ST. BARTHELEMY / ST. BARTH / ST. BARTS / ST. BARTHS
What to Take Along

THE ESSENTIALS
Start with the most important items including passports, itineraries, airline tickets, vouchers, traveler's checks, cash, credit cards, ATM cards, driver's licenses, prescription drugs, glasses and any important phone numbers. It's even a good idea to keep a copy of your documents in your luggage and at home.

Even though there is far less crime in St. Barthélemy (St. Barth / St. Barts / St. Barths) than in most large US cities, it never hurts to be cautious when you are in an unfamiliar environment. International travelers should keep critical items with them at all times or in their hotel’s safe. If you have an early morning departure, be sure to retrieve your valuables from the hotel safe the night before since they may not be accessible before the regular work day begins.

CLOTHING
In spite of its international jet-set reputation, St. Barth is actually very informal. Casual sports clothes in cotton and other light fabrics rule the day. One can choose to wear the latest fashions but remember, this is the tropics. Jeans, shorts, polos, tees, sandals, sneakers and boat shoes are de rigueur. While swimwear is perfect for the beach, it is not considered proper in town. In the evenings, women tend to "dress up" a bit but, as for the men, ties and jackets are rarely seen.

Topless swimming and sunning is acceptable and common at pools and beaches. Nude sunbathing is not officially sanctioned but is often practiced at the beaches of Saline and Gouverneur. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for solar protection during the day.

DONT FORGET TO PACK:

1. The Essentials (see above) plus your clothes, swimwear and toiletries

2. A 110-220 voltage converter & plug adapter for appliances if needed

3. Contact lens solutions and backup lenses.

4. Candles in small metal or glass containers (useful for power failures and/or romantic moods)

5. A portable music player (ask the local stores about the latest Zouk music)

6. Copies of any helpful guidebook pages, articles or web site info

7. A camera and plenty of film or digital storage media

8. A special film bag to protect any high-speed film from airport x-rays

9. A good map of your destination

10. Names & addresses for postcards (putting them on labels in advance works great)

11. A French mini-phrase book/dictionary

12. That book you've been meaning to read

13. A rain poncho and traction-sole shoes if you plan to hike in the rain forest

14. Mosquito repellent

15. Sunglasses and hat

16. Lots of sunscreen and lip block

17. Alarm clock

18. Sandals & sneakers

19. Plastic bags (zip-locks are best) for laundry, etc.

20. Sports gear (snorkel, mask, etc.)

21. Binoculars

22. Spare batteries for cameras, clocks, etc.

23. A small flashlight

24. Spare glasses and/or contacts


TRAVEL TIP
If you check all of your luggage with an airline, there is a chance that it may be damaged, delayed or even lost forever. Experienced travelers keep their most important items in a carry-on bag. Travel as lightly as possible. Check with your airline for maximum sizes, weights and restrictions.

For related St. Barthélemy (St. Barth / St. Barts / St. Barths) contact information, please visit Caribbean-Direct.com.

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