How to Pack Carry-On Only For the Dominican Republic

Traveling to the Dominican Republic? Why not make your journey stress-free by packing carry-on only! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the airline luggage requirements, discuss what to wear in the warm Caribbean climate, and explain how a capsule wardrobe can maximize your packing efficiency. I’ll also share my personal packing list, so you can enjoy sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture without the extra baggage!

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Why Travel Carry-On Only?

So you’ve got your trip to the DR planned, you’re counting down the days to your exciting trip, and now it’s time for the ultimate question: Do I pack a large suitcase, or do I travel carry-on only?

Traveling with only carry-on luggage that you store in the cabin of the airplane has many benefits and conveniences for your journey.

Saves Time at the Airport

Traveling with just a carry-on is a smart way to save time at the airport. You can easily skip the long check-in lines and head straight to security. When you arrive at your destination, you won’t have to wait for your suitcase, allowing you to exit the airport quickly and start your adventure right away.

Encourages efficient packing and avoids overpacking

Traveling with just a carry-on simplifies the packing process and helps prevent overpacking. You’ll find yourself thoughtfully selecting only the essentials, instead of impulsively throwing in everything you love, keeping your luggage light and ensuring you have everything you truly need for your trip.

Reduces the risk of lost or delayed luggage

Traveling with only a carry-on helps minimize the chance of your luggage getting lost or delayed, as you’ll have your belongings with you at all times. This means you won’t have to worry about your bag not showing up at your destination. It offers peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your vacation.

Saves money by avoiding fees for checked baggage

Traveling with just a carry-on can help you save money because it allows you to avoid fees associated with checked baggage. Many airlines charge extra for checking bags, and by staying within carry-on limits, you can keep your travel costs lower.

Overall, traveling carry-on only will streamline your travel experience and make the trip more enjoyable and stress-free.

Besides saving money and time, reducing your risks of losing luggage and teaching you to pack only the essentials, you can also say good-bye to these frustrating situations:

• – Awkwardly clunking up 3 sets of stairs with heavy bags when you check into a third floor Airbnb without an elevator,
• – Searching endlessly for items you KNOW you packed but can’t find amidst all your excess STUFF,
• – Coming home and realizing you never wore half of the outfits you packed.

Luggage Requirements for Airlines

Luggage Sizes for Carry-On and Personal Items

The average luggage size for a carry-on bag is typically around 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but it’s essential to check with the specific airline as size restrictions can vary. Personal items such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack are usually limited to around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. It’s important to note that each airline has its own specific size and weight restrictions for carry-on and personal items, so it’s always best to check with the airline before traveling to ensure compliance with their guidelines.

What are the TSA Rules for Carry-on Luggage?

TSA rules for carry-on luggage include restrictions on liquids, gels, and aerosols, which must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a clear, quart-sized bag. Sharp objects like knives, firearms, and explosive materials are strictly prohibited. Certain sporting goods, tools, and self-defense items may also be restricted. Reviewing the TSA’s official guidelines before packing is important to ensure compliance and avoid delays or confiscation of items during security screening.

Travel Wardrobe for the Dominican Republic

For a typical beach vacation to the Dominican Republic while traveling carry-on only, a travel wardrobe may include lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather. Here is a sample packing list:

By packing versatile and mix-and-match pieces, you can create multiple outfit combinations without overpacking. Remember to also pack travel essentials like travel documents, medications, chargers, and any other necessary items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable beach vacation in the Dominican Republic.

What clothes should I bring to the Dominican Republic?

Consider the tropical climate and a foreign culture for your Dominican Republic trip:

• Pack light, breathable clothing for warm weather.
• Bring rain gear for possible showers in the rainy season.
• Sun protection essentials are vital.
• Choose attire for activities and beach days.
• Respect local customs with modest clothing.
• Include casual and dressier outfits for diverse cultural experiences.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule travel wardrobe is like having a mini clothing collection for your trip. It’s all about picking versatile pieces that you can mix and match to create different outfits while traveling. This way, you can pack lighter, bring fewer items, and still have plenty of options to wear throughout your journey. It’s all about being smart with your choices and making sure each piece works well together to maximize your travel wardrobe.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Capsule Wardrobe:

