I Just Got Back From a Remote Tropical Getaway-Here's What I Packed and What I Regret Leaving Behind, From $6

"I recently returned from my fifth trip to French Polynesia-specifically, Bora Bora-and I remain convinced it's the most beautiful place on earth. Since I first honeymooned there in 2010, every trip back feels just as awe-inspiring as the first: impossibly turquoise lagoons, powder-soft sand, Instagram-worthy overwater bungalows, and underwater scenes that are almost too magical to be real. But here's something else about this kind of paradise: It's remote."

"Slathering on the sunscreen is an absolute must for tropical climates where the UV is no joke-but it can be expensive at hotel gift shops. While it's important to protect your skin, it's equally important to protect the coral reefs in the area where you're swimming or snorkeling, too. This mineral sunscreen is reef-friendly, safe for sensitive skin, and also available in a TSA-approved size, so you can arrive stocked up even if you're going carry-on only."

"On this most recent trip, I felt pretty prepared, but I still had a few moments that cost me both money and convenience (not to mention comfort). Between sunburns, surprise bug bites, and a missed opportunity to capture memories snorkeling, I came home with some hard-earned packing wisdom. Below is exactly what I brought-plus a few things I should have packed in hindsight -to help you travel smarter on your remote vacation, all available at Amazon."

French Polynesia's Bora Bora offers stunning turquoise lagoons, soft sand, overwater bungalows, and remarkable underwater scenes. The islands are remote with no major chain stores and limited, expensive stock for travel essentials. Packing matters more than for typical destinations because replacements are scarce and costly. Travelers can face sunburns, bug bites, and missed snorkeling photo opportunities, leading to hard-earned packing lessons. Recommended items include reef-friendly mineral sunscreen in TSA-approved sizes and basic medications like pain relievers. Preparing in advance saves money, prevents inconvenience, and protects both traveler comfort and fragile coral reefs.

Read at Travel + Leisure