So, you're taking your vacation in the tropics. You are going to that secluded beach to sit, sunbath, explore and just relax. You are going for comfort not fashion, but there are ways to do both.

For the trip to the airport, wear something light and comfortable. Keep jewelry to a minimum to avoid problems with the security check. Your shoes will have to come off , so don't wear anything that is hard to take off and put on.

Since you are going to spend the majority of your time on the beach, you will need swimwear. Suits are small and light so pack 3. You will want to be able to wash the salt out of the suit you are wearing and put on a clean dry one. Take a hat with a large brim to keep the sun off your face and neck, sunglasses and sandals for the hot sand will round out your beachwear. Also, you will need you will need a loose shirt or wrap to cover yourself . Bring a large tote to put all this stuff in. A light sundress for the ladies and nylon shorts for the men will round out your attire. This way you can quickly dress over your swimsuit if you need to make a mad dash into town.

Everybody will burn in the sun so bring lots of sunscreen. SPF 8 just won't protect you from the tropical sun. Get SPF 45 or higher. You will still come home with a tan that says you have been to the sun. Along with the sunscreen, you should bring bug spray. The tropics have enormous cockroaches, beetles, flies and ants. Being covered with bug bites is not a pleasant way to spend your days.

There are some other, often overlooked additions to the lotion carry-along items. Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel is a must for environments that may be less than clean. Use it before you eat to avoid transferring germs from hand to mouth. Moisturizing cream will keep your skin from drying out during the hot days you will spend in the sun.

Because you are going to the tropics, bring snorkeling gear. The undersea life in the warm water is something that can not be overlooked. The cost of purchase and the packing hassles will be of no concern if you can just walk from your quarters to the ocean and begin diving. Equipment rental can get very expensive, not to mention the time it takes to rent and return.

The author, Jim Williams, enjoys the solitude that a secluded location brings to any vacation. You can find some of his favorite secluded vacation spots at