The scariest part about going abroad for the first time was deciding what to pack. For the UA in Belize: Rainforest and Reefs: Tropical Conservation in Belize study abroad trip, we didn’t have much of a daily itinerary and the Bama Study Abroad Orientation didn’t help me decide what to bring; it seemed to be geared toward the more common study abroad trips. The process of finding clothes, toiletries, and snorkel gear was painstakingly long. I wanted to be thorough in checking reviews for everything that I purchased. Hopefully this list and review of everything will help you when deciding what to take to Belize!
Under each section, I have the specific products listed in red, and I have linked the products on Amazon that I mention throughout the blog to make the process of finding these products easier. I will post promo codes at the bottom of the blog when they are updated so that discounts will be available to you at checkout through these links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
BAGS
I took a checked suitcase, carry-on bookbag, and a personal bag to Belize. At first, I was uneasy about bringing a checked suitcase. I thought that everyone else on the trip would have been able to pack everything into a carry-on and survive, while I would be embarrassed for hauling around a large suitcase. In reality, I don’t think there was anyone who didn’t bring a big suitcase. The suitcases were a bit difficult to move off of the boats and upstairs, but everyone was always so helpful. I think I only wound up carrying my own suitcase once.
- My suitcase was a Medium sized hard Lucas suitcase from TJ Maxx. This suitcase had plenty of room and was not damaged at all during my traveling. Something similar on Amazon would be a Coolife suitcase: https://amzn.to/3zuv8Ch
- The carry-on backpack I used was the Duchamp London Travel Backpack – my favorite bag that I’ve ever used for traveling. This bag has so much space. It was thrown around, set down in questionable spaces, stuffed almost completely, and it never broke. https://amzn.to/3VJrP1u
- My small personal bag was a Kipling bag. I used this to keep souvenirs and shells that I collected, so that I could be gentler with them on the plane ride back home. https://amzn.to/4bxFNJy
TOILETRIES
Hair
When I was planning for the trip and learned about all of the time we would spend in the sun and the ocean, I expected to have to cut off all of my hair upon return. Thankfully, I didn’t have to do that because of the great quality of the hair protection that I brought. I quickly learned that for my wavy hair type, I would have to shampoo and condition my hair every day for it to stay in good shape. I used hair shield before each snorkel, and my hair stayed healthy and hydrated. I had Teleties stretch and break, but they were so easy to take out of my hair after snorkels especially compared to ponytails. I took a mini WET brush, but it was too soft to actually detangle my type of hair. I often borrowed other girls’ brushes before washing my hair. I also took a small microfiber hair towel and loved it.
Here’s what I used:
- Sunbum Curl Shampoo full size bottle: https://amzn.to/4cpIuy8
- Sunbum Curl Conditioner full size bottle: https://amzn.to/45ZsEIk
- Miami Beach Bum Hair Shield: https://amzn.to/3Lwsejj
- Mini WET Brush: https://amzn.to/45QjT3a
- 3 Teletie pack: https://amzn.to/3VPV0jl
- Microfiber hair towel: https://amzn.to/3xPDOCH
Other helpful products
- The hairbrush I borrowed from a friend: https://amzn.to/3xN1jMF
- Cheaper spiral hairties: https://amzn.to/4cvRCl4
- Sunbum shampoo and conditioner set that is not for curly hair: https://amzn.to/3xOfCAD
Body
One of my biggest fears about staying in Belize to learn about conservation was getting sun poisoning or extreme sunburn. I am a very pale person, and I can actually burn within ten minutes of standing outside (rain or shine). I used reef-safe sunscreen before every snorkel and did not burn at all the entire trip. If you didn’t know, there are certain types of sunscreens that can potentially harm coral reefs. Oxybenzone and Octyl methoxycinnamate are ingredients found in several sunscreen brands that effectively block UV but also pose a threat to the health of coral and sea creatures. When purchasing sunscreen for this trip, be sure to find reef-friendly sunscreen that does not contain the before-mentioned ingredients.
- NATIVE coconut and vanilla body wash: https://amzn.to/3xS5jvi
- Lume whole body deodorant (clean tangerine scent): https://amzn.to/3W7BMar
- Blue Lizard Australian sunscreen 50 UVA/UVB protection sensitive (reef-friendly stamp on front): https://amzn.to/3VQzYBh
Face
The sunscreen I used for my face did not say the words “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe” on the packaging but it had zinc oxide and titanium dioxide listed in the ingredients. I did some research on these, and they are supposedly a lot less harmful to the environment than any other ingredients like oxybenzone. My face never burned, but it did turn pinker than usual. When this happened, I used Solar Recover spray on my face. This stuff works like aloe vera to repair sunburned skin. It is less sticky, works faster, and smells better in my opinion than aloe vera does. Also, some girls brought makeup with them, but I was too hot to put in that effort.
- CeraVe hydrating mineral sunscreen broad spectrum 50 face: https://amzn.to/4btpbmh
- Solar Recover save your skin everyday moisturizer: https://amzn.to/4cOw6aY
Meds
I was given a little sealed travel organizer to put my medications in. It came with stickers so that you could list what was in each little container box. It was very helpful to have!
- Holii Travel Pill Organizer: https://amzn.to/4ctu3t5
That’s all for part one! Part two features “WHAT TO WEAR and WOMEN’S SUPPLIES”
PROMO CODES FOR TODAY: N/A