Packing for carnival is, understandably, the next stressful thing to do after deciding on a band to play with and section to jump in. Whether you’re experiencing the full gamut a carnival has to offer or just flying in for a few days to play mas, we got you. If this your first time jumping, read through our thorough list of what to include in your checked ins and carry ons so packing is a breeze.
Essentials
- Photo ID and copies
- Money (cash and credit credit)
- Receipt for your costume
- Lodging address and/or booking confirmation (printed or electronic)
- Fete tickets (printed or electronic)
- Small wallet/wristlet for fetes, j’ouverts and while you’re on the road
- Mobile phone and charger
- Portable charger
- Universal Travel Adapter Plug
- Headphones for your flight
Health and Beauty
General Everyday Use
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Deodorant
- Sunglasses
Dental Care
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss, if needed
- Tongue scraper
Body & Facial Care
- Body wash
- Rag/loofa/washcloth
- Towel
- Body lotion/butter/cream
- Hand Lotion
- Face wash
- Toner
- Exfoliator
- Moisturizer
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Vaseline
Hair
- Comb (wide tooth, aligator, regular, etc.)
- Brush (detangling, slicking, wave, etc.)
- Hair pins
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower cap
- Bonnet/hair wrap/scarf
- Durag
- Gel and edge control
- Wigs/Ponytails
- Hair Ties
Make Up
- Waterproof makeup
- Setting spray
- Make up remover or make up remover wipes
- Eyelash
- Eyelash remover
Personal
- Menstrual products, if needed
- Your prescriptions and medication, if needed
- Contraceptives, if needed
Preparing for the Road
Apparel
- Gel insoles
- Comfortable boots/sneakers (we recommend going ½ a size up)
- Ankle socks
Sanitization
- Hand sanitizer/sanitization wipes
Glam
- Glitter/body jewels/face gems
Carrying Your Belongings
- Wristlet/small crossbody bag with a sturdy strap/fanny pack, pouch
- Fishnets or sheer stockings made specifically for playing mas (if you purchase regular stockings, we recommend cutting a hole by your toe to avoid a tear)
Costume Needs
- Body tape
- Pasties or nipple covers
- E6000 glue for costume repairs or glue gun with glue sticks
Essentials for the Road
Band-related Needs
- Band wristband
- Band meal tickets
Lodging and Transportation-related Needs
- Keycard/key/PIN number for access to your lodging
- Number/app to contact taxi or rideshare (if your host country has rideshare options)
- Keys to your vehicle, if needed
Personal Needs
- Medication for headaches, allergies, etc., if needed
- Cash (or vex money)
- Portable fan
- Portable charger
Maintenance Needs
- Sunscreen
- SPF chapstick, lip balm, lipgloss, lipstick
- Chafing powder
- Deodorant wipes
- Wet wipes/toilet paper
- Compact mirror
- Blotting paper
Small Accidents
- Bandaids
- Mini travel sewing kit/safety pins
- Mini travel First Aid kit
Preparing for J'ouvert
- Apply baby oil to skin
- Bring trash bags/plastic poncho to cover chairs in car
- Bring something to wrap your hair with, if needed
Essentials for J'ouvert
- J’ouvert ticket, if needed
- Waterproof phone case/pouch/ziplock bag
- Face shield, sunglasses or goggles to protect eyes
- Scarf or mask to cover mouth
- Something to cover your hair (temporary wig, scarf, bandana, shower cap, durag, etc.)
- J’ouvert outfit or old shorts/bikini bottom/bodysuit
- Undergarments you don’t mind getting stained from oil/paint/powder, etc.
- Fishnet/stockings, if needed
- Old pair of comfotable shoes or boots you don’t mind getting stained from oil/paint/powder, etc.
Essentials for Fetes
- Outfit for each fete
- Some fetes have dress code, so check in prior to organize your outfit accordingly
- If you’re going to a fete with a pool or on a beach, we recommend packing the appropriate swimwear and coverup, if needed
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Wet wipes
- Portable fan
- Portable charger
- Fete tickets/wristbands
- Appropriate footwear (we recommend that you do not wear heels)
- BYOB if it’s a cooler fete
Post-Road March/J'ouvert/Fete
- Spa appointment
- Foot soak
- Garment bag to carry large backpack home
- Body scrub/exfoliator (especially for j’ouverts)