• Similar Color Scheme: Choose a cohesive color palette that allows for easy mixing and matching of items.
• Limited Items: Aim for a small number of versatile pieces to maximize outfit combinations while minimizing bulk.
• Mix and Match: Select clothing that can be easily paired together to create multiple outfits from a few key items.
• Dual Purpose: Opt for items that serve more than one function, such as a dress that can be worn casually over a swimsuit or dressed up for an evening out.
• Squishable: Look for clothing that can be easily packed down without wrinkling or taking up too much space in your luggage.
• Lightweight: Prioritize lightweight fabrics that won’t add unnecessary weight to your carry-on.
• Quick-Dry: Include quick-drying materials that are practical for travel, especially if you plan on washing items during your trip.
• Weather Appropriate: Choose cool fabrics and light colors suitable for warm weather, and don’t forget to pack one light rain jacket for unexpected showers, especially during rainy season. (spring and fall, typically)

My Personal Packing List and Shopping Suggestions

1. Lightweight Buttoned Shirt Dress – my travel dress: worn on the plane with leggings and a cardigan sweater for warmth in chilly a/c.
2. Linen v-neck tee – cool fabric, slightly sheer, loose-fitting so I can wear it over tank tops if needed.
3. Leggings (for under the dress worn on the plane, as well as for pajamas in the airport hotel the night before departure)
4. Cotton button-up cardigan sweater (probably only worn on the plane and in the airport.)
5. summer skort with pockets – lightweight, cool, comfy, and squishable.
6. Bike shorts for underneath skirts and dresses, also for exercise, especially yoga class.
7. Columbia button-up sleeveless blouse
8. Sleeveless sundress
9. Sleeveless sundress, handpainted, from where else?…the DR!! 😃
10. Racerback tank top that covers the butt, to wear over biker shorts to yoga class 🤙
11. Sleeveless shirt
12. Cargo shorts – my favorite shorts, no purse is required with all these pockets!
13. Sleeveless shirt
14. Convertible hiking pants with zip-off legs (voila, shorts!)
15. Lightweight tee – travel shirt or pajamas.

1. 1. Bikini top – (dual purpose as a bra)
2. 2. Tankini halter top – possibly also worn at night, peeking out under the floral coverup, #6.
3. 3. Boy short swim bottoms, (dual purpose as exercise shorts or beneath skirts & dresses!)
4. 4. Swim bottoms, to be mixed with other swim tops
5. 5. Bikini top and bottom, can mix with black tops or bottoms
6. 6. Sheer beach cover-up, or evening wear with black tank top
7. 7. Sheer beach cover-up skirt, also can be worn over boy shorts for evening or yoga class.

1. 1. Quick-dry undies
2. 2. Bras: black swim bikini top, sports bra, regular stretch bra.
3. 3. 2 cami-style tank tops, worn as pajamas, beach cover-ups, or exercise.
4. 4. boxer shorts (my favorite summer pajama shorts!)

Shoes

One of the many great things about a trip to the Dominican Republic is you can get by with just a good pair sandals. Here are my faves: (I’m bringing all 3!)

1. 1. Sporty, closed-toe sandals. I’ll wear these on the plane, too, but with socks, as my feet get cold during the flight.
2. 2. Cork bottom sandals. Like the sporty sandals, these are also very comfortable walking shoes, and I like switching things up. Good enough to wear out at night, too.
3. 3. Flip-flops. These flip-flops are a little bit chunkier and contoured than the typical kind; this will be appreciated, as the pavement in the DR is often broken or hazardous for barefoot walking.

One-half of my carry-on is for my clothes…

…and the other half of my suitcase holds my beach and snorkel gear! 🏖️

I love it when products come packaged in a mesh bag; those bags are great for holding wet beach gear!

Also tucked in the beach gear side of my suitcase is this adorable foldable backpack in its own little stuff bag. This little backpack will be perfect for day trips, grocery runs, or to haul those extra souvenirs back home. When not in use, it packs up small enough to fit in your hand!

Beach Gear

1. 1. Beach bag, snorkel gear, dry bag, cross-body purse.
2. 2. One-half of my carry-on suitcase holds these beach gear items.
3. 3. The beach bag has a separate zipped, insulated section on the bottom for carrying cold drinks and food items!
4. 4. The waterproof dry bag keeps small items dry while you’re having fun in the water.
5. 5. Gotta have my waterproof camera for taking photos underwater!
6. 6. Snorkel, mask, swim fins, and inflatable life jacket.
7. 7. The beach bag has padded carrying handles, snap closure, and an outside zip pocket for small items.

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*** I will also be toting along a yoga beach towel (doubles as a yoga mat!) and plenty of sunscreen in my beach bag. The beach towel I have rolled up in my personal item (backpack), and the sunscreen is contained in the 3-1-1 zip bag of liquids. I plan to buy more sunscreen if I use up those 3 oz. bottles.

First-aid and Household Gadgets

While we’re focusing on packing light, we still want to prepare for the unexpected, whether it be a tummy ache, a bleeding foot from stepping on coral at the beach or needing to hand wash your clothes when you run out of clean underwear. So let’s make a plan to fit those small items in, as concisely as possible.

Again, these are the actual items I packed; yours will be different as we all have different creature comforts and pet peeves. Here’s what I’ve got:

1. 1. First aid kit, a cloth zippable bag with various zip pockets inside. This roomy bag holds daily meds all these health necessities plus cleaning items, too!
2. 2. Internal and external medications.
3. 3. Laundry supplies – detergent sheets, scrub brush for hand washing, and a portable wind-up clothesline that I love!
4. 4. Miscellaneous. (my favorite scrubby dish cloth, matches – in case of a power outage- I can buy a cheap candle at the grocery there, and scissors for unruly food packaging.)

Inside the First Aid Kit

1. 1. 2-week pill dispenser. I love using this for my multiple daily meds and supplements. Each capsule holds my 6 pills, which include fat gummy vitamins, too!
2. 2. Emergency meds, (headache, stomach medicines) enclosed in a small zip bag with labeled tape outside so I remember what’s what. (simple, but it works!)
3. 3. Nuun electrolyte drink tablets, for keeping hydrated in a hot, tropical climate.
4. 4. Motion sickness pills, just in case we go on a boat ride.
5. 5. First aid antibiotic cream
6. 6. Bandages.
7. 7. Aloe vera cream, for sunburn. I’ll buy more there if needed. Planning to use lots of sunblock and avoid sunburn!

Laundry & Kitchen

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Laundry Essentials

1. 1. Net bag for washing delicates, also to hold dirty laundry.
2. 2. Detergent sheets: save space, less plastic, lightweight. These detergent sheets are awesome; they dissolve immediately in water and are so environmentally friendly. Perfect for travel!
3. 3. Small scrub brush. I’m particular about my cleaning tools. You never know what you’ll get in a vacation rental, so I come prepared. Great for washing dishes or laundry.
4. 4. Portable, retractable clothesline. Many times our vacation rental in the tropics has a washer, but no dryer. Hanging up clothes is more customary in places we visit, so I bring this handy little gadget. Saves electricity, which is good for the planet. Win-win!
5. 5. Plastic gloves. These are disposable, but they’re pretty tough, so I’ll wash and reuse them a few times.

Household & Miscellaneous

1. 1. Dishcloth. I know, I’m a little picky about cleaning supplies. This cloth dries super fast and is ribbed to be nice and scrubby.
2. 2. Matches. I’ll buy a small candle in a grocery store to keep in the bathroom, for freshness, ambience, and in case of power outages. That used to be a common problem in the DR, though I haven’t experienced it in the tourist areas I’ve visited recently.
3. 3. Blunt-tipped scissors. Food packaging, clothing tags, paper, there’s always something to be cut.
4. 4. Compostable pet waste bag, because…you never know when you’ll need a plastic bag for a wet swimsuit, for picking up litter, or whatever.

