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Packing for a sun vacation from Canada in winter is a strange puzzle: you leave home in a parka and boots, and arrive a few hours later in 30-degree heat. Forget one small thing and you will pay resort-shop prices for it. Here is a complete, practical checklist for your trip south.

The winter coat problem

Your parka and boots take up half a suitcase and are useless at the beach. A few solutions Canadians use:

• Park-and-fly or a drop-off: leave your coat in the car or with the person driving you.
• Layers instead of a big coat: a hoodie, a packable down jacket and a light shell can be stuffed into your carry-on.
• Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane and pack sandals.
• Some airport hotels and parking companies offer coat check services. Ask when you book.

Documents and money

• Canadian passport, valid for your whole stay (check each family member’s)
• Printed and digital copies of your passport, booking confirmations and insurance policy
• Dominican Republic e-ticket or any other entry form required by your destination
• Consent letter if a child is travelling without both parents
• A credit card with no foreign transaction fees, if you have one
• Some US dollars in small bills for tips; in Mexico, pesos are often a better deal
• Driver’s licence if you plan to rent a car

Beach and pool essentials

• Two or three swimsuits, so one is always dry
• Cover-up, sun hat and polarized sunglasses
• Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher; mineral, reef-friendly formulas are encouraged in many Mexican and Caribbean marine areas
• After-sun or aloe gel
• Water shoes for rocky beaches and cenotes
• Reusable water bottle and an insulated cup for the pool bar
• Waterproof phone pouch and a small dry bag for excursions
• Snorkel mask, if you have a favourite one

Clothing

• Light, breathable clothes: shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, linen shirts
• At least one smart-casual outfit: many à la carte restaurants require long pants and closed shoes for men in the evening
• A light sweater or long sleeves for air-conditioned restaurants, buses and the flight home
• Comfortable walking shoes for excursions
• Flip-flops or sandals

Health and pharmacy

• All prescription medication for the whole trip plus a few extra days, in original packaging, in your carry-on
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes can carry dengue in parts of Mexico and the Caribbean)
• Anti-diarrhea medication and oral rehydration salts
• Pain relievers, antihistamines and motion sickness tablets for boat trips
• Band-aids, blister pads and hand sanitizer
• Your insurer’s emergency number saved in your phone

Electronics

Good news: Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Costa Rica and the US use the same plug type and voltage as Canada, so no adapter is needed for most popular destinations. Some islands use different outlets, so check before you go if you are heading elsewhere.

• Phone charger and a power bank
• A short extension cord or power strip (hotel rooms rarely have enough outlets near the bed)
• Headphones for the flight
• Check your mobile plan’s roaming package before you leave

Carry-on rules to remember

Liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on must be in containers of 100 ml or less, all in one clear, resealable bag of about one litre. Put full-size sunscreen and toiletries in your checked bag, or buy them on arrival.

What to leave at home

• Expensive jewellery
• Beach towels (resorts provide them)
• Hair dryer (most hotels have one)
• Too many shoes: three pairs is plenty

Not booked yet? See our list of the best winter sun destinations for Canadians and compare deals on Expedia.