The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: What to Pack for a November Trip to the Bahamas

I'm a 16-year-old girl going on an 8-day vacation with my family over November break to the Bahamas—and I have no idea what to pack whatsoever. Any way you could help me out?! —Anon

I've never been to the Bahamas, so hopefully my readers can jump in and offer some tips! My advice would be to consider the types of activities you'll be doing while vacationing and then plan outfits accordingly. The weather should be sunny most of the time and pleasantly warm, however you should always be prepared for rain, chilly air conditioned spaces and unexpected temperature changes. You'll need your bathing suit, of course, comfy jeans and shoes for daytime activities, plus some cute tops and relaxed dresses for any evening activities, like going to a nice restaurant or catching a show.

This floral-print dress has a definite Bahamas-feel. Literal? Yes. Lovely? No doubt:



Forever 21 at ShopStyle



Here's another dress that looks inspired by the islands:



Forever 21 at ShopStyle



On a practical note, don't forget a jean jacket and cardigan for covering up, sandals, flats and sunglasses. While you're there, consider picking up some inexpensive jewelry, a hat or a scarf as a fashionable reminder of your trip. Send us a postcard!

Comments
Great suggestions. I went on my honeymoon to Jamaica in December '07, and it was pretty warm during the day and a little less so at night, but very seldom chilly. I would pack a cardigan or light weight jacket in case, though. I packed a bunch of flowy dresses and skirts, tanks and blouses. (It's great to get to wear your favorite summer clothes again!)
#1 Aspiring Fashionista (Homepage) on 2009-11-12 17:38 (Reply)
just a little heads up, anthropologie's website has a little section called sun & sand ... i know it's not really budget wear haha ;o) but i'm sure it's helpful for inspiration

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?popId=CLOTHES&navAction=jump&viewall=true&isSortBy=true&pushId=CLOTHES-TRAVEL&id=CLOTHES-TRAVEL-SUN&cm_re=Nov_09-_-111009_homeandaway-_-img_sunsand
#2 fashion court (Homepage) on 2009-11-12 19:03 (Reply)
Pack a pashmina in a bright color, both for the plane ride, and to wrap yourself in on the beach or on a night out!
#3 Lizzy (Homepage) on 2009-11-12 22:30 (Reply)
And what weather will be at Bahamas in November? If it'll be hot, so take obligatory perfect swimsuits with you:)
#4 Earpiece (Homepage) on 2009-11-13 04:47 (Reply)
I'm running into the same issue. I'm going to Rivera Maya in Mexico at the end of this month and nothing in the stores is remotely "summery" at the moment. I guess I'll have to pull out my old summer clothes to see what still fits amd mix and match:)
#5 Maddy (Homepage) on 2009-11-13 09:39 (Reply)
And I agree...definitely bring a cardigan (or two). You'd be surprised how handy it can be for nightime cool breeze. Have Fun!
#5.1 Maddy (Homepage) on 2009-11-13 09:41 (Reply)
I was in the Bahamas earlier this year for only 3 days, it was hot during the day (especially in the sun), so I would definitely bring a light bathing suit cover-up and lots of sunscreen! I don't burn easily, and even with SPF30 I got pretty red in just 3 days. A summer dress with a cardigan will be great for nighttime. I doubt you would need jeans or any long pants, maybe just capris. I'm actually headed to the caribbean in a week - I packed a lot of dresses, especially ones that can go from day to night with the right accessories!
#6 Chantal on 2009-11-13 10:32 (Reply)
Just a heads up...Bahamas is not like many of the other islands. Because of its proximity to the US, there can be chilly days. It has actually snowed in the Bahamas before!!!!

You should not have much of an issue in the day time but for morning and evening, be prepared for the chillies.
#7 Teerama on 2009-11-13 11:41 (Reply)
I've been to the Bahamas in September and I'll tell you right now, one day can be warm and nice, next can be humid, and the next can be raining. It's a bit like Florida to be honest, but better. Definitely bring summer clothes and a light jacket. A heavy jacket will be too warm because it gets humid - but you might want to, just to be safe.
#8 Ivy (Homepage) on 2009-11-18 17:16 (Reply)
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