What to pack for 12 days in tropical climate?

[Equimum]

We are off to Indonesia in June with two children (4&7). I’ve never been to a tropical climate with kids and can’t really think what to take and how much stuff they’ll need. We are used to long-haul travel with kids, so I’m okay with keeping them occupied etc, but I am a serial over-packer when it comes to clothes and used to being ready for any eventuality.

In terms of clothes, what & how much would you pack for a trip like this (mix of beach and sight-seeing)?

TIA

I’m also a serial overpacker (I like to be prepared for all eventualities and I do like clothes!) but in reality only about 1/2 of what I pack gets worn! What does are:

• swimming costumes -usually take 3 for me and 3 for DD. Nothing worse than putting on a wet costume!
• dark or denim shorts, usually at least 4 pairs for both me & DD. Inevitably you’re going live in these during the day and pick up dust/dirt/suncream etc stains
• lots of t-shirts and one or two long sleeve thin tops to cover up sunburnt shoulders/arms for both me and DD
• thin joggers for me, Hush usually have a good range. Some thin loose trousers for DD for any jungle trips/temple visits/bad sunburn
• v thin cardigan or two for evenings or temple visits
• a couple of thin dresses for both me & DD for the evenings in materials we’re not going to sweat in!
• thin waterproof rain jackets and an umbrella or two (although hotels will often provide if you ask!)
• lots of underwear, then add more! Clean underwear just seems to vanish day 8 onwards!
• flat sandals and some heeled ones to go with dresses. Trainers.
• make up bag edited, the more you put on, the more it melts off!
• some not so nice kids t-shirts to wear over costume in pool to cover burnt shoulders. Sun hats & glasses
• an armoury of deet based mozzie stuff and sun creams

And finally (apologies, long post!) the best instant coffee you can find!

SJane48 thank-you, that is really helpful. I hadn’t thought about clothes to cover sunburn, but definitely a good plan, just in case.

Anti histamine tablets mossie nets flipflops for the beach and showers handgels handheld fans

I prefer light linen and cotton shorts. I quite like breezy skirts too. I’m a fan of sarongs in cotton. Not a fan of anything denim when it’s hot. It’s a heavy fabric designed for workwear.. Any clothes made from a breathable fabrics works and keep hair tied back and up if it’s long. My luxury is clean pants every day. Never run out is my motto! However I’m going away for a month later in the year so washing undies will be required!

Lots of people have sun suits for DC.

I prefer light linen and cotton shorts. I quite like breezy skirts too. I’m a fan of sarongs in cotton. Not a fan of anything denim when it’s hot. It’s a heavy fabric designed for workwear.. Any clothes made from a breathable fabrics works and keep hair tied back and up if it’s long. My luxury is clean pants every day. Never run out is my motto! However I’m going away for a month later in the year so washing undies will be required!

Not quite sure how that posted twice!!

Do remember that Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world. At times brief shorts and skimpy tops might not be appropriate. So be aware of local sensitivities to dress. Have a great time.

The above is absolutely true and definitely worth taking into consideration unless it’s Bali you’re off too which is Hindu. It’s the only Indonesian island I’ve been too & the dress code was definitely very relaxed (although if you’re visiting temples you should cover up more!).

Thanks SJaneS48 & BubblesBuddy.

The advice on linen is brilliant. I’ve just spotted that it is beginning to arrive in the shops, so I’ll pick some shorts and trousers up.

Pack a good travel iron then! Very breathable but getting those deep set creases out after something linen has been crammed in a suitcase can be joyful first thing!

Linen/cotton is a good compromise. Linen shorts can be rolled to avoid the worst creases.

Cardigans ! When visiting hot countries the air-con in restaurants is often set at slightly below arctic 😀

I can't bear anything with a waist in tropical heat so have some linen mix shift dresses from Next (lots of different patterned fabric) and they are brilliant, esp when you've got sweat running down your back . They also are easy to wash and dry on a hanger. I took four for a 3 week trip last summer as well as sandals. Took a cardigan but never wore it, even in air conned places. Cotton undies too - I changed several times a day. I took very light bras, as opposed to padded ones and washed these out each day.

Calypso once a day sun cream also good. It doesn't stain, smells a bit odd at first but is very good. I top up my face during the day as often sweated then wiped it off.

Good sunglasses essential - prescription if you have one.

Great mozzie repellant is also important - I tend to use this (www.essentialslondon.com/products/ben-s-family-insect-repellent-cream-100ml?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgfGGg4fl5wIVhLHtCh3_hgJ-EAQYASABEgJ4lfD_BwE) which you can use on the kids too. Goes on top of the suncream. You have to be careful how many times you apply it and keep it away from lips!

All hotels have hairdryers but if you have ‘problem’ hair, half the time they aren’t that great! If your hair goes ‘bouf’ with a bit of humidity (and mine does in a very unattractive way!) you may want to take your own hairdryer and straighteners and products. It’s a faff but does make viewing your holiday photo’s a more pleasant experience!

Thanks everyone. I will look out for linen/cotton mix then - not sure about ironing in the tropics!

SJaneS48 my hair is like your describe in the Uk 🤣. I think I’ll be going for the pinning up in a big clip approach! Thanks also for the advice on mozzi repellent - that’s a black hole I have yet to research.

Celeria thanks for the sun cream recommendation. I’ll grab some of that.

I’ll also be sure to throw a couple of cardis/ thin sweaters for kids in the case. I tend to get cold really quickly in air conditioning, so might be necessary.