What to pack if you are heading to French Polynesia ?

French Polynesia is a destination which happens to attract more and more travelers each year. Even though it has always encountered a tremendous success around the world and is generally referred to as Paradise on earth, its islands are becoming increasingly more popular, namely because the air service was considerably improved lately. Last but not least, the Air Caraïbes company operates flights to Tahiti from Paris-Orly, Pointe-à-Pitre, Fort-de-France or even San Francisco via its low-cost subsidiary French Bee. These aerial changes contribute to cut transportation costs and make it easier for people to visit us.

Thus, as we want to make sure you can travel quietly without having to pay fees for an overweight luggage, we prepared a short list of what to pack before heading to Polynesia. Everyone of you is different, your luggage is a reflection of who you are, which is why you must adapt our advices to your lifestyle. Tell me what you bring with you, I will tell you who you are.

Please leave alone the whole sun hat – tank top – socks – Birkenstocks OOTD and adopt a classic style. Back to basics:

• Sunglasses to lounge around the white-sand beaches.
• A hat or a cap to avoid sunstrokes while sailing on a catamaran, riding your e-bike or wandering during a 4×4 excursion.
• A wooly for your nights by the beach, busy gazing the starry sky.
• Sockers (and don’t forget the socks!) if you are willing to go hiking or cross the island walking, just like Forrest Gump.
• Flip flops – but we like to call it “savates” in here – nothing more.
• Flimsy clothes, in linen or cotton, in order to appreciate the tropical climate at its best.
• A beach towel to sunbathe peacefully without having to worry about sand grains.
• Aquashoes, the nice models we used to wear when we were kids, just in case you don’t want to ruin your pedicure.
• A mask and a snorkel to explore the depths of the ocean on your own, even though most service providers and resorts lend it.
• Your most gorgeous swimsuits, don’t you even think about buying it in a shop by the beach, there is no such thing in Polynesia.
• One or two evening gowns to shine bright under the moonlight.

• Sunscreen or suntan lotion with a SPF30 at least to perfect your tan and avoid peeling right when you get home after your vacation.
• Some Biafine, an aloe vera gel or an after sun soother in case it is already too late to apply advice number 1.
• A mosquito repellent if you cannot leave them behind…
• Some sticking plasters to heal the tiny coral scratches.
• Acupressure bracelets and homeopathy in case you do not feel utterly serene on a catamaran.
• A tiger balm to heal headaches, stomachaches and rheumatisms.

• Your passport both original version and photocopy if ever you lose it.
• Your credit card to withdraw money and make transactions.
• Your driving license if you plan to rent a car.
• Anything you need to write down your travel impressions and most beautiful souvenirs.
• Your GoPro or camera to capture the moment and keep your Instagram feed updated.
• A great book to lay down on your deck chair if you did not finish it yet during the flight.
• Laundry detergent pods.
• Your unfailing good humour.

Do not forget that before arriving to destination, you have some long hours of flight ahead, which is why you need to make it as comfortable as possible.

• Toiletries (less than 100ml products only), including a handcream, a toothbrush, a tiny toothpaste, a comb, a lip balm or any hydrating product you may need.
• A travel pillow to avoid ending up with a stiff neck and the puzzled look of your neighbors.
• Good music.

You are sure your luggage weighs less than 50lbs? Now it’s about time to optimize space because, whatever you may think, your luggage will be even heavier when you get back home. Roll up your clothes just like you do with spring rolls and leave some room for souvenirs !

Eventually, the most important is certainly not what you bring but the unutterable you carry in you.