I'M A SHOPPING EDITOR, AND THESE ARE THE 15 THINGS I BOUGHT FOR MY 6-DAY JAMAICA ALL-INCLUSIVE VACATION
I won't go on another beach vacation without them.
After a few tumultuous years, I decided that I wanted to spend my 30th birthday relaxing on a beach with a fruity cocktail and a good book. Taking the recommendation of a close friend who has visited the laidback island numerous times, my partner and I booked a five-night stay at Couples Negril in Negril, Jamaica. The all-inclusive resort features beach access, a pool with a swim-up bar, four restaurants, a Travel + Leisure-approved spa, and a variety of water activities (including snorkeling and a catamaran).
As a shopping editor who grew up 90 miles away from the white sands of the Gulf Coast, I’m no stranger to packing for a beach trip. I knew that my trip wardrobe would be mostly casual, with a night or two dedicated to dressing up for a nice dinner. But, I wanted to make sure that my beachwear and gear was ready for all of the activities that awaited us. So I started my shopping by buying high-quality swimsuits that could withstand saltwater and chlorine for multiple seasons, and then I added items like comfy cover-ups, protective hats, and waterproof shoes. Below, you'll find the 15 items that I packed for Negril —and will pack again for future beach vacations.
Summersalt The Seascape Sweetheart One-piece Swimsuit
$95
Growing up close to the Gulf Coast, I spent every summer at pools or beaches. I’ve bought dozens and dozens of swimsuits, but I wanted to buy quality swimsuits that would last a few long after my trip. A friend recommended Summersalt, and I proceeded to buy five swimsuits, including this one, The Ruffle Oasis, and The Sidestroke.
The Seascape Sweetheart One-piece Swimsuit is modest yet flattering and comes with adjustable straps. It also offers compression for a secure fit, and it’s made of recycled polyamide. When I wasn’t swimming or sunbathing, I threw on a cover-up or a pair of shorts on top for a casual beachside look. After living in its bathing suits for almost a full week, Summersalt has quickly become my favorite swimwear brand.
Enso Elements Classic Halo Silicone Ring
$30
Because most of my vacation was spent in the water, on the sand, or slathering on sunscreen, I didn’t want to risk losing or damaging my engagement ring or wedding band. This thin, silicone band was the perfect replacement for my ring set on vacation; it was easy to take on and off, yet it stayed in place as I was swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. If your hands and fingers tend to swell in the heat, this is also a great option since the material is stretchy and flexible.
I wore the 1.5-millimeter thick band in the jewel-tone dragon hue, but there are 11 different colors to choose from. You can even purchase multiples (they are affordably priced at $30) to create a colorful stack, to have options to wear with different swimsuits, or match with your partner.
Summersalt The Silky Luxe Short Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up
$80
This cover-up made it a breeze to go directly from the beach to one of the resort restaurants for lunch with its effortless and laid-back look, which is made with 100 percent recycled polyester for a lightweight and silky feel. The buttons and stylish tie at the waist helps create a flattering silhouette, allowing it to be dressed up when needed. It’s also wrinkle-resistant, so it always looked nice and tidy when I wore it — even if it was crumbled up at the bottom of my beach bag. I also wore it on the beach and at the pool in the middle of the day to help protect my arms from the sun.
Byinns Square-neck Sleeveless Ruffle Dress
$41
Though we mostly opted for low-key and laidback meals, I did trade my sandals for heels to have dinner at Otaheite. I wore this dress for the dinner in the light purple color and received compliments throughout the entire evening. Even though I was a little more dressed up than the other diners, I still felt relaxed in this dress thanks to its stretchy smocked bodice. The bottom of the dress flares out into chic layers of ruffles, and the sleeves feature additional ruffles for extra style points. It’s available in 12 different colors (so I can go back and buy it in different options for the rest of my summer travels), and the sizes range from S to 2XL. I'm also happy to report that it's tall-girl friendly; I am 5 feet, 9 inches and found that this dress was cute and short without being too revealing.
Athleta Square-neck Top and High-waist Swim Bottoms
$40
$20
When I wasn’t wearing one of my Summersalt one-piece swimsuits, I wore this bikini from Athleta. The swimsuit is made out of recycled fabric that is designed to dry quickly, making it perfect for water sports or other activities. The bottoms are high-waisted and provide the perfect amount of coverage if you aren’t a fan of super-cheeky bottoms. To ensure a secure fit, the top is available in several different bra sizes, and the straps are adjustable. And although it doesn’t look like it, it has underwire to provide additional support. There are several different colors and prints to choose from (many of which are on sale) so you can mix and match to create various looks.
Samsonite Freeform Two-piece Hardside Expandable Luggage Set
$490
I worked at an airport in college as a baggage handler, and that experience has made me extremely picky when it comes to choosing luggage — especially pieces that will be checked. Above all else, I knew that my luggage for this trip needed to be durable and easily recognizable, and this Samsonite duo checked off all of my boxes. The bright pink luggage set rolls effortlessly through airports and bumpy parking lots, and the 360-degree wheels made it easy to maneuver.
I checked the larger bag on the way to Negril and back, and besides a few black marks from the conveyor belts, it was still in great condition; the wheels and handle were still secure. I also appreciate that both pieces have TSA-approved locks on them, so I know that my belongings are secure when they're out of sight. Each suitcase also has a zippered pocket on the inside, where I clipped an Apple AirTag so I could see where my bag was at all times. Between the two luggage pieces, I had plenty of room to pack everything on this list and more for Negril.
