Trinidad Carnival is right around the corner – and I couldn’t be more excited! Fete lineup, accommodations, transportation, and costume payments sorted (fingers crossed)? Now, let’s get into the fun part – what to pack for the Greatest Show on Earth!
Thinking back to my first few Trinidad Carnivals, there were a few items I wish I had known to pack. I’ve got you covered with essential packing tips to ensure you’re ready for this epic soca-fueled celebration! Whether you’re a Carnival newbie or a seasoned reveler, this packing guide has everything you need for an unforgettable experience!
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Trinidad Carnival Packing Guide: Tips for a Soca-Fueled Adventure!
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Essential Travel Documents
Before we get into the fun stuff, it goes without saying that you should bring your essentials – your passport, ID, credit card, wallet, and health insurance card.
Oh, remember to check with your cell provider that your plan has international coverage. I learned the hard way in my first year and had no service outside the Airbnb. It was a nightmare!
Carnival Fetes
Let’s talk Carnival fetes – the pre-Carnival vibes leading up to Carnival Monday and Tuesday! From boat rides to cooler fetes (BYOB), breakfast fetes, all-inclusive premium fetes, and jouvert, there’s a fete for everyone.
Trinidad has tropical weather, so think of bright-colored, lightweight clothing for ultimate comfort and style.
All-Inclusive Premium Fetes
All-inclusive fetes are my favorite. I love seeing everyone dressed up especially if it’s a themed fete!
Since these fetes are mostly outdoors with limited shade so opt for sunglasses and comfy sandals.
Leave the heels behind; you want to whine and get on bad without worrying about breaking an ankle!
Check out the outfits below to give you ideas of what to wear.
Boat Rides
Boat rides are an absolute blast! When it comes to what to wear, I usually go for a bathing suit with a cute cover up, a dress or skirt and topskirt – keeping it comfy and stylish.
Given Trinidad’s hot temps, lightweight and breathable clothing is my go-to. And since some boat rides lack shade, don’t forget your shades and a handy fan to stay cool!
Here are a few boat ride ideas:
Beach/Pool Fetes
You’ll want to pack stylish swimwear paired with a cute cover-up or sundress and sandals for beach and pool fetes.
Jourvet
Jouvert is all about getting dutty and nonstop bacchanal! This fete might not be your scene if you’re not into partying with paint, powder, and water. But if it sounds fun, trust me, you’ll have ah time!
Since you’ll be covered in paint and powder, it’s wise to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or ruined – the same goes for your sneakers.
My go-to is a body suit or T-shirt paired with tights and shorts. T-shirts are usually complementary, and you can customize them depending on the fete.
Jourvet outfit ideas
Carnival Monday Wear
Carnival Monday is my absolute favorite! It’s the eve of the big day, and you can wear whatever makes you feel fabulous with your band.
While some designers offer stunning custom Monday wear outfits, they can be pricey, so feel free to stay within your budget and go with what makes sense for you!
For the road march, I go for comfort and style with a vibrant bodysuit or bathing suit paired with tights, sneakers, shades, and a thigh bag or fanny pack.
Comfort is key since you’ll be on your feet partying Monday and Tuesday. Remember, Carnival is a marathon, not a sprint.
Insider tip: Wear comfortable sneakers or boots and leave those new shoes behind – Carnival Monday and Tuesday aren’t the days to break them in!
Monday Wear Outfit Ideas:
Monday Wear Designers:
Budget-Friendly Monday Wear Options:
- Asos
- Free People
- Forever 21
- SHEIN
- Fashion Nova
- Pretty Little Things
- Nasty Gal
- Boohoo
- Dolls Kill
- iHeartRaves
- Badinka
Carnival Tuesday Carnival Parade Day
Carnival Tuesday – the day we’ve all been waiting for! Time to rock that stunning costume, join your band, free up yuhself, and celebrate life!
Besides your dazzling costume, wear shoes, tights, a thigh bag, and stylish sunglasses.
Remember to match those accessories for the complete look.
And to prep for the day, here’s a checklist:
- Flag – Rep your country proudly!
- Portable charger – I’m obsessed with the Anker Nano power bank
- Lipgloss/chapstick
- Gum/mints
Comfortable Footwear
Comfort is necessary when you’re feting and hitting the road, trust me! Pack cute sandals for fetes and for when you’re out and about.
But when it comes to Carnival Monday and Tuesday, it’s all about sneakers or boots. I’ve seen a lot of girlies take pictures with heels before hitting the road. But for dancing all day and night, stick to sneakers or comfortable shoes– your feet will be happier for it!
Makeup
Glamming up is a must, and let’s talk makeup – it’s the finishing touch, especially for Carnival Monday and Tuesday!
If you’re considering getting a makeup artist (MUA), plan ahead because the popular ones get booked up months in advance, which can get a bit pricey.
But fear not for my DIY-ers! Carnival Makeup Tutorials are a fantastic and more affordable option. And to make your look pop, don’t shy away from glitter and face jewelry.
Make up must-haves:
- Primer
- Mascara
- lip liner
- Lipstick
- Concealer/Foundation (SPF & Lightweight)
- Blush
- Bronzer
- Eye Shadow
- Shimmering Body Oil
Accessories
Sun Protection Essentials
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a stylish hat are your essentials to stay cool and protected.
Tech and Gadgets
Now that we’ve sorted our packing, here are some Trinidad carnival tech essentials you’ll need to capture the excitement.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Protect your phone during jourvert fetes.
- Phone: To capture high-energy moments with a durable action camera. Alternatively, if you have a camera, you can bring that along, but a phone works fine.
- Portable Phone Charger: A portable charger is your ultimate sidekick – clutch for capturing all those must-have moments without worrying about running out of juice!
Miscellaneous Carnival Survival Kit
Pack your survival kit – these essentials ensure a worry-free celebration at Trinidad Carnival!
- Cash: Some events might not accept cards, so have cash on hand.
- Ziploc Bags: Keep essentials dr during water-based events.
- Hydration Pack: Stay refreshed during the energetic celebrations.
- Baby Oil is handy for removing paint from your body after a journey fete.
- Glue Gun: A glue gun in your carnival tool kit will be helpful if any jewels fall off or become loose.
- Sewing Kit: The same goes for the glue gun; a sewing kit may come in handy if you need to sew pieces of your costume together quickly at the last minute.
- Mini First Aid Kit: Band-Aids, pain relievers, and blister pads for unexpected mishaps.
- Liquid IV: Great for keeping you hydrated between fetes
- Garment Bag: Necessary for your costume
- Mini Handheld Fan
Packing Tips
- Roll, Don’t Fold: Roll clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles.
- Pack Light: You’ll likely pick up souvenirs, so leave room in your suitcase.
- Packing Cubes: Use packing cubes. My new favorites are the BAGSMART compression packing cubes! They help to keep your clothing organized and your suitcase neat.
- Check Event Dress Codes: Some fetes have specific dress codes, so plan accordingly.
- Label Your Luggage: Make identifying your bags easy at crowded airports.
- Emergency Snacks: Pack some non-perishable snacks for energy boosts.
- Do not pack any camouflage clothing: Wearing any type of camouflage clothing in Trinidad is illegal!
- Pack Light and Breathable Clothing: Trinidad is hot and humid, so you’ll want to pack lightweight and flowy pieces to stay cool.
- Use Airtags: I don’t leave home without my Airtags. Being able to track my checked luggage from my phone helps keep my sanity.
Conclusion: Lady Chin’s Two Cents
Wishing you an absolutely fantastic time—stay safe, and I can’t wait to see you there!
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