Toiletries

Shower Stuff

1. 1. Comb
2. 2. Shampoo in a 3-oz. travel squeeze bottle
3. 3. Conditioner in 3-oz. travel squeeze bottle
4. 4. Leave-in hair conditioner and detangler spray, are especially helpful after swimming in the salty ocean!
5. 5. Hairbands
6. 6. Facial sponge
7. 7. Body lotion (I will buy a larger bottle once we arrive; I need lots of skin moisturizer on beach trips.)
8. 8. Bar soaps (save on extra liquids, less plastic)
9. 9. Shower pouf

Skin Care

Everyone’s needs are different, yet with a limited amount of liquids allowed in a carry-on, you may want to consider simplifying your routine. Of course, you’ll need to make sure your liquid skin lotions are in 3-oz. bottles and included in the combined zip bag of fluids.

1. 1. Cotton rounds, for applying skin toner.
2. 2. Skin toner (rose water and witch hazel blend, poured into a 3 oz. clean container)
3. 3. Face lotion
4. 4. Sunscreen lotion
5. 5. Sunscreen stick
6. 6. Lysol room spray (not skin care, obviously, but good to have in the bathroom. 😜

Basic Toiletries

Most of these items are available in travel-size containers, as shown.

1. 1. Razor
2. 2. Nail clippers
3. 3. Nail file
4. 4. Vaseline, tinted, for lips
5. 5. Toothpaste
6. 6. Toothbrush, foldable
7. 7. Lip balm with sunscreen
8. 8. Deodorant
9. 9. Dental floss picks in a handy travel container

Fluids and the 3-1-1 Rule

Just as a reminder, you will need to follow the rules of the Transportation Security Administration when flying through US airports. One of these rules is the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule:

• Liquids, gels, and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:
  • 3.4 ounces or less per container
  • 1-quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag (all liquids must fit in the bag)
  • 1 bag per passenger

For more information on these travel requirements, visit the TSA website.

What to Pack in the Personal Item

A personal item on a flight is a smaller bag or item that passengers are allowed to bring on board in addition to their carry-on luggage. Personal items typically include items such as a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or briefcase.

The required dimensions for a personal item can vary depending on the airline, but they are usually around 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) or smaller. It’s important to check with your specific airline for their exact size requirements to ensure that your personal item meets their guidelines.

I am currently using this Shrradoo Laptop Backpack as my personal item. It has handy zip pockets, a laptop sleeve, sturdy zippers, ventilated and cushioned shoulder straps, usb wire for charging devices, and a loop on the back to slide over the handle of my rolling carry-on. I’ve tried other bags as my personal item, but I always come back to this one. It’s so comfortable to wear, it’s become my second skin while on the go!

1. 1. Electronic accessory organizer
2. 2. Beach towel
3. 3. Laptop
4. 4. Totable, foldable bag for grocery shopping or as an alternate carry-on if I decide to check my carry-on suitcase on the return flight.
5. 5. Sun hat with adjustable chin strap
6. 6. Cardigan sweater (about the warmest item I’m bringing, for on the plane.)
7. 7. Toiletries bag (some items just wouldn’t fit in my carry-on suitcase!) 🙃
8. 8. Light windbreaker jacket that folds up small into a tiny stuff sack.

Electronic Accessories

Keep your chargers, cords, adapters, battery packs, earbuds, and all those little gadgets tidy and under control in this clever electronic organizer. Everyone’s gadgets require different accessories; however, here are the items I keep stashed in my organizer:

Recommended Travel Items:

Rolling Tote Bag

I loved having this rolling tote bag stowed neatly away in my backpack. In the small, walkable town of Sosua, Dominican Republic, it was perfect for shopping a few items at the nearby grocery store, and then toting it along behind me back to the Airbnb. If it wasn’t too heavy, I just zipped it up to make it smaller, folded up the wheels, and carried it as a handbag.

Condensable Waterproof Jacket

This little windbreaker/rain jacket is a lifesaver in the tropics! I traveled to the DR recently in the rainy season, and there were many times when I was glad to have this little guy tucked in my bag. Pop-up showers happen literally out of the blue, so it’s nice to have some lightweight rain gear ready. I ordered an XL size and it’s just right, as I like things a bit loose. It’s perfect for the humid weather, too, as it’s super light and won’t get you all sweaty like some raincoats. And when the sun peeks out again, just smush this little jacket back into its cute little pouch!

Buen Viaje! (have a good trip!)