USVI – Packing List

Overall philosophy: PACK LIGHT! Less to move, less to lose! On our trip to USVI, each family member carried on a small backpack. With multiple legs, we need to be nimble. Any luggage delay could mean less time on the islands!

Packing guidelines for a 3 (1 parents and 2 young adults) for 3 day trip to USVI (and 2 travel days)

On the plane wear and carry

• lightweight pants or leggings
• shirt
• sweatshirt
• tennis shoes/good tread for hiking
• empty water bottle
• blanket

Shared Items to split amongst bags

• 2 full face snorkel masks
• 3 plastic bags (for wet or sandy items)
• 2 waterproof phone cases
• travel size shampoo and conditioner
• travel size shaving cream
• travel size toothpaste
• travel size bug spray
• hairbrush/hair ties
• deck of cards
• car phone charger

We purchased a few things on Amazon specifically for a trip to Hawaii, but we also used them for USVI.

A waterproof backpack is the best for so many reasons! It protects items from getting wet/sandy on the beach. It is easy to clean and comfortable for hiking. Click to purchase on Amazon.  I wear this as my carry-on backpack on the plane, then empty it out when we get there for the family to use when we go to the beach or hiking.

Although most phones are water resistant they aren't sand resistant! It is so easy to slide a phone into the protective sleeve, then you can put the phone/sleeve in with wet towels and next to cold drinks and not worry about the phone.   Click to purchase on Amazon.

Full-face snorkel masks are so much easier to use than traditional snorkel sets. You can slip it quickly over your face rather than having to adjust the eye mask and the snorkel, etc. We did not use fins much on our trip. I wouldn't bring them from the mainland since they are so bulky. On St. John, if needed, you can rent a snorkel set at Trunk Bay Beach Cinnamon Bay for around $15 a day (mask only) and $10 (fins), but you must return them by 4 p.m.  Bringing your own gives you the flexibility to use them at other beaches and not having to keep track of the return time. Another added benefit for bringing ours from home is that the mask is already fitted and you don't have to worry about making adjustments.  Click to purchase on Amazon.

Multi-purpose sand-resistant towels! It is thin enough to pack in a backpack and serves its purpose on the beach.  Click to purchase on Amazon.

A cross body purse is so handy for traveling. At the airport only put in the purse what you need to quickly access such as your phone, ID, and maybe a credit card. After going through security you can slip the purse into your backpack. For the rest of the trip you have a small purse to carry essentials when out for dinner, but it is equally useful for handsfree hiking. Waterproof material is key to be able to wipe it clean, but it still looks stylish.  Click to purchase on Amazon.

Bring your own reef safe sunscreen.  For three people, we brought two 3-ounce sunscreen bottles. Even though we applied frequently, we had plenty.  Click to purchase on Amazon.

Be prepared for no-see-ums and mosquitos by bringing bug spray. On our January trip there were very few bugs, but we still put some spray on our ankles at dusk. Click to purchase on Amazon.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning All Fifty Club receives a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links at no cost to you. This commission helps support the mission of the All Fifty States Club.