Fiji Packing List

Packing and unpacking are some of the least fun parts of travel, but my two week trip to Fiji was worth it! I knew I would be island hopping Fiji’s Yasawa Islands and I didn’t want to be dragging around a ton of luggage. However, I also wanted to ensure I had everything!

Overall though, I’ve really grown to love packing light in a carry-on! Going to a tropical destination makes it easier to pack light of course, but Fiji Airways has a weight limit which made things harder. I successfully managed to take a carry-on and personal item and everything worked out great!

Whether you stick to a carry-on or check a bag, here is what I suggest as a Fiji packing list!

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Essential Documents | Fiji Packing List

The basics for any international trip are required and worth mentioning for your Fiji packing list. Passport, travel insurance, reservations and copies of important documents are necessary. I won’t spend time on the Passport, just don’t leave for the airport without it! Oh and make sure it won’t expire within six months of your travel dates!

Visitor Visa

There are plenty of destinations that don’t require a Visa if traveling on a US passport, including Fiji. However, if you are traveling on from Fiji to Australia for instance, you will need a visa for Australia! It’s worth noting as something to check before your departure. Visa requirements can change so I recommend you check before booking your plane ticket, but at least before your departure.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not something I buy often, but I did buy it for Fiji! I’m not saying Fiji requires it, but I was going solo and planning to do scuba diving with Bull Sharks. Being on the other side of the world solo, I thought maybe I should get travel insurance. Thankfully, I didn’t need it, but it did offer some peace of mind! If you do elect to buy travel insurance and want to do sport like scuba diving, make sure they are included in the insurance you purchase.

Shop for Travelers Insurance at VisitorsCoverage.

Reservations

Almost everything is digital these days, so you shouldn’t need hard copies. However, I do suggest having a screenshot or some type of digital copy that is not reliant on cell service! I usually just do some screenshots of my reservations in case there’s no service or wifi available when I need them. I’ve gone entire trips where the screenshots were never needed, but it doesn’t hurt to have them available.

Important Document Copies

Way back in the less digital age, having a hard copy of your documents was advised. So I used to leave a copies of my passport and credit/debit cards behind in case anything happened, someone from my family would have the information. Times have changed, but I would still advise to have some sort of a copy of your important documents. However, for credit and debit cards, you will simply want to ensure you know how to report them stolen or lost if that happens.

Clothing for Fiji

One wonderful aspect of a tropical destination is packing will be relatively light! The ease of over-packing still exists for your Fiji packing list, so be thoughtful. It’s also good to know any weight requirements. While carry-on luggage doesn’t get weighed by all airlines, it does for Fiji Airways! And I can tell you 15 pounds is very easy to exceed for a carry-on!

Swimwear

You’ll definitely want to pack some swimsuits for Fiji! I recommend at minimum three for a two week trip, but I packed more! You will want to ensure you always have a dry swimsuit option. Swimsuits take minimal space but will be the item of clothing you spend the most time in while in Fiji.

Another thing to consider is a rashguard! I took one as I knew I wanted to take a surfing lesson, but it is useful for sun protection as well! If you plan to be in the water a lot, a rashguard would be worth taking!

Checkout this Rashguard

Daytime Clothing and Cover Ups

The main item you’ll want for daytime are swimsuit cover ups! I took some options with me but also bought a sarong in Nadi when I arrived. The sarong was used the most, but I also utilized the shorts and t-shirts I took with me!

I also took some workout clothes as well! They are comfortable and I did wear them for a hike when staying at Blue Lagoon Beach Resort. Generally, the day will be spent in and out of the water, so consider swimsuit cover-ups and breathable lounge wear!

This is an easy area to over pack so consider which will become dirtier faster. You will re-wear clothes on your trip. Even when I have packed plenty of clothes, I end up re-wearing items.

Swimsuit cover-ups can get gross faster than basic lounge wear, at least this was the case for me. I didn’t spend much time in lounge wear because the majority of my time was spent in a swimsuit and cover up. If you are going to pack extra of something, I’d suggest cover ups and swimsuits.

If you are going to pack extra of something, I’d suggest cover ups and swimsuits.

Evening Wear

After a long day in the sun, you’ll want to be showered and freshened up for dinner! Again, this is an area you can easily over pack. I suggest packing things that can be interchanged to create more outfits! So if you packed pants and a nice button down blouse. Consider a dress as well. That’s two outfits. Then add the button down blouse to the dress and that’s three outfits. Basically, don’t be afraid to mix and match and keep these options lighter.

Since evening wear is also a type you can easily re-wear try not to over pack this category. I love sun dresses in normal life and since they take up minimal space, they are perfect for your Fiji packing list.

Checkout this Summery Maxi Dress

Pajamas

Of course, don’t forget your PJs! You will need attire for sleep. Consider the length of stay and your accommodation type when deciding on which and how many sleep options to bring.

Light Jacket or Sweater

Another thing to consider is a light jacket of some kind. If you get a sunburn you will feel cold more easily! Also, depending on the time of year, it will be cool enough in the evenings for a light jacket or sweater! That was the case when I went end of September! I actually did need a warm layer at night or when in the shade during the day! Again, you don’t need to go overboard, but it’s something to consider!

Footwear

Again, this can be so easy to over pack but will also have a huge impact on the weight of your bag! I kept it simple and it was perfect! The flip flops were the most worn and I also took some hiking sandals which were perfect for the small hike I did. My plane outfit consisted of sneakers, which I ended up only wearing on the plane. The final shoe I took was a pair of nicer sandals for my dinner outfits!

So my carry-on luggage only had flip flops, hiking sandals and sandals! And I still had a hard time with the 15 pounds weight limit!

