I was born and raised in Greece, a country with variations from mild to warm to very hot weather for more than half the year. Holidays and weekend getaways under the Greek scorching sun are pretty common during the summer months so through years of experience and trial and error, I learned a thing or two about packing the right things for the right conditions. You see apart from the defaults (like light linen clothes, mosquito repellent and sunscreen) there are many other things which I hope will inspire you and make this list your one-stop shop for all things summer holidays.
In this list, I have collected the most essential, lightweight and easy-to-pack items for travelling to warm and tropical countries (excluding camping equipment). Combined with my other popular handy packing lists for busy parents, babies, or road trips, it will provide all you need for your much-anticipated holiday. My list has developed over years of experience as a youth holidaymaker in Greece but also as a parent with kids travelling to Greece, Africa, Asia and other tropical countries as of late.
Here's my ultimate packing list for travelling to tropical countries and hot weather:
Kids' Stuff:
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DAY TRIP/CRUISING
1. Zip-off Trousers
One basic thing you should treat yourself with is comfortable lightweight trousers, ideally convertible: zip-on onboard the aeroplane or ferry where is cool and breezy, and zip-off on once at your warm destination. When it comes to travel and hiking pants, look no further than the travel expert Tropicfeel brand. To combine the comfort, quality and convenience of different pockets and compartments I would recommend getting Tropicfeel Trousers. Tropicfeel is a Spanish start-up specializing in travel gear and my favourite pants that I always pack are the "Jogger pants" and the "Zip-off pants" which convert to short pants for those hot days.
2. Comfortable Light Shoes
One thing that stresses me out when preparing for travels is how to get the proper shoes for all occasions and keep them light and tidy. Ideally, one pair or two tops, for most of my adventures. After trying different combinations and brands, I ended up with Tropicfeel Shoes.
Before you go wild shopping travel pants, backpacks and other goodies Tropicfeel offers, first look for the 'Sunset' and 'Jungle' models. Designed so you can pack it even when your luggage is full, sunset transforms from a snug slipper to a casual sneaker in seconds while providing super comfortable wear for your long days around the beach and in water. Jungle on the other hand provides a higher more stable grip so you can jump into new experiences anytime and anywhere. These are the only 2 shoes I pack for my warm-weather travels.
Clicking and buying from my Tropicfeel affiliate links above ☝️ gives you an extra 10% discount website-wide at checkout.
3. Folding Pack (Day and Dry Bag)
At around £30 price tag, the Sea to Summit Ultrasil pack may initially sound slightly expensive, but if you look at the specs you may change your mind:
It is super tiny and lightweight and folds into a small ball you can squeeze even into your packed shoes.
You can use it as a day pack for your day trips or a dry bag with beach essentials like a pair of shoes/slippers, a thin microfibre towel, goggles, sunscreen, sunglasses, wallet and phone.
At the end of your trip, fill it with your laundry or souvenirs.
4. Water Bottle
It is an absolute must for day trips and beachgoers. Go for something lightweight rather than fancy, fill it and re-fill it multiple times. And no one does flasks for outdoor use better than thermos. If you don’t already have one for your picnics (travel size would be around 400-500ml) get one of the Thermos brands which will last forever (my parents still use the Thermos they bought and used 20 years ago). Fill it with hot water for warming up milk or food or cold water when you are out and about for the whole family to hydrate. I like Thermos brand with vacuum insulation as it can maintain the temperature for a good 3-4 hours outside in hot weather (tested in Thailand and Greece) and the lid can be used as a cup when you're out and about.
The Thermos Super Light flask or the Super Light Travel tumbler are both great options, super light (200g) and have a sleek design, with a handy spout making it easier for our little friends to sip.
5. Collapsible Food Box and Cups
These Collapsible Silicone Food Storage Containers not only minimize your waste footprint but are also airtight and leak-proof, keeping your valuable leftovers fresh and spill-free during car rides. Additionally, they flatten for easy storage, conserving precious luggage space. It's one of those small things that significantly enhance your travel experience (and your kitchen organization at home)!
Consider cups as well: Whether in the kitchen, office, car, or beach, this is your hydration ally and space-saving champion. Stojo collapsible cups come in a wide range of colours to suit every preference and have been my trusty companion on all my trips! If you're travelling with your furry friend, don't forget to bring along one of those Bonza Medium Collapsible Dog Bowls too.
