to pack the right swimsuits.

If you like to swim laps, play volleyball, run along the beach, or other active pursuits in your bathing suit, ensure you pack something that will be comfortable and won’t require you to continually tug at straps, and that offers plenty of support. For the most versatile option, it pays to keep your swimwear palette quite simple, such as a one-piece, swim dress, or bikini in a classic black, white, navy, or red color. This kind of choice can be easily matched with most cover-ups and other clothing and accessories.

Apart from bathing suits, you’ll of course need to pack some breezy caftans or sundresses which you can throw over your swimsuit when you’re heading to and from the water or ready to go and eat or have a drink. Look for options in soft materials like cotton that will feel lovely against your skin after a lot of sun, and that come in tropical prints and summer hues. Pack items in a few different hem lengths so that you can pop on the right piece according to where you’re going and what you’ll be doing, too. And remember, a hot trend right now is to turn your cute once-piece into a beach day-to-night body suit, by pairing with shorts or a skirt!

Other clothing essentials include some casual tops, shorts and skirts, a more formal dress or pantsuit if you will be dining out anywhere fancy, a jacket if the temperature drops at night, and two to three pairs of shoes (e.g., some sandals which can take you from day to night,; one pair of heels,; and some hiking boots or running shoes and versatile activewear if you plan to be exercise or explore).

Don’t Forget to Pack Items Which Will Protect You From the Elements

When it comes to packing for a tropical vacation, don’t forget to pack all those items which will protect you from the elements and ensure your trip is ruined because you get sunburned or stung by mosquitos or other bugs.

Packing lightly not only saves you time, ensures you don’t get stung by any excess baggage fees, and is easier to haul around, but also gives you some free space in your luggage to buy new things while you’re away. After all, there’s nothing quite like shopping for tropical swim dresses, one-pieces, or bikinis to remind you of your trip once home again, or finding a local artisan who can make you a one-off, made-to-measure outfit.

To cut back on your luggage, choose clothing items which mix and match well so that you can put together multiple outfits from a select few pieces. If you are vacationing with young children, look into renting bulky items such as cots, prams, and strollers instead of taking your own. You can also save space by packing travel-sized toiletries and medications, and leaving behind any items which will be provided at your accommodation (e.g., shampoo and conditioner and a hairdryer).

Don’t Leave Your Packing Until the Last Minute

Lastly, if you want to have a stress-free start to your vacation, don’t leave your packing until the last minute. If you do, you could find yourself at the airport without that much-needed passport, or at your destination with clothing that doesn’t match, or missing out on essential items you need to then fork out money for to buy all over again. Make a checklist and allow yourself at least a day or two to prepare before your flight.