What to Pack for Antigua. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Season & Activity Attire

Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics year-round. This suits the constant tropical heat and humidity.

Specific Recommendations

Daytime: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses, Swimsuits, and cover-ups.
Evenings: Light trousers or dresses for dinner. Light cardigan or wrap for air-conditioned spaces or breezy evenings.
Wet Season: Lightweight Rain jacket or an Umbrella for sudden downpours.

Cultural Dress Code

Antigua is generally relaxed, specifically in tourist areas and resorts. However, dress modestly when visiting local towns, villages, or religious sites like churches.

Modesty & Settings

Religious Sites: Cover shoulders and knees.
Swimwear: Avoid outside beaches and pools.
Upscale Restaurants: "Smart casual" dress code (no beachwear, flip-flops, or overly revealing clothing).

Footwear Selections

Everyday Comfort

Pack Comfortable sandals, flip-flops for the beach, and breathable Sneakers or casual walking shoes.

Ideal for general movement

Water Activities

Water shoes are recommended for rocky beaches, sea urchins, or slippery boat decks.

Foot protection for marine environments

Hiking Pursuits

Bring Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners for extensive hikes. Avoid open-toed sandals on challenging trails.

Grip and comfort on trails

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Keep your travel documents organized and secure. Both physical and digital copies are advisable.

Original passport (valid 6+ months), any required visa.
Photocopies and digital copies of passport/visa (cloud storage, email).
Vaccination records (ICVP if Yellow Fever needed).
List of medications (generic names) and doctor's note for prescriptions.

Your valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP).
Printed and digital copies of flight, accommodation, and tour reservations.
Card with important medical information (allergies, conditions).
Emergency contact details for family and your embassy/consulate.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Antigua uses 230V, 60Hz. Plug types A, B, and G are used, with B and G common in newer buildings and hotels.

Essentials

Universal travel adapter (Type B & G) with surge protection, handles 230V.
For US travelers, a Voltage converter may be needed for non-dual-voltage appliances.
Unlocked mobile phone; local SIM cards from Flow or Digicel at airport/stores. Airalo for eSIMs.

Gadgets & Backups

Prepare your gadgets for international travel and consider data backup solutions.

Camera & Power

Waterproof camera (GoPro Hero 12 Black) for water activities; DSLR for landscapes.
Extra batteries, memory cards, Waterproof bag. Portable chargers (Anker Power Bank) for on-the-go power.
Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for data backup. An External hard drive for redundant copies.

Recommended Apps & Online Safety

Navigation & Communication

Google Maps (download offline maps), WhatsApp (widely used), a reliable weather app (for hurricane season), and Google Translate (offline English pack).

VPN Services

Consider a VPN for secure internet browsing on public Wi-Fi. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are popular choices.

Electronics Retailers

For camera gear or electronics, check B&H Photo. For general needs, Amazon. For travel bags, Nordace.

Health & Wellness Items

Medical Preparedness

Your personal health kit helps you handle minor issues on your trip.

First Aid & Meds

First Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), allergy medication.
For Antigua: Antihistamine cream for bites, Hydrocortisone cream for rashes/stings, rehydration salts.
Prescription Medications: Enough for trip + extra days, original packaging, doctor's note.

Common Ailments & Prevention

Pack remedies for common travel issues to avoid inconvenience.

OTC & Protection

Over-the-Counter Meds: Antidiarrheal (Imodium), antacids, cold/flu remedies.
Motion Sickness: Remedies (Dramamine) for boat excursions.
Sun Protection: High SPF Reef-safe sunscreen, Wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses.

Water & Personal Care

Water Purification

Tap water in many places is desalinated and generally safe.
A LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle provides extra assurance.
Good for refilling on the go or using various sources.

Hygiene Essentials

Bring specific brands of toiletries if you have sensitivities.
While menstrual products are available, specific types might not be common.
Pack contact lens solution if needed.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling / Diving

Bringing your own Snorkeling set (mask, snorkel, fins) gives proper fit and hygiene. A Dive computer if you are certified.

Rent: Scuba diving gear (BCD, regulators, tanks) unless you are an avid diver.
Rent: Kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis are readily available for rent.
Bring: Your own snorkeling mask and snorkel for hygiene.
Bring: Hiking shoes and specific medical equipment.

Hiking & Beach Gear

For hiking, a small Daypack for water, snacks, and rain gear is useful. For the beach, a Quick-dry towel and a Beach bag.

Pack Hiking shoes if planning extensive treks.
A Rash guard (O'Neill Basic Skins) is excellent for Sun protection during water activities.
Multiple swimsuits and quick-dry shorts are practical.
Ensure all gear is climate-appropriate.

Specialty Items

Some items are notably valuable for Antigua's environment.

A Dry bag for boat trips, kayaking, or beach days is invaluable.
A Waterproof dry bag protects electronics and valuables from sea spray or rain.
Bring a Waterproof phone case for beach and boat activities.
A book or e-reader for relaxing on the beach.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Items to Bring

Snorkeling masks and snorkels (for hygiene and comfort).
Hiking shoes, especially if you have specific fit needs.
Specific medical equipment or medications.
A compact Adventure Medical Kits UltraLight & Watertight .3 is useful.

Items to Rent

Scuba diving gear (BCD, regulators, tanks) unless you are an avid diver.
Kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis are readily available for rent.
Motorcycles and scooters are less common but sometimes available for rent.
ATV or buggy rentals for off-road tours.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Do not forget these extra items for comfort and security.

Smart Packing

Comfort for Transportation: Travel pillow, Eye mask, Earplugs, lightweight Shawl.
Security Items: Travel locks, Money belt or hidden pouch, RFID blocking wallet.
Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally: High-end sunscreens, insect repellents, specific OTC medications, specialized electronics.
Region-Specific: A Waterproof phone case for beach and boat activities.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reduce your environmental footprint with reusable items.

Eco-Conscious Choices

Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated.
Reusable shopping bag for groceries or souvenirs.
Reusable travel utensils for street food.
Book or e-reader for relaxation.

Other Useful Items

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect marine life and your skin.

Insect Repellent

High DEET or picaridin content is best.

Snorkel Gear

For comfortable and hygienic underwater views.

Waterproof Camera

Capture underwater adventures and beach moments.

Destination Specific Items

For Sunny Days

A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
UV-protective sunglasses.
A compact, lightweight tote bag for beach outings.

For Excursions

Offline maps downloaded on your phone.
Portable power bank for charging devices on long days.
Packing cubes for efficient luggage organization.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light for easy movement, especially if you plan to use local transportation. Most resorts offer laundry services, or you can find laundromats in larger towns.

Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Consider a capsule wardrobe for versatility.

What to Pack for Antigua