6. Reusable Snack Bags
Zip bags are my secret weapon when I’m on the go: they’re perfect for sneaking hotel breakfast pastries, saving leftovers from restaurants, or even corralling snack crumbs before they take over my bag. They’re reusable, so I get to feel eco-friendly and organized at the same time (win-win). Back at home, they double as freezer bags (thanks to their airtight zip), keeping everything fresh and chaos-free. I’ve even used one for on-the-spot rubbish duty. Find the Xup Zip brand down at my Amazon links and grab two sizes for your travels: the smaller ones (1L) for small fresh or dried fruit, cookies, nuts and even small sandwiches, and the bigger ones (2L) which can fit larger items like fruits and/or toasties plus they are super useful for freezing meat back at home.
7. Folding Rain Umbrella
Folds down to a very small (18cm) and lightweight (240h) package and stores in a handy pouch to carry everywhere. Useful when visiting tropical climates for the occasional showers.
BEACH
8. Folding Beach Umbrella or Beach Tent
If you like umbrellas get the Oakno portable parasol for hitting the beach. Includes all necessary ropes, pegs and anchors. Bear in mind larger umbrellas, such as beach umbrellas or golf umbrellas, may need to be checked in by your airline. You can check in your umbrella with a checked bag if you already have one, as long as the total weight doesn't exceed the limit. If you don't have a checked bag, you'll need to check in your umbrella separately.
But here's a catch with parasols: No matter how portable, lightweight or easy to set up can be, all parasol umbrellas have a common enemy: the wind. And when you are in the Greek islands, that can be a problem. From all my years travelling to the Greek islands, no matter how many good quality and stable umbrellas I've used, the only thing that really worked satisfactorily and defeated the Greek 'meltemi' was the beach tent. So if you are travelling to the windy Greek islands (like Serifos or Naxos) my suggestion would be to get the travel Neso beach tent with attached sandbags that you can fill with sand and stones to stabilise. It packs down to a pouch and can easily fit it over your shoulder or in your carry-on luggage.
9. Beach & Bath Towel
When I travel, a thin, lightweight beach towel is a game-changer. Bulky towels? Not for me. I’d rather save that suitcase space for snacks or souvenirs. What you need is a Microfibre lightweight and packable in a pouch towel made of recycled materials, quick-drying, super compact, and sand-resistant. They’re big enough to stretch out on but fold down so small they disappear in your bag. Bonus: they’re ultra-absorbent, so no more soggy mess after a swim. Whether I’m hitting the beach, lounging by the pool, or packing for a day trip, these towels are my travel MVPs: practical, stylish, and zero hassle.
Look out for that Cycladic Blue-White stripy Dock & Bay if you are heading to Serifos or Naxos this year.
10. Beach Bag
While beach bags can be a fashion item/statement of personal taste and style, especially for women, I always recommend popping a super-small super-light folding day pack with you. Not only it can be your day companion on a city tour, but can also be your beach dry bag see which one I recommend here.
11. Pool Floats
Mommy and Daddy got something for us cos we deserve some downtime and fun too: this Water Hammock/Floating Chair is an absolute summer gadget. It folds into a small pouch and inflates in seconds will be your best companion unwinding in the sea or the pool.
12. Waterproof pouch for mobile phone
It's a necessary gadget if you are into water sports or water adventures. With good screen/touch sensitivity, this IPX8 Certified Waterproof can go up to 30 meters depth for half an hour according to the manufacturer.
13. Snorkelling Set
One lesson I learned -the hard way- is to carry my own snorkel set and/or goggles when I travel for the summer holidays. For not just to avoid the ridiculously inflated tourist prices but also to have peace of mind my kit won't let me down. The brand I have been using for ages and I totally recommend investing in if you love snorkelling and want something to last for years to come, is Cressi. Choose between the entry-level (and cheaper) Cressi Ocean Dive (first from left) the Cressi Big Eyes Combo Set (with a bigger optical field) or the Cressi F1 Frameless (last on the right) if you are spending more time diving and fishing underwater and willing to invest.
