Pack the Best Shoes and Footwear for Your Caribbean Beach Vacation

Sand. It gets everywhere. Whilst we may love the soft textures of the Caribbean and long walks along the beach, selecting the wrong footwear can be a nuisance that can bring discomfort throughout your vacation.  

This is why, whether traveling to Cancun, Punta Cana, or Montego Bay, it is essential to choose the right beach shoes and therefore maximize your enjoyment in paradise.

As you prepare for your tropical getaway with The