Ten Must-Haves for a Tropical Vacation

The start to a new year is always a fun time to plan new vacations and fill up the crisp, blank pages in your new agenda. For the folks who cringe at the sight of temperatures dropping below zero in the forecast, you’re most likely looking for any opportunity to pack up your suitcase with your favorite swimsuits, sandals, sunglasses, sunscreen and of course, inflatable flamingo and head for tropical beaches and fruity drinks at the swim-up bar. Before you fly south for a little vitamin D and vitamin sea, here is a list of 10 essentials you will not want to forget:

1. AOPA Pilot Guides. Whether you have already purchased your tickets already for a tropical getaway or are looking for ideas, our guides are a MUST. AOPA's comprehensive guide books are updated each year and are packed with everything you need to prepare for a trip to the Bahamas and Caribbean islands, including maps with airport data and the layout of each island, Customs & Immigration information, and much more!
2. A Reusable Water Bottle. Let’s face it. It doesn’t get much more essential than hydration. Keep cool in all senses of the term with this sleek-designed water bottle. It will keep your liquids hot or cold with its copper vacuum insulation that maintains the temperature for hot liquids 12 hours and cold liquids for 24 hours.
3. Hearty Snacks. Flying works up an appetite, as you know. Couple that with higher-than-normal heat and humidity, and you will want to make sure you don’t get hangry. Be sure to pack some of your favorite go-to snacks.
4. An AOPA Credit Card. Just in case you fail to take our second piece of advice into consideration before your flight and need to stock up, you will have the Best Card for Pilots in your wallet. It will also save you on Aviation Fuel and at FBOs!
5. A Blanket. Because you will be saving on your fuel purchases, we are sure you will have a list of places to go to and just chill. Having this comfy blanket on hand will elevate the chill-factor significantly.
6. A Hat. When you’re gazing above at the beautiful blue skies, you will thank us for being nice to your eyes with this protective headwear.
7. Rain Gear. If you don’t mind the rain, skip this one. But if it will ruin your trip and possibly melt you, some sort of precipitation-repelling device is necessary.
8. External Battery Charger with Phone Charger. The last thing you should be doing is using your phone, but it’s always a good idea to keep it fully charged and ready in case an emergency arises.
9. An Aircraft Medical Kit. It may not be useful for a major emergency, but if something small happens, you will be prepared with this small kit. The kit is assembled to be used for routine medical problems as well as first aid issues.
10. Pilot Protection Services. We know your pilot and medical certificates mean everything to you, and we know that even the most meticulous pilot can experience an issue. Ensure peace of mind during your summer flying by having our trusted Legal Services Plan attorneys and Medical Certification Specialists available to you if things don’t go as planned. Stay busy flying, not worrying.

With these ten tropical vacations flying must-haves, you’ll be prepared for anything your flying adventures throw at you in 2020. Now it’s your turn. We would love to hear your tropical flying essentials. Go!