Essential St. Croix Vacation Items

When it comes to traveling, I am a big planner.  Before arriving, I read many articles detailing essential St. Croix vacation items. Since arriving, I have found some of these recommended items weren’t necessary at all. However, others were a wonderful recommendation and a big help. 

I’ve made a list of essential items for everyday use here in St Croix that will come in handy on your next trip down. I’m only into my first week, so expect this list to grow. I’ll continue to add more essential St. Croix vacation items throughout my stay here. 

Essential St. Croix Vacation Items

Battery Power Bank

I didn’t bring a camera with me here to St Croix, so I’m only using my iPhone. The island is stunning and I am constantly taking photos. However, this has lead to my battery dying much quicker than it does in the States. 

I absolutely recommend bringing an extra battery power bank for your phone. This not only helps with the picture taking, but being able to stay in touch with the outside world. If you’re driving a car, you’ll probably need GPS. 

I’ve been told the main phone carriers here are AT&T and Sprint. Luckily I have AT&T, so I haven’t had much trouble. It’s more than likely your hotel or Airbnb will have wifi options as well.  But if you have Verizon, I would highly recommend a battery power bank as your battery will probably be drained looking for service. 

Bite & Burn Protection 

The two things that can ruin your vacation: bug bites and sunburns. Since things tend to be more expensive on the island, don’t forget to bring protection from home. I would highly consider bug spray and sunscreen as essential St. Croix vacation items. Don’t forget to pack these in your carry on if they’re large bottles. TSA will take away any liquid in a carry on over 3.4 ounces/ 100 milliliters. 

Those pesky mosquitos and no-see-ums are out everyday, so don’t forget to bring your bug spray. They like to attack at dawn, dusk, and after a rain storm. I had dinner outside last night and they bit at my ankles the entire meal. Make sure you pack bug spray with Deet! The bugs here will laugh at any product that doesn’t have it. 

While packing sunscreen, remember that it’s illegal in USVI to use non-reef safe sunscreen. To protect yourself and the coral and marine life, please use only non-nano mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. As of March 2020, sunscreens that contain the “Toxic 3 Os” of oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene are prohibited. 

Some popular mineral reef safe sunscreen brands that I found readily available in the states include Australian Gold, Bare Republic, Blue Lizard and Raw Elements. Do some research if you have a delicate skin type. Fair warning: the zinc oxide may leave a white residue on your skin, clothing, and backpack. Don’t fret though; it rinses right off with some water. It’s a small price to pay to protect the beautiful coral reefs surrounding the island. 

Insulated Tumbler

I am convinced this is one of the most essential St. Croix vacation items I brought. With the warm temperatures, it’s the easiest way to keep a cold beverage. Besides, not everywhere offers ice. Even if they do, it will melt as you go outside. Every traveler I have met uses their own insulated tumbler. If they didn’t bring it with them, they bought it here on the island. My Yeti has been invaluable to me as I walk around town or lay out at the beach. I fill up the cup at the beginning of the day with cold filtered water from the hotel. As a result, it stays cold for hours and I have a clean, safe beverage.

Water Repellent Bag

Surprise rain storms are common here in St. Croix, so I highly recommend a “water repellent” bag. A dry bag would be my recommended option. 

As a kayaker, I have a rubber dry bag that is perfect for wet adventures. However, it’s quite large and didn’t want to waste so much room in my suitcase carrying it. Instead, I just brought a 20L water repellent backpack that has been perfect. Everyday I’ve been met with a small rain shower, and all of my gear is protected. 

Also, I brought small waterproof phone cases to keep my phone and cash safe. They also come with lanyards to wear around my neck so I don’t abandon them while in the ocean. I bought a case of 2 for $9 on Amazon, and I’m so grateful I did. I can even still take clear photos through the waterproof material! They have been a lifesaver! 

Tampons

LADIES ONLY! I know this doesn’t apply to all genders, but I feel it should be mentioned as an essential St. Croix vacation item. I polled many locals about this topic, and EVERY woman said the same thing: tampons. The local women here on the island primarily use sanitary pads, which are readily available in supermarkets. However, I noticed an alternative section is severely lacking. This includes tampons and menstrual cups. If they are your preferred method to use during “that time of the month,” bring your own. Just make sure you’re throwing all waste products away and not flushing anything down the toilet! 

As my time extends in St Croix, I’ll be sure to discuss more essential items. Most of these items you already have at home, so be sure to pack them. That way you can save that extra money and spend it on more cocktails!