14. Insulated Cooler Bag
When I’m spending the day with my family on a gorgeous, remote beach with no beach bars or loungers in sight, an insulated cooler backpack is my ultimate multitasker. It keeps the juice boxes icy, the snacks fresh, and me from second-guessing the “let’s go off the grid” plan. And the best part? When it’s not busy being a portable fridge on the sand, it doubles as my everyday travel and day backpack and fits under the aeroplane's set. It’s perfect for carrying everything I need while looking like I’ve got it all together... well, until someone inevitably spills something, of course. There are some handsome packs sold on Amazon, below you will find links for 3 of my favourite designs:
15. Sun Screen
When it comes to baby sun creams, look no further than the Greek Frezyderm brand. This company has thrived in Europe and has been awarded for its quality herbal-based products. And when it comes to natural herbal products, not because I am Greek, but Greeks do it better ;-) So, leaving aside the branding and origin, we tested and benchmarked all commercial products we could find in the UK high street (like Bepanthen, Aveeno and Sudocream) to find out that when it comes to creams (nappy rash or sun protection) Frezyderm products:
are more effective even using half the quantity you’d normally use.
are less oily, waterproof and easier to spread
contain chamomile oil which works wonders on irritations and rashes
they smell fantastic
I even use it for myself
Order Frezyderm on Amazon or straight from Frezyderm official website (free shipping in the UK for all orders over £50).
If you're searching for an excellent sunscreen/sun lotion for the entire family, consider the Ultrasun Family Sensitive. It comes in a 100ml bottle, making it convenient for hand luggage and saves you some money from buying abroad or from the airport. This product is particularly ideal for children and individuals with sensitive skin. Its hypoallergenic formula is free of oils, emulsifiers, and perfume, and Dermatologists recommend it for those susceptible to skin allergies and prickly heat.
PRO TIP: get some reusable empty cosmetic round jars and fill them up with creams and products for you and your baby. Use a marker (or label printer) to note the content on each lid ;-) 15-20ml is the ideal size for travel, can hold enough product for 1 week to 10 days usage.
16. After Sun Skincare with Olive Oil
I felt compelled to write about this product, which is based on a beloved Greek culinary ingredient and a staple of everything Mediterranean: Olive oil. Imagine you're someone who enjoys sunbathing until your skin dries out like a raisin, and you want to maintain your tan lines a bit longer after a vacation. However, you often experience temporary outcomes such as occasional sunburns and sudden exfoliation, resulting in quick tan fading and dry skin.
What if I told you there is a natural product that works and is made of Greek Olive Oil, that can be applied to your body, face and hair and nourished with all the ingredients you need to feel supple and youthful and maintain your skin's elasticity and prolong your tanning?
Greeks love to sprinkle olive oil everywhere, even on their bodies. But not without reason as oil deeply hydrates and softens your skin. Korres, a famous Greek brand, produces this amazing Nourishing Oil from olive oil and other essential oils (smells great and is very discreet) which has all these perks and our whole family loves to use it every summer during and after our holidays!
17. Amazon Kindle
I'll be honest with you, I'm old school and enjoy taking my physical books with me; there's something about the feel and scent of paper that I just can't resist. However, for others, having hundreds of books on a single Kindle device seems more practical and cost-effective as you can get all these, and even more. Kindle is great as the glare-free screen means you can read without squinting like solving a mystery and the battery lasts longer than your vacation, so don’t worry too much about charging.
A 30-day Amazon Kindle Unlimited Free Trial offers an excellent opportunity to explore my recommended books and over 1 million other titles, thousands of audiobooks, and popular magazines on any device. Click my link to get to try it for free!
18. Travel eSIM
I always like having a few gigabytes of roaming data on hand and ideally having sort this out before my travels so that I do not have to deal with local physical SIMs when I arrive at the airport. Roaming data is useful for emergencies, getting around, and checking restaurant reviews without costing a fortune.
So I've chosen to affiliate with Saily because is backed by industry leader NordVPN, ensuring all my connections come with top-notch NordVPN security for peace of mind wherever I am. What's more, their app is super intuitive and easy to use and the best, their friendly chat team is 24/7 available to resolve any issues. Very important when you are in unchartered territories and desperately need that internet connection.
