Get ready to have boat-loads of fun! Yacht charter trips can be the vacation of a lifetime. But because there’s typically not a lot of space on yacht charters, you’ll have to find the sweet spot between packing only the essentials yet still bringing everything you need to stay comfortable throughout your trip.
1. A Microfiber Towel
Between snorkeling and traveling to shore by dingy, you’ll definitely be getting wet at some point during your charter trip. Since regular towels are bulky, take up too much space, and take a long time to dry, it’s a good idea to buy a microfiber towel to bring on your trip. A lot of microfiber towels are made especially for travel, so they’ll roll up tightly in your bag and dry faster than regular towels.
2. Waterproof Electronics Cases
You might not have phone service for most of your trip, but you’ll probably still want to use that camera! Buy waterproof cases for your phone and tablet before your trip–you don’t want to have to constantly worry about what’ll happen if you drop a gadget in the water.
As a side note, it’s a great idea to use your tablet’s e-reader instead of packing books. While books take up too much space and can be damaged by water, your newly waterproofed tablet will be up for anything!
3. The Right Luggage for You
If you’ll be flying for any part of your trip, be sure your bags meet your airline’s luggage size and weight restrictions. You’ll want to find a good balance between lightweight and durable. Softside fabric suitcases are a common choice because they’re light, but depending on the brand may not withstand heavy travel. Hardside suitcases tend to be stronger and more reliable, but they can be quite heavy.
What will work best for you will depend largely on the length of your trip and the expected beating your bag will take. (If you’re only driving to the pier where you’ll depart, you’re probably safe going with a softside since it won’t have to survive air travel.)
4. Sunscreen & Sunburn Medications
Fun in the sun means you’ll need to bring sunscreen–and plenty of it! Learn about what kind of sunscreen is best for you and be sure to pack more than you think you’ll need.
But alas, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Bring sunburn medication just in case. You might end up not needing it–but if you do, you’ll be glad you brought it.
5. Ziploc Bags
Perhaps the most handy thing you’ll bring on your charter trip is a set of Ziploc bags, preferably in several different sizes.
Ziploc bags can keep your travel documents and other important dry items safe. They’re also great for carrying food, storing wet swimsuits, or separating your dirty laundry.
Since they won’t take up a lot of space in your bag anyway, go ahead and bring more than you think you need. Better safe than sorry!
Of course, there are many other things you’ll need for your vacation, which will change depending on whether your trip will be crew-chartered or bareboat. Either way, you’ll definitely need these top 5 essentials for your yacht charter trip, so be sure not to leave home without them.
Photo via Pixabay by larsen9236