Trinidad Carnival 2024 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 covered you 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 to have ah time!
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Trinidad Carnival Packing Guide: Tips for a Soca-Fueled Adventure!
Essential Travel Documents
Before we get into the fun stuff, it goes without saying that you should bring your essentials – your trusty passport, ID, credit card, wallet, and health insurance card.
Oh, and remember to check in with your phone provider. My first year taught me a lesson – no service outside the Airbnb was a bit of a headache.
I learned the hard way in my first year – no service outside the Airbnb was a bit of a nightmare. Let’s avoid that hiccup, shall we?
Carnival Fete
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 J’ouvert, there’s a fete for every flavor.
The dress code varies depending on the theme – some are chill and casual. At the same time, all-inclusive fetes call for chic, vibrant, and stylish attire.
Trinidad has that tropical heat, so think of bright-colored, lightweight clothing for ultimate comfort and style.
All-Inclusive Premium Fetes
All-inclusive fetes are my favorite – it’s where promoters and event planners go all out! It’s a more dressed-up affair, and everyone brings eir A-game. Since these fetes are mostly outdoors with limited shade, opt for sunglasses and comfy sandals.
Leave the heels behind; you want to whine and shake freely 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 skirt and top, a casual dress, or a cute top with shorts – 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. Since you’ll be outside with minimal shade, wearing a bathing suit is usually the way to go.
J’ourvet
J’ vert is all about getting messy 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. Depending on the fete, you might even get hooked up with a shirt to customize and rock in your own unique style!
J’ourvet outfit ideas
Carnival Monday Wear
Carnival Monday is my absolute favorite! It’s the eve of the big day, and you can rock 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, comfy sneakers, shades, and a thigh bag or fanny pack filled with essentials.
Comfort is key since you’ll have been partying until Carnival Monday. 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!
Trinidad Carnival Monday, wear ideas for a fashionable parade. Check out some brands and options below for some Monday wear outfit ideas.
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 comfy 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 quick checklist:
- Flag – Rep your country proudly!
- Whistle or Horn – There’s a good chance you’ll find a whistle in your carnival goodie bag!
Comfortable Footwear
Comfort is necessary when you’re feting and hitting the road, trust me! Pack cute sandals for fetes while you’re out and about – especially if you’re on grass or hitting the beach or pool.
But when it comes to Carnival Monday and Tuesday, it’s all about sneakers or boots. Leave tho heels at home; you won’t be needing them! Unless, of course, you want to bring a pair for photos ot before di road. But for dancing all day and night, stick to sneakers or comfortable footwear– your feet will love you 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 really make your look pop, don’t shy away from glitter and face jewelry.
Trust me, it’ll have your whole face shining, and you’ll look picture-perfect!
Make up must-haves:
- Primer
- Mascara
- lip liner
- Lipstick
- Concealer/Foundation (SPF & Lightweight)
- Blush
- Bronzer
- Eye Shadow
- Shimmering Body Oil
Accessories
Sun Protection Essentials
Trinidad has tropical weather- it’s hot, humid, and sunny! Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a stylish hat are your essentials to stay cool and shielded during the sunny Carnival fetes.
Protect yourself from that Caribbean sun with these must-haves
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 water-themed or paint fetes (i.e. j’ouvert)
- 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
Ensuring you pack the perfect essentials for Trinidad Carnival will truly enhance your experience. Wishing you an absolutely fantastic time—stay safe, and I can’t wait to see you there!
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