There’s an extreme amount of preparation that goes into gearing up for Caribbean carnival. They’re held in a range of locations, from Saint Lucia to Brazil to the U.K. and Canada. There’s no shortage of parties, dancing, and some of the most gorgeous, elaborate costumes. The costumes and organizing which events to go to can take up much of your time and energy. That means it’s easy to overlook preparing for and bringing along a few other essentials.
If you’re heading to your first Caribbean carnival experience, you might want to pack these necessities. These are the items that will keep you comfortable, prepared, and energized for the next fete.
Leather Harness Leg Bag
You need somewhere to stash your essentials because there’s no way you’ll have a crossbody bag or tote with you. A belt bag or sling bag could work, but depending on your costume, this leg harness is fashionable and functional. There’s an adjustable strap that fits securely around your waist and then another on your thigh. The interior is spacious enough to hold your charger, wallet, or other light items.
Adjustable Silk Satin Lined Hair Cap
For J’ouvert or other occasions when you know some colored powder might be involved, protect your hair with this cap. You can absolutely keep it simple with a plastic bag and scarf combo, but this satin-lined cap is an easy, packable option. The back has an adjustable strap and the lined interior won’t snag your hair. Also, it comes in a ton of colors and prints that you can match with your costume.
Portable Charger with Built-in Cables
As much as it’s important to live in the moment, you’ll want to snap some pics and videos. Keep your phone up and running with this portable charger that’s heavy-duty but still compact enough to fit in a small bag. The LED display shows how much of a charge you have left and there’s even a handy carrying loop. What makes this even more convenient is the built-in cords, meaning one less thing you’ll have to carry or think about.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
For those who plan to enjoy a bit of alcohol, make sure you hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water is great, but also bring along one of these Liquid I.V. packs. Rather, bring several for the entire crew. The powdered mix is full of electrolytes and vitamins and dissolves in water to help hydrate you super fast. Consume one of these before and after a day of drinking and you should be good to go and ready for the next fete.
LotFancy Gel Blister Bandages
Walking, dancing, whining, and jumping are all fun and games until your feet can’t take it anymore. This usually comes in the form of blisters from pounding the pavement or not breaking your shoes in properly. These cushioned bandages are a must for anyone who’s blister-prone. Just apply one to the back of your heels or side of your feet and it creates a buffer between your skin and shoes. The bandage is waterproof and comes in a variety of shapes to conform to the specific area where it’s applied.
JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan
No matter how ready you may think you are for Carnival, the heat is no joke. To be on the safe side, bring along a handheld fan to cool you down. This rechargeable fan has two speeds and a battery life of up to 21 hours. That’s pretty impressive for a device that’s just four inches long. You can hold the fan or even angle it at 90 degrees so it sits on a table or flat surface. This compact fan easily fits in a bag, but there’s also a wrist strap.
Johnson’s Baby Oil
The pros know that part of J’ouvert prep involves a bit of baby oil. You don’t need to totally slather yourself in it, but rubbing some on your exposed skin can make removing any colorful paint or powder so much easier. That slick barrier aids in clean-up after the fun is over. Do this ahead of time or even bring a small bottle of baby oil along with you.
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