It doesn't matter what time of year you go - even in the summer you need a jacket/cardigan/sweater because the air con in restaurants and shops is always on
I pack as little as possible. Typically we fly out there in old trainers and buy new out there.
My list would be:
- clothes - 5 t-shirts, cardigan, shorts, skirt, 7 days of underwear, 2 bikinis, PJs + jeans, hoodie and tshirt for plane.
- shoes - I pack sandals and then wear trainers for plane.
- netbook and charger (with adaptor).
-
USB plug - then you only need one adaptor for your phone, iPods, camera etc.
- cheap jewellery (think Accessorize rather than Ernest Jones!)
- I keep the "virtually run out" makeup during the year and take that.
- hat
- toothbrush + mini toothpaste
When we get there we do a quick trip to Walgreens or wherever for shampoo, toothpaste, suncream, razors etc. It's no more expensive than in the UK and usually cheaper (especially for suncream).
Buy a book at the airport.
Umbrella is often a good idea - shade in the sun, protection from the rain.
I have one of
these and have never more than half-filled it. Typically we go for 9-12 days. I do buy stuff out there but it's never been full on the way back.
In my handbag (like
this one) I take my phone, purse, passports and paperwork, camera, sunglasses, tissues, small hairbrush and hairties (looped around the handle), earplugs, a few paracetamol and hand gel for the plane.
You really don't need much.