You booked your yacht charter vacation, are excited to sail away, and then realize you have no idea what to pack! A yacht charter is a different kind of trip than your standard hotel vacation. Here are some tips on what to pack, how to maximize space, and have everything you need for this amazing experience.
About a week before travel:
Check the weather and wind forecasts!
Lay out everything you plan to bring. The next day, eliminate a handful of items you thought you needed and now realize you don’t. There's no need to bring duplicate windbreakers, etc. Do the same thing the next day and the next day until you are packed light & tight!
Consider bringing older clothes that you don’t need to bring home. You could donate them to a local, use them as a cleaning towel, or toss them. This will make some space for bringing items back to the states with you like gifts, mementos, wine, etc.
What to pack:
Clothes
You’ll spend your days in bathing suits & t-shirts or cover ups.
Bring one dress outfit you can wear a few times. A lightweight pair of pants and dress shirt, a summer dress, a blouse and skirt, etc.
Bring one pair of lightweight sweatpants or yoga pants and one windbreaker, fleece, or foul weather jacket.
Pack a couple pairs of socks for evenings, hikes, or when it cools down while underway.
Shoes
While on board, in the dinghy, or on a beach, you'll likely be barefoot most of the time.
For trails and hikes, you’ll want a pair of tennis sneakers, aqua socks, or boat shoes.
Leave dress shoes/high heels at home. You’ll be walking (often on beaches) and will want to be comfortable.
Accessories
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and flip flops are a must.
Packing your bag:
Remember how we told you to eliminate items until you are packed light and tight? Look at your stuff again! Most people bring way more than they need. We can't emphasize this enough. You will have to lug whatever you bring with you through the airports and onto taxis as well as live with those items in your shared cabins.
Choose a collapsible duffel bag. Suitcases tend to be bulky and they don’t stow away very well in your cabin.
Put your travel day needs - your passport, fleece, toiletries and earphones, etc. - on top or in their own compartment.
Use smaller bags within your duffel to stay organized throughout the week. Use them for toiletries, dirty clothes, electronics, etc.
Roll your clothes – smooth them out to prevent wrinkles and roll those shorts, t-shirts and dresses. Use dry cleaning bags to roll up your dress clothes to prevent creasing.
Stuff your shoes with underwear & socks to save space and help your shoes keep their shape.
A small deodorizer in your bag helps keeps things fresh while at sea.
Don’t forget to bring your happy pants and your spirit for adventure!
Fair Winds and Following Seas!!!
More questions on what to pack or how to book a yacht charter? Contact us at info@customyachtcharter.com or use our form to request a trip quote: