There’s more to packing than just your clothing as well. One of the benefits of travel is embracing new experiences and accepting diversity. Customs and cultures differ the world over, as do culinary traditions. Bring with you an open mind and willingness to expand your own horizons and you will be the richer for the experience.
The experts at Luxury Charter Group have come up with a guide for packing your bags ahead of your dream charter vacation.
You may choose to live in your swimsuit and sarong, dress up for a formal occasion, or onshore, hike, ride bikes or horses. The key to packing well for your charter vacation is to cover all bases, without going overboard, and remember that you're out on the water and even in the height of summer, winds can be cool.
Travel Documents
Passports, visas, tickets, and cash/credit cards, and copies of the charter documents are all required if you are travelling outside your home country. Take photocopies of them and tuck them in a pocket of your luggage, just in case.
Luggage
The best advice is to pack your clothing and necessities in soft-sided bags for ease of handling. Hard-sided luggage is hard to stow and can scratch the teak and other surfaces onboard your yacht. Be wary of taking too much stuff. Life onboard is laid back, especially in tropical destinations. And while you may enjoy formal dining during your charter, a ball gown for each night is not necessary! Vacuum-bagging clothes will save baggage space.
Clothing
Consider the climate of your chosen charter destination. If you're heading for sun, sea and sand, be sure to pack clothes to suit. Most restaurants on shore will expect you to follow the "smart casual" dress code, while yacht clubs and 5-star establishments may request more formal apparel and footwear. If you visit sacred sites or shrines, modest dress or even a head covering are courteous cultural considerations.
Nights can be cool, even in summertime, and sea breezes can gust out of nowhere, so jackets or a warm pashmina should be part of your packing list.
Being out on the water, no matter what time of year or where you are in the world, sun protection is a must. If you're planning to enjoy watersports or sit on the deck during the heat of the day, pack plenty of UV-rated or long-sleeved shirts.
Shoes
Most charter yachts will ask guests to observe the "bare feet" protocol inside the boat and boat shoes on deck. Your yacht will have a basket to store street shoes once you board. High heels and hard soles are a 'no-no' on yachts, although feel free to pack a couple of pairs for onshore dining and exploring. If you are likely to explore reefs and rocky islands, consider packing some rubber watershoes.
Sun Protection 
The sea breeze can keep temperatures comfortable, but the tropical sun and the reflection off the water and white surfaces can cause sunburn. Sunglasses, hats and a high factor sunscreen are absolute essentials, along with long sleeved clothing if you wish to avoid the sun in the heat of the day, and some soothing lotion for parched or sunburnt skin. Crews prefer you to leave behind the tanning oil, which can stain teak decks and sunbed cushions.
Personal Gear
Your charter yacht vacation is the ideal opportunity to catch up on some R&R. Pack a couple of good books or magazines, a personal music player such as an iPod, your laptop if you need to, and of course a camera or go-pro to capture all the memorable moments. Remember your power cords, batteries and rechargers. On luxury yachts these items may already be on board so please ask your Luxury Charter Group charter specialist in advance.
If you can't live without your hair straightener, bring it, but your yacht will almost certainly have hairdryers. Check with your charter broker for all the onboard electronics and accessories so you don't double up.
Medications
Foreign prescriptions can be a struggle to fulfil in some destinations. It's wise to bring the medicine you need in its original packaging with your doctor's authorisation.
Mindset
A yacht charter is the ultimate escape from day to day life. Your charter vacation is time to re-energize. Your Captain and crew will do their utmost to cater to your personal preferences and make your yacht a home away from home during your charter.
Contact your experienced charter brokers at Luxury Charter Group to know more about preparing for your dream charter vacation.
Disclaimer: The information about luxury yachts displayed on this page is merely informational and these yachts are not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor are they represented or marketed in anyway by Luxury Charter Group. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and information is displayed in good faith but Luxury Charter Group does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.
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