Some people love the feel of warm, tropical air, and Tropixman is one of them. He has spent lots of time on the road in tropical places, from Thailand, to Guatemala, to Ghana, to India. These are his personal recommendations.
Bug Repellent with DEET
Repelling bugs isn’t just a comfort issue; it’s also a health issue. The best way to steer clear of malaria, dengue fever, and other insect-borne diseases is to not be bitten in the first place. DEET is the chemical that best repels the main culprits – mosquitoes and ticks. I find that 30% DEET is just right – it works great, it’s comfortable, and lasts longer than higher concentrations.
Tilley Hat
You have to have a good had for protection from the sun, and the Tilley is the king of travel hats. It’s tough, it floats, it’s rain proof, and when the brim gets wet, it doesn’t get floppy, it actually stiffens. There’s a chin cord, and one that goes behind your head, too, so it’s practically impossible to blow off.
Water Bottle Holster
When it’s 94 degrees and 90 percent humidity, you have to remember to keep hydrated. Keep this bottle by your side, and remember to fill it with purified water!
Mosquito Net
Unless you want to wake up at 3am to reapply your bug repellent, a mosquito net is the way to go. If you have one of these and some DEET for the daytime, you’ll be protected from the little nasties 24/7.
Eagle Creek Travel Pack
There is a time and place for rolling luggage, but in the tropics, you need a backpack. Mud puddles, dirt roads, the ubiquitous plant life – try rolling over that! Eagle Creeks backpacks are not only some of the most comfortable around, they also have features designed to keep you cool and dry, even in hot, humid climes.
Zip-Off Pants
Pants that convert into shorts save space in luggage. These pants are lightweight too, and breathe well and dry quickly. Very comfy for the tropics.
Travel Shirt
Moisture wicking fabrics keep drawing perspiration off of your body and evaporating it to keep you cool. Like travel pants, travel shirts are light, take up less space in luggage, and dry quickly so you can wash them in the sink and dry them overnight – even on those hot, humid nights!
Lightweight Travel Umbrella
You never know when a freak monsoon will sweep through, so rain gear is a must. Travel umbrellas generally beat out what you can find on the road because they’re small and light – perfect for putting in your day bag.
Eagle Creek Moneybelt
A money belt is a must wherever you travel. It keeps your money, credit cards, passport, and important documents safely hidden. Eagle Creek money belts are great for tropical travel because they have a breathable mesh on the back so they stay comfy even when you start to perspire.
Pocket Soap
Life abounds in tropical places, and that goes for microbial life too. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to stay healthy while traveling. These thin, single-use sheets of soap come in a plastic case that’ll fit in your pocket.
Moleskine Notebook
Maybe this isn’t a total essential, but I love having one. Moleskine notebooks were used by Ernest Hemmingway and Bruce Chatwin to record their travels, and there is something seriously romantic about sitting in an open cafe along Havana’s Malecón, sipping a mojito, and jotting down your musings in a Moleskine notebook.
