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🕶️Behind My Shades: The Not-So-Serious Guide to Packing for the Caribbean (and Not Losing Your Mind)

Forget the stress; let's unlock the vision of a perfectly packed suitcase and chase the sun. The choices you make now will shape the ease of your journey—do you roll, fold, compress, or cram?

Behind the shades suitcase poorly packed with sand in it.

Ever stared into your suitcase and wondered if you could just pack yourself inside to avoid making decisions? Welcome to my world viewed, of course, through my trusty shades.

Packing Cube Confessions

Packing cubes: the Tupperware of travel. They’re like tiny suitcases for your suitcase. If you love order, you’ll adore these. If you hate order, well, at least your chaos will be compartmentalized.

Pros: Clothes stay organized, you can find your socks without a search party, and your suitcase won’t look like a laundry grenade went off.

Cons: Slightly heavier, and you might start organizing your life into cubes. (Dangerous.)

Rolling vs. Folding: The Smackdown

Rolling is like sushi for your shirts-tight, compact, and oddly satisfying. Folding is for those who like their clothes with crisp edges and a sense of dignity.

Roll: Great for t-shirts, swimwear, and anyone who enjoys pretending they’re a human burrito.

Fold: Perfect for that one linen shirt you swear you’ll wear to a fancy dinner (but will probably spill rum punch on).

Minimalist vs. Maximalist: The Eternal Struggle

Minimalists pack for two days and do laundry. Maximalists bring their entire closet and a backup closet, just in case.

Minimalist Pros: You’ll skip baggage fees, have room for souvenirs, and feel smugly efficient.

Cons: Prepare for impromptu laundry sessions and repeating outfits (embrace your inner cartoon character).

Maximalist Pros: Ready for any occasion, including surprise limbo contests.

Cons: Your suitcase may require its own seat on the plane.

Wrinkle-Free Wizardry

Wrinkles are the only thing more persistent than sand in your shoes. Hang clothes on arrival, steam them in the bathroom, or just embrace the “I’m on vacation” look. Bonus points for wrinkle-resistant fabrics-because ironing is not a Caribbean activity.

Packing Like a Pro (or at Least Faking It)

Wear your bulkiest items on the plane (yes, even if you look like a lost mountaineer).

Stuff socks in shoes, and shoes in shower caps (thank me later).

Bring a sarong: It’s a towel, a dress, a blanket, and a superhero cape (from my perspective at least).

Final Glance Through My Shades

Packing is the appetizer to your Caribbean main course. Whether you’re a cube enthusiast, a roller, a folder, or a maximalist with separation anxiety from your wardrobe, remember: the goal is to have fun, look (mostly) presentable, and never let packing stress block your view of paradise.

So, grab your shades, pack your quirks, and get ready to chase the sun. Paradise is waiting-and it doesn’t care if your shirt is a little wrinkled.

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