What must travel with you
Check each passenger's documents based on nationality and age in the travel documents guide. Save bookings, your accommodation's address, tickets, coverage and contacts on your phone, plus a copy you can access offline. If you take regular medication, check the conditions for carrying it with your airline and health authority.
Clothing and footwear for city and beach
Prioritize lightweight, quick-drying clothes, a swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes and sandals for the beach. Add a light layer for air conditioning or cool evenings. For a hike on trails, choose suitable footwear: flip-flops won't handle every surface.
Sun, rain and changes of plan
Bring sunscreen, a cap, a reusable water bottle and a light rain jacket. In summer it can rain heavily, so leave room for an indoor plan. Adjust your packing to the forecast close to departure; seasonal weather is useful for planning, not for predicting a specific day.
Phone, connectivity and payments
Check roaming or data, your charger and whether your devices' plugs are compatible before you leave. An offline map and your accommodation's address written down help if your battery or signal fails. Bring a backup payment method; check your bank's fees, limits and exchange rate, and don't assume an app will work at every business.
If you're traveling for Carnival or Réveillon
For blocos, prioritize a small, comfortable bag and follow the event's rules. For New Year's Eve, plan your way back before you head out. Don't carry things you won't use in a crowd. Editorial review: September 2026.