Before you sign up just Google to make sure your phone supports eSIM, then get a Saily eSIM data package before you travel. Click here (affiliate link) to jump to Saily’s page. Search the country or region of your choice and get an extra 5% off by using my special promo code NIKODOUNIKO5 at checkout.
KIDS STUFF
1. Kids Hat with Neck Flap
I would look for something with a neck flap and 50+ UPF protection for summer destinations like these fantastic Jan & Jul hats for kids. The adjustable jaw strap is a plus, although a fussy kid (like ours) can always complain about this giggly thing under their jaws.
2. Kids Sunglasses
As a younger infant, our son always rejected sunglasses. He found it more interesting to squeeze and crush them instead. But after the age of 2, they become more aware and love imitating grownups in general, their parents in particular. So that's the best age to invest in a good stylish pair of Babiators. They are a bit more expensive than the average cheap pair of kids sunglasses but what's worth more to your kid's eye protection?
Throw a pair of Pilotfish straps in your shopping basket just to be on the safe side.
3. Kids Sandals
Having been raised by the beach in Greece and spending the past few summers with my son on Greek beaches, I have concluded and strongly recommend carrying two types of sandals for kids:
Closed-Toe and Quick-Dry Water Shoes: Usually made from neoprene fabric, they are perfect for stepping on pebbles or sharp rocks, plus they can swim, run and climb as they provide good grip and protection. I recommend the more stylish ChayChax closed-toe or something more classic like the Lakeland Active Aquasport.
Classic all-day play and walking sandals: Just look for a secure fitting and anti-slip sole (inside-out). We liked this Crocs model every time they outgrow them and we love them as there are many colours to choose from. I also buy a pair of Teva Sandals as they are more durable for adventurous hybrid city and beach walks ;-)
AVOID slip-on sandals or flip-flops. Kids at this age walk recklessly (accidents lurk to ruin your vacation) or kick them out and get them lost in a moment of joyful play.
4. Kids Swimming Vest (Life Jacket)
Planning to take that island-hop boat trip or just start swimming lessons for your little one on this vacation? Bear in mind some tours or settings might provide swimming vests (life jackets) some do not. Just to be on the safe side, check out the the Speedo swimming vest or go for a cheap inflatable one (to save space) like Bestway inflatables.
No space for any of those? No problem, just pack a pair of Speedo inflatable armbands!
5. Baby Beach Tent
The Badabulle baby beach tent is an absolute lifesaver for sunny days by the sea. It keeps your little ones shaded and protected from harmful UV rays, so you can relax knowing they’re playing safe. Lightweight and easy to pop up, it’s perfect for packing along without adding bulk. Plus, it creates a cosy little hideaway for naps, snack time, or just escaping the wind. Not to mention you can also use it in your backyard or to make a den in their room!
6. Kids Mosquito Net
Going to hot weather or a tropical island without a travel cot? I would recommend squeezing one of these Lifesystems super light and compact nets with you. Comes in two sizes, small (single bed) and large (double bed). An absolute must for hot-weather destinations where mosquitos and flies lurk for children’s tender skins. It can be a bit tricky to hang (sometimes I had to improvise with light fittings and curtain poles or others used self-adhesive hooks which come with the spares package) but will definitely be worth the hassle for that mozzie-free sleep!
7. Kids Mosquito Repellent
Undoubtedly a must-have when travelling to warmer climates and you don't want to end up buying the dodgy brands from a local supermarket. A friend with great experience in kids (raised 3 so far) recommended Incognito, a pharmaceutical product which is supposed to be made of natural ingredients and is famously ethical so one of the best for children. We tested it in Greece and Thailand and worked quite well with our little one, but also with us!
Vie repellent also is great for babies. Once you add the repellent to your basket, also consider the Vie citronella patches (we used one patch on his cot and one on our bed every night to minimise risk).
8. Kids Snorkelling Set
Similarly to the adult's snorkel set recommendation, I wouldn't compromise for something cheap if my kiddo was into snorkelling. Hands down, Cressi Junior series is the way to go for quality and anti-fog security. I also have a cheaper option of a full face mask (that I bought my son for his first endeavours at 5 years old) for those who do not bother much about quality as kids will overgrow it and Cressi isn't worth the investment.
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