PACKING TIPS

Our mission is, as always, to provide a specially tailored trip for all, but there are always a couple of universal things you have to do if you want to achieve the perfect boat and sailing experience. In this post, we take a bit of time to walk you through a list of things you will need while at sea.

First and foremost, make a plan. Do you plan on being adventurous by going hiking, cycling, or exploring nature? Maybe you are actively thing about dancing? You can do both, indeed, but now you have an idea of what type of things you have to pack. One of the essential things on a boat is remembering that less is more. Pack what is necessary and your favorite. So you are sure you have everything you need, it is best you buy it in its travel pack version. That goes for suitcases as well. Cabins are small, and hard roller suitcases are not. Bring a duffel bag or backpack. You’ll fit all your travel-size packs and won’t have any trouble handling it on the boat. Less is more, and simple is better. Now we will divide, combine later, and the vacation will be conquered!

LADIES

Clothes

• A bikini (obviously!) – since you’re going to spend a great deal of your time in a bikini, make sure to bring several so you have one while the other is drying.
• 5 dresses – bring along a few casual day dresses to throw on over your bikini and a few nicer dresses to wear when you hit the town.
• 1 evening wear outfit – consider what kind of venues you’ll be visiting.
• 1 sarong or wrap dress – for coverage from the sun during the day.
• 3 tank tops or t-shirts – lightweight material is best.
• 2 pairs of shorts – to wear when you plan to be active on the boat or participate in outdoor activities.
• 1 pair of leggings – for when it gets cold at night.
• Pajamas are lightweight material in the form of a t-shirt and shorts; keep in mind
• that you’ll probably be sleeping up on deck under the stars each night.
• Underwear and socks – bring enough to last the week, plus a few extra – just in case.
• 1 light scarf or wrap – for protecting your shoulders from the sun and the cool evening breezes.
• 1 sweater/hoody – for when it gets chilly at night.
• 1 light jacket – for the evenings or when you head into town.
• 2 beach towels – shower towels are provided on the boat most of the time. ### ### Shoes
• 1 pair of flip-flops – for wearing on the boat and onshore during the day.
• 1 pair of nice sandals – for when you hit the town.
• 1 pair of sneakers – for when you get active. ### ### Toiletries
• Our top tip is to travel with a hanging toiletries bag. These are ideal for sailing, where space in the bathroom is minimal.
• Skin and hair care – Protect them well. Bring a 30+ or 50+ SPF sunscreen and some treatment for your salty, sun-damaged hair.
• Shampoo, face, and body wash – in small packages, 100ml versions.
• Moisturizer – and lots of it! You’ll be surprised at how quickly your skin will dry
• out when faced with the sun, sand, and saltwater.
• Lip balm – the same goes for your lips, and make sure it has SPF!
• Glasses or contact lenses and eye drops – swimming in the saltwater all day can seriously irritate anyone’s eyes.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• A razor
• A brush and hair ties – the sea breeze will attack your hair and do its best to tangle it into a huge, knotted mess.

GENTLEMEN

Clothing

• 5 t-shirts – lightweight material is best.
• 2 collared shirts – for looking your best when you hit the town.
• 2 pairs of bathing shorts – you’ll be living in these, so bring enough to make sure you’ve still got one pair while the other is wet.
• 2 pairs of regular shorts – for when you’re lounging on the boat and exploring the mainland.
• 1 pair of pants/jeans – for when you go out at night.
• Underwear and socks – bring enough to last the week, plus a few more – just in
• case.
• Pajamas – lightweight material in the form of a t-shirt and shorts. Keep in mind you’ll probably be sleeping up on deck under the stars every night.
• 1 sweater/hoody – for when it gets chilly at night.
• 1 lightweight jacket – for the evenings and when you head into town.
• 2 beach towels – shower towels are provided on the boat most of the time.  ### Shoes
• 1 pair of flip-flops – for wearing on the boat and onshore during the day.
• 1 pair of sneakers – for when you get active.
• 1 pair of nice shoes – for when you hit the town. ### Toiletries
• Shampoo, soap, or body wash – in small versions, 100ml versions.
• Sunscreen – with a 30+ or 50+ SPF.
• Moisturizer – and lots of it! You’ll be surprised at how quickly your skin will dry out when faced with the sun, sand and saltwater.
• Lip balm – and make sure it has SPF!
• Glasses or contact lenses and eye drops – swimming in the saltwater all day will seriously irritate anyone’s eyes.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• A razor and shaving cream

LADIES & GENTLEMAN

Extras

• Sunglasses – must-have.
• Sunscreen – must-have.
• Cap – or a wide brim hat that can be tied.
• Aloe Vera – for when you didn’t apply the sunscreen quickly enough.
• Insect repellent – the bugs of the sea are ruthless.
• A book – for those relaxing moments of downtime.
• A guidebook or phrasebook – always helpful in a foreign country.
• Earplugs and an eye mask – the motor starts early in the morning and the sun will be beaming down onto your bed the first chance it gets.
• A deck of cards – for games with friends 

Electronics

• Camera and chargers – But keep in mind that saltwater will get everywhere. So, make sure you bring a decent case or, even better, a waterproof one!
• Adapters – In Croatia the standard voltage is 230 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type F. Google it 🙂
• The ultimate summer playlist – bring an iPod or CDs so that you’ve got a fantastic summer playlist to listen to as you cruise by beautiful islands and stunning coastline.

Medicine

• For seasickness – if you think you might get seasick, stock up on some over-the-counter medication before leaving. Alternatively, bring along ginger snaps or try acupressure wristbands.
• Prescription medicine – ensure your medicine is in its marked original container to avoid any confusion when passing through customs, and always have enough on hand for a few extra days in case of travel delays or lost luggage.
• Sleeping pills – you shouldn’t have trouble falling asleep to the soft sound of waves hitting the hull of your boat but, if you do, ask your doctor for some sleeping pills before you leave.
• Pain relief – there will be a first aid kit on board, but bring some of your own pain relief if you have a preference.

Documents & currencies

• These are probably the most important items to consider before leaving for your sailing holiday.
• A valid passport
• A valid visa – if you’re not a European citizen.
• Insurance – be sure to bring along your relevant insurance papers – both your travel insurance and insurance for the boat, if you need it.
• Money – ensure you have enough access to the local currency, including cash and credit cards.
• Paperwork – bring with you your charter package and paperwork – this includes any confirmations and contact information for the people at the charter company.
• License – if you’re sailing the boat yourself, don’t forget your boat license.