Although we are first and foremost a tour operator, we have come up with a few suggestions to take the hassle out of what to wear on an island vacation. You’re welcome. So, if you are a newbie and have never been on an island holiday, then this blog is for you! Alternatively, even if you have been, these tips may help you the next time you visit one of our idyllic island destinations. Whether it’s Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles or Zanzibar, all island holidays have one thing in common… water and sun.

Beach catwalk?

You should definitely dress for comfort and leisure when visiting an island (it’s not a fashion show), so go for breezy and casual. The majority of your time will undoubtedly be spent in swimwear, so two to three sets should do the trick for the average seven to 10-day trip. However, the amount of swimwear you actually bring depends on you, one for every day or one for the entire trip, you decide. Pack items that you can mix and match with your swimwear. Beach coverups and kaftans are super handy because they are easy to pull over your swimwear and they can double up as a smart/casual outfit when accessorized with pretty sandals and some jewellery. For the lazy days lounging around the pool pack a… (drum roll)… sarong! This nifty little item is so versatile and can be used as a shawl, scarf, short skirt, long skirt, picnic blanket, and an endless number of other things. A few sundresses are a classic for day or night attire, while shorts and tees are ideal for hanging around the resort or exploring the island. Also, consider packing a cocktail dress for an evening soiree or a romantic dinner, plus you will look great for those Instagram pics.

Leave your Jimmy Choo’s

Even though you are tempted to bring every single pair of shoes you own, you will only really need three pairs. Yes it’s possible and yes you will survive with a pair of sneakers, one pair of heels and one pair of flat sandals…okay, maybe two pairs of flat sandals! But that’s the limit!

Be a diva with accessories

Sunglasses, no explanation needed! We suggest at least two pairs of sunglasses (an extra pair in case one flies off your head while on the catamaran cruise). Sunglasses are not only a must-have accessory to glam up with, but also necessary for protection from those supersonic UV rays at the sea. Pair your sunglasses with a wide brimmed, oversized hat and you will be looking like a fashion icon in no time!

Wear sunscreen

Like the 90s hit, “The Sunscreen Song”, by Baz Luhrmann, our most important tip for a beachy bliss holiday is sunscreen. Although many resorts and hotels have little shops for urgent supplies, these are typically a bit pricey, so rather bring your own and bring lots of it. Trust us on the sunscreen.

Male travellers

To our male travellers, don’t feel excluded but there is no denying that your beach ensemble is very simple and therefore only requires a sentence rather than a full page article. Simply bring your swimming trunks, shorts, tees, caps and sunglasses and you are set for an exotic island adventure. Some hotels however do require a little dress-up for dinner so pack a pair of smart/casual trousers to be worn with a golf shirt.

Now, while an island vacation is not a fashion show, we hope we’ve inspired the fashionista in you to keep it simple and chic. Follow us for more fashion tips. Bon voyage!

P.S. It’s a no-brainer, but don’t forget underwear and socks! This happens more than you know.