You don\u2019t need to pack too many clothes when visiting an all-inclusive<\/a> resort, though there are some items \u2013 like a swim suit and formal dinner wear \u2013 that you shouldn\u2019t forget. No matter how many you own, you do not need to bring five swim suits (in fact, the more consistent you are, the less conflicting the tan lines). You do not need that hair straightener (you won\u2019t use it with the humidity \u2013 and what for? You\u2019ll be getting your hair\u00a0wet every day). Men, make sure you have long pants and a collared shirt for the a la carte restaurants.\u00a0Always bring carry-on luggage<\/a> with the necessities and a couple of outfits in case your checked luggage is lost<\/a> or delayed. Cross packing with your travel partner is one way to lessen the impact if this happens. Divide your clothes between two suitcases, so if one goes missing, you each have something to work with.<\/p>\n This one is so important. A sunburn can seriously ruin your vacation, considering you paid to lay on the beach in the sun, not to mention be extremely painful and harm your skin, and last weeks after you return. The peak of the sun\u2019s strength is between 11a.m. to 4p.m., so try and choose indoor activities or take that relaxing siesta during this period. Apply sunscreen<\/a> every two hours you are outdoors and again after swimming. Don\u2019t overlook the top of your feet and ears. Those prone to burns may want to wear sun-protective clothing and swim suits. Look for a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB ray protection (called broad spectrum) and bring it from home rather than splurging at the resort.<\/p>\n There is so much to see off of the resort \u2013 I would strongly recommend you take an excursion to explore the city or natural wonders like the rainforest, waterfalls, and jungles. There is something for everyone, from scuba diving to horseback riding to jeep safaris to simply eating at a local restaurant or with a local family. Arrange an excursion from home or at the resort and take off on an adventure. My favourite part of my trip to Puerto Vallarta<\/a> was the canopy river excursion where we went into the jungle for zip lining, repelling, river rafting, and camel riding, followed by tequila tasting. It is so much fun to experience the local culture and natural geography!<\/p>\n I bet you didn\u2019t go to the Caribbean for the food. You went for the sun, sand, beach, palms, relaxation, sunsets\u2026 This is not to say that the entire region doesn\u2019t boast fantastic restaurants. In fact, if you ask the locals or do some research, you may find mouth-watering cuisine not too far from the resorts. You shouldn\u2019t have any concerns with the food\u00a0at a 4+ or 5-star resorts unless you\u2019re extremely picky. Certain chains like Karisma<\/a>, Palace Resorts<\/a>, and Sandals<\/a> pride themselves on serving gourmet food. But, don\u2019t be surprised if the resort food isn\u2019t up to par. It\u2019s not an excuse to dislike the destination, especially Cuba<\/a>. While food may not be gourmet, you\u2019ll have access to mouth-watering fresh fruit like coconut and pineapple, so take advantage of the region’s locally grown foods.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re going to a resort, it\u2019s easier if you bring small bills with you for tipping so you aren\u2019t trying to find change while you\u2019re there. Tips are greatly appreciated in the Caribbean and a way of saying thank you to the locals who work hard to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Tips are accepted in the local currency (and most beneficial to the workers) but also American dollars in Mexico and Canadian dollars in the Dominican Republic. You may even want to bring small gifts<\/a> for the locals when visiting Cuba. Remember, Cuba\u2019s currency cannot be exchanged internationally, so you\u2019ll have to convert your Canadian money into CUC (the Cuban Convertible Peso) at the airport or your hotel and remember to convert it back to Canadian dollars before you board the plane back home.<\/p>\n2. Wear sunscreen<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Daughter](\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Daughter-and-mother-in-beach-with-sunscreen_94299556-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Take an excursion<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Negril](\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/TripSense_NegrilVacations_Horseback.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4. Accept that the food may not be gourmet<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Delicious](\"http:\/\/www.tripcentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Philippines-Food1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n5. Bring small bills for tipping<\/strong><\/h2>\n