Melsbrinna Passport Holder
$14
Passport holders made with RFID-blocking material, such as this one, can help prevent your personal information from being stolen when you travel. In addition to being able to hold your passport, this holder also has four slots to safely store credit cards, IDs, tickets, and more so you don’t need a separate wallet. It fastens magnetically, making it convenient to open when you're on the move and secure to close. You can find one to match your luggage or travel bag since it comes in over 30 different colors, including neutrals and bright hues. At less than $30, it’s an affordable way to stay organized and diligently protect your valuables when traveling.
Chaco Adjustable Strap Classic Wide-width Sandals
$105
I’ve had these sandals for a few years now and packing them for Negril was a no-brainer. They are easy to slide on and have a secure fit since they are adjustable. And thanks to their non-slip bottoms, they are perfect for wearing on a boat, on the beach, or around the pool, and you can even wear them directly in the water — so there's no need to pack (or buy) water shoes. I knew that they'd be essential for this action-packed trip as I've worn them for 10 hours a day at a three-day music festival, and they held up well while providing enough support for my arches. Despite frequently wearing them outdoors, they never stink thanks to their antimicrobial application.
Madewell The Curvy Perfect Vintage Shorts
$78
Since I’m tall and have long legs, it can be difficult to find shorts that offer enough coverage, and this pair fit me perfectly. They are high-waisted and fit loosely around the thighs, making them comfortable to wear and move in. I paired the shorts with a relaxed T-shirt for a casual dinner during my trip, but I also frequently just slid them over my swimsuit to grab a quick lunch. I also love that these shorts were made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, and that they are available in standard and plus fits.
Athleta Retreat Wide-leg Linen Pants
$79
When I wanted a little bit more coverage from the sun or mosquitos (I also recommend packing some insect repellent), I slipped on these lightweight linen pants. Athleta is one of my favorite tall-girl friendly brands, and I ordered these pants in the tall length for a longer and comfier inseam. The wide-leg and relaxed fit created a laidback look, whether I paired them with a swimsuit or a T-shirt. I also appreciated the drawstring waistband and the four pockets to stash my phone, credit cards, or room key. The fabric was breathable, and I never felt too hot while wearing them, even on the 85-degree Fahrenheit days. The pants come in six different colors, including a bright and on-trend Barbie pink, and are available in regular, tall, and petite lengths.
Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-cut Tee
$30
Everlane is one of my favorite brands for quality basics, and I love this T-shirt so much that I have it in three different colors. This 100 percent organic cotton tee has a cropped length that pairs perfectly with high-waisted shorts or pants, and it can easily be dressed up with some fancy accessories if needed. I loved throwing on this tee for a quick lunch or casual dinner, and the relaxed fit offers a carefree look while its boxy structure gives it some shape. There are 16 different colors to choose from, and you can opt for a pocket or no-pocket design. The sizes range from 2XS to 3XL, and you can bundle the tees three for $60. Because they are so comfortable, I also wore one when I was traveling from airport to airport, and I even wear them to the office with slacks now that I have perfected my capsule wardrobe.
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen
$18
I have fair skin, so one of my biggest concerns about traveling to Negril was protecting my skin from the sun. This isn’t just my go-to facial sunscreen for vacation — I wear this every day as well. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, and this is one of the only facial sunscreens I’ve tried that doesn’t break me out or leave my face feeling oily. I reapplied it several times every day, and when even mixed with sand and sweat, it didn’t cause me to break out.
The lightweight formula includes redness-reducing and antioxidant-rich green tea, which helps further protect skin from the environment, and it doesn’t leave a white cast. Plus, the bottle is extremely compact and travel-friendly, which made it easy to keep in my beach bag.
Owala FreeSip Vacuum Water Bottle
$28
Before purchasing my Owala water bottle, I used exclusively Stanley tumblers; however, I wanted something that was a little more travel-friendly for this trip. My partner had an Owala, so I decided to get one for myself — and, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I may like it more than my Stanleys. The 24-ounce stainless steel bottle is easy to carry around in airports and shuttles thanks to its hidden handle, and it fit perfectly in the cupholder pouch of my backpack. When I was on the beach, it kept my water refreshingly cold for hours.
My favorite part of this water bottle is that there is a plastic part that fits over the mouth to prevent anything from getting in when it's closed. In fact, I dropped my water bottle in the sand, clicked open the lid, and was pleasantly surprised that no sand had gotten on the mouth piece. I was also worried that it would be difficult to clean, but it can be taken apart easily and washed in the dishwasher. The only flaw is that it doesn’t fit perfectly in the cupholder of my car like my Stanley tumbler does, but it’s my go-to water bottle now for hiking, picnicking, and traveling.
Athleta Break Point Visor
$29
Another affordable find, this hat was perfect for water sports and activities. It allowed me to be able to wear a bun or a high ponytail, unlike traditional baseball caps or beach hats. Taking this visor on and off was easy since it has an elastic band, so I didn’t have to worry about adjusting it each time that I wore it. Even during activities like kayaking, it always stayed in place. I also wore it on a windy boat ride to go snorkeling, and it stayed firmly in place despite the breeze. It comes in two neutral colors, black or white, and it’s less than $30.
Ray-Ban RB3565 Jack Round Sunglasses
$171
My partner gave me these sunglasses a few years ago, and I have worn them almost every day since then. Not only are they stylish, but the lens offer 100 percent UV protection to keep your eyes safe from the sun. The metal frames feel secure, and even when I am playing tennis or swimming, they don’t fall off my face — although I have knocked them off my counter and dropped them on the pavement before, and they didn’t break, crack, scratch, or dent. There are several different color options for the lenses and frames, so you can find an option that best fits your personal style.
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2024-04-15T09:11:47Z dg43tfdfdgfd