Packing suggestions: St. Barth's
 

Hi. I'm planning a trip to St. Barth's in April. It's my first time in the Caribbean and I'm so excited!

What SPF sunscreen should I pack? I'm fair skinned but can tan if I have a base.

What is the appropriate thing to wear to dinner or shopping on the island?

Are flip flops, bikinis and casual sun dresses all that I need?

Are mosquitos a problem on St. Barth's?

Thanks for all your suggestions!

The sun is very strong in the Caribbean. You are better off with a higher SPF than a lower SPF. We have a home in the Caribbean (not far from St. Barth's) and we use a minimum of SPF 45. Get a higher number if you can find it.

For dinner, if you are dining at one of the more upscale restaurants women should wear sundresses, skirt & blouse or plants & blouse all with appropriate shoes. For men, khakis or dockers with collared shirt (golf shirts are fine) and boat shoes are the norm. In casual restaurants and at breakfast and lunch both can wear t-shirts and shorts - if you are wearing beach attire plan on wearing a cover-up when having lunch.

Mosquitos are not a major problem on St. Barts but the number you might encounter is more governed by recent weather conditions and local surroundings than anything else. They are more prevallent after periods of prolonged rains and ytou'll encounter more around salt ponds, standing water and areas of dense vegetation. They are more active at dusk and along the edge of the beach where the sand meets the vegetation. If you avoid those areas and times you'll lessen your chances of "a close encounter". Also, avoid using perfumes, cologones, after-shaves, scented body washes and/or powders and scented hair sprays as the sweet aromas act as an attractant. If you are a "mosquito magnet" consider bring some inscent repellent with you.

Thank you so much for your thoughts! I really appreciate it. I will pack accordingly. I'm so excited!

Just remember to reapply your sunscreen often. Also, you've heard it lots of times before, but try to avoid being out in the sun during the most intense hours of the day -- not hard when it's so warm. We usually go to the beach early for a few hours, leave at around 11:00 to get lunch provisions or visit a few shops, take a nice post-lunch nap and go out to the beach or pool again around 3:00 or later.

I'm really sensitive to mosquitoes and they seem to love me, so I always pack some hydrocortisone cream as well as repellent.

Packing light in the Caribbean is easy. During the day a light T-shirt or button down shirt and sarong over your bathing suit will be fine for lunch. Casual sundresses, nice linen shorts or cropped pants with a pretty tank or top will be appropriate for all but the most upscale places, and even there a nicer sundress would work. I've seen many types of sandals (antyhing dressier than Tevas) and flip-flops in restaurants all over St. Barts and Anguilla. I have a "special" pair of Old Navy gold flip flops that are my evening shoes.

You'll have a wonderful time! Keep in mind that it's a French island, so chic accessories like a pretty lightweight scarf, a bright chunky rubber watch or glam-girl sunglasses (even from Marshall's or TJ Maxx) will make the simplest outfit look fabulous.

Agree with all of the above, and underline the word "funky" in the above response. Lots of beaded, embroidered jeans, super sheer fabrics, wild shoes, but also underscore sophistocated and tasteful. Save some room in your bag for some goodies, have fun mon cheri!

Thank you so much! I just bought a new bikini and some sandals. Thanks for all the advice! I like to be stylish when I can but rarely dress for warm temperatures as I live in a Northern climate year round. I will definitely leave some room in my bag!

Thanks again. :)