Puerto Rico Packing List
The luggage I'm using to Puerto Rico is going to be directly influenced by how long I'm staying, who I'm travelling with, the forecast for when I'm there, and my airline. Wow, that's a lot to weigh, but hear me out. The short version is:
Check a bag if…
Flying with entire family
Flying direct
Am staying over 7 days
Flying Delta or United
Carry-on if….
Travelling with one or two people
Am staying less than 5 or 6 days
Weather is forecasted to be cold when I leave and hot when I get there or vice-versa
Flying United
Personal item only if…
Staying less than 5 or 6 days
Traveling solo
Weather is forecasted to be cold when I'm leaving and when I get there
Am flying with Sun Country, Allegiant or similar budget airline
The reasons for my rationale are that budget airlines often times can end up being just as expensive as your main airlines with the amount they will nickel and dime you in seat selections and bag fees, so if I'm getting a cheap flight with Sun Country or Allegiant, I'm trying not to wrack it up to Delta pricing levels. If I'm travelling with United or Delta, I'm getting a carry-on included so I'm definitely using that and not trying to cram everything into a backpack. If I'm travelling with my entire family, I'm waving my flag of surrender and going with a bigger bag. If it's my youngest along for the trip then I'm hauling her stuff. If my teens are with me, they've likely overpacked and are trying to shove stuff into my suitcase so bigger bags it is! But, BUT(!), if I'm on my own, flying budget, the weather is chilly at Minneapolis (MSP) or Chicago (ORD) and my destination, basically all the stars have aligned, I'm wearing layers aka half my packed clothes can be worn on me and I can pack myself into a personal item and save big bucks! As of this writing, Sun Country is charging $50 PER DIRECTION for a carry-on bag. That's wild to me that they'll get an extra $100 from me if I can't pack myself into a backpack so I'll do all I can to do just that. Why is it ok for me to wear layers and have them on my body and not in a suitcase? Beats me. I've read its some complicated formula but it sure seems like an opportunistic money grab to me, so I'll do all I can to avoid those extra fees pretty much just out of spite. 🤭
Once you've chosen the size of the bag for your circumstances, keep in mind a couple things. Some packing cubes can be a huge help in smashing everything into a backpack. The ones I have listed in my Travel Essentials have helped me with the smushing in the past and even when smushing wasn't needed, they helped me stay organized and they cost far less than that one way carry on with Sun Country Airlines. When it comes to luggage, I have recommendations based on what I've tried and loved or disliked. These are the ones I'll splurge on someday: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Mint Green, Checked-Large 28-Inch.
I've shared the ones we currently have in my Travel Essentials list. They're very nice, have held up well and don't come up at a premium.
This is my trusty backpack that I currently smush things into: Travel Backpack
This is the backpack I will someday splurge on: Travel Backpack
Hawaii has a law that you have to use reef safe sunscreen. Puerto Rico does not have the same requirements, but since I learned and conformed in Hawaii, I just think it makes sense and why not save the coral everywhere. For that reason, I recommend this sunscreen.
For El Yunque, I recommend bug spray, these are super handy for travelling: OFF! Deep Woods
Good walking shoes on vacation are always a must for me, I love these ones.
When travelling anywhere tropical, I'm definitely bringing these flip flops. They're super helpful for beach days and pool days but also scary looking showers. I've worn them walking throughout New Orleans, Maui, lots of campgrounds, hotel rooms, and many, many more places. I've purchased them twice and am certain I will purchase them a third time. They're just comfy and functional.
Battery Bank for iPhone/Battery Bank for Android and Charging cords
Toiletries - I often rely on the shampoo and conditioner and body wash the hotel offers but bring my toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, face lotion and body lotion. Sometimes my perfume.
Prescriptions
OTC meds (ibuprofen, tylenol, tums, etc) - if you use it more than once a month at home, I'd bring it along for peace of mind.
I'm not a fashionista so guides with cute clothes is not what you'll find from me. Please, I beg you, seek advice from another if that's what you're looking for. One of my favorite funny memories is my then 5 year old saying to me, “um, probably you shouldn't wear that” when I was heading out to work one day. 😜 But while not fashionable, I am functional. My travel uniform is usually:
Bottoms (shorts or pants), 1 pair per 2 days
Short sleeve shirt or tank top 1 per day
Sweatshirt if needed - usually 2 per trip
Undergarments (underwear as though I'm a toddler having accidents daily, couple bras and enough socks to have 2 per day - I really don't like the feel of sweaty feet)
Swimsuit or two depending on trip - Puerto Rico definitely needs 2 or more.
Pj's - flannel pants and a tank top, no, they don't match 😂, but hotels are often chilly so I like to have long pants to stay comfy
That's everything. Everyone has different needs and every trip is different but I have found that keeping packing simplified has not steered me wrong yet. For more items I may have not listed here, visit my Travel Essentials page!
This really depends on your itinerary, but all the places I went to did not need anything dressy. We were in shorts and tank tops or swimsuits everywhere we went.
I did not need a wetsuit for anything, but pay attention to any excursions you are booking as some snorkeling activities may recommend it.
While not required, it is highly recommended to protect the biodiversity of this beautiful area.