The Leading Resource for Accommodations
in the French West Indies
Out for a stroll with a parasol in the charming village of Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe.
THE REALLY IMPORTANT STUFFEven though there is far less crime in these islands than in most American cities, it never hurts to be cautious when you are in a new environment. International travelers should keep certain items with them at all times (in a hip-pack for example) or in their hotel's safe. These include passports, itineraries, airline tickets, vouchers, traveler's checks, cash, credit 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. If you have an early morning departure from your hotel, remember to check out in advance, arrange for car rental return and retrieve any stored items from the hotel's safe the night before you leave.
LUGGAGE AND PACKINGIf you check all of your luggage with an airline, there is a chance that it may be damaged, delayed or even lost forever. However, you can minimize the risk to your long-awaited vacation by keeping your most important items with you in a carry-on bag. If you pack efficiently, one carry-on may be adequate for your Caribbean trip. Check with your airline for maximum sizes, weights and restrictions. The key is to travel as lightly as possible and only check things you can live without.
[ ] The Really Important Stuff (see above) plus your clothes, swimwear and toiletries
[ ] A 110-220 voltage converter & plug adaptor for appliances
[ ] Contact lens solutions (very expensive in the tropics, if you can find them)
[ ] A candle in a small glass container (for power failures and/or romantic moods)
[ ] A portable cassette, CD or MP3 player (ask the local stores about the latest Zouk music)
[ ] Copies of any helpful guidebook pages, articles or web site info
[ ] A camera and plenty of film or digital recording media
[ ] A special film bag to protect any high-speed film from airport x-rays
[ ] A map of your destination
[ ] Names & addresses for postcards (putting them on labels in advance works great)
[ ] A French mini-phrasebook/dictionary
[ ] That book you've been meaning to read
[ ] A rain poncho and traction-sole shoes if you plan to hike in the rain forest
[ ] Mosquito repellent
[ ] Sunglasses & hat
[ ] Spare batteries for cameras, clocks, etc.
[ ] Alarm clock
[ ] Sandals & sneakers
[ ] Plastic bags for laundry, etc.
[ ] Sports gear (snorkle, mask, etc.)
[ ] Binoculars
[ ] Lots of sunscreen and lipblock
[ ] A flashlight
[ ] Spare glasses and/or contacts