If you wear the right kind of sneakers on the plane, they could double as walking/hiking shoes and you could leave the hiking sandals behind. I ended up only wearing sneakers for the plane, though I did bring a pair I could have hiked in.

I didn’t take water shoes and I don’t think it’s necessary. You should definitely NOT be standing on the reefs! However, depending on the part of Fiji you are traveling, you might benefit from water shoes. Though, I never needed them during my stay in Fiji.

Clothes for Village Visit

You don’t need to buy special attire, but you do want to ensure you take clothing that is respectful of the Fijian culture! If you plan to do a village visit, as a woman you will want to ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.

I wore a t-shirt and sarong so it’s not difficult to dress more modestly, but it shows respect for their culture and I strongly recommend having clothing options for this cultural experience.

Beach Gear | Fiji Packing List

Sunscreen

Heading to a beach destination, makes this highly important! Since I was taking a carry-on to Fiji, I purchased sunscreen and bug repellent in Nadi upon arrival. You will absolutely want both! Also get reef safe sunscreen as a consideration for protecting the reefs!

Bug Repellent

I was eaten alive by the mosquitoes in the Yasawa Islands! Due in part to the fact that I don’t like wearing bug repellent, especially after I shower, and I also bought a more natural bug repellent. Since I didn’t fully commit to wearing bug repellent I can’t really tell if the more natural option worked, but I can tell you I had red mosquitos bites all over my arms and legs. Do NOT skip the bug repellent.

Beach Bag

Towels are provided by the resorts, but I did have a beach bag of sorts with me. I simply bought a bag, similar to the one linked below that doubled as my personal item for the plane and a beach bag! It wasn’t a traditional beach bag, but I knew it would work great for the days I wanted to cart around my sunscreen, hat, book, sunglasses, and phone.

Checkout the personal item / beach bag.

Other Items to Consider

Consider the weather and if you’ll be in Fiji during the wet season or dry season. If the wet season, you might want to consider taking a dry bag to keep your phone, towel or other items dry if you are out on a tour and it rains. Even if you go during dry season, you may want to use it to keep items dry during water activities and it can double as a day pack.

I took a fanny pack with me in case of a hike or any outings where I didn’t want to have to hold my phone or chapstick, but didn’t want to use a large bag. And of course, a reusable water bottle is good to have, but not required. Lastly, don’t forget a hat and sunglasses! Items you probably use often enough, but might slip your mind when packing!

Snorkel Gear

Snorkel gear is not required and even though I have a mask and snorkel, I didn’t have room in my carry-on. However, if you have snorkel gear and have room in your luggage, Fiji has great snorkeling opportunities. Two of the three resorts I stayed at in the Yasawa Islands offer snorkel gear for free and at Mantaray Island Resort it was a small fee to rent for your stay.

While I didn’t take my own gear, I met a teacher from New Zealand who came to Fiji to snorkel and she came prepared! It’s something I wanted to mention in case, but you certainly don’t need to bring your own snorkel gear!

Electronic Gear

Similar to a hat and sunglasses, you will need your charger but could easily forget it on your Fiji packing list. I have an extra battery I travel with if I think I will run out of battery before I can recharge. In Fiji, I did not encounter a need for it, but wanted to mention in case you might need it.

Pack your camera if you don’t rely on your phone or simply want to take a camera. Also, don’t forget an underwater camera! I bought a waterproof case for my iphone which allowed me to take great underwater photos when snorkeling! For scuba diving the case will not work, but it was great for snorkeling! Just make sure it will fit your phone before purchasing!

Check out the Waterproof Phone Case.

Lastly, don’t forget adapters and converters. You will need an adapter for Fiji if traveling from the U.S. Depending on the electronics, you may also need a converter. For charging my iPhone, I never took a converter. However, Fiji operates on 240V. While my camera and phone charging was never affected, I can vouch for the fact that Australia (230V) killed two hair straighteners! So if you plan to take a hair dryer or straightener, you may want to take a converter.

Travel Comfort

Don’t forget things that will make the long flight easier! From Florida it was five hours to Los Angeles and then another ten hours from Los Angeles to Fiji! It’s a LONG flight!

One thing I am so glad I brought was a trtl travel pillow my sister gifted me a while ago. I don’t take a travel pillow on every trip, but I am SO glad I took it with me on this trip! I was in the middle seat both ways and would probably have had a super sore neck or no sleep had I left it behind. If this pillow isn’t right for you, that’s okay! Just be sure to take something that will help you sleep or at least feel comfortable on the long flight!

I also packed snacks and a book. Just be sure to declare any snacks when you enter Fiji! They aren’t as strict as Australia, but you want to be up front!

Travel Tips and Considerations for Your Fiji Packing List

Don’t forget at least one shirt that covers your shoulders and a skirt, sarong or pants that cover your knees if you plan to visit a village. This dress code is important as you want to be respectful of Fijian culture. Outside the village there is no dress code, so it’s not something to stress about! It’s recommended if you plan to do a village visit.

Packing cubes can be helpful, but I kept them to a minimum. I did consider these compression bags, but it ended up being too heavy! This was more of a concern for me, because I was taking a carry-on and Fiji Airways has a fifteen pounds weight limit!

I personally don’t think packing cubes allow you to fit more, but they can be helpful for organizing your suitcase. So I usually use them for smaller items like undergarments, swimsuits and tank tops that might otherwise get lost in the mix.

Fiji Packing List

I hope this Fiji packing list will help you for your trip to this South Pacific paradise! Relaxation, adventure or both await you in your Fiji travel! I loved it way more than I expected and I hope Fiji exceeds your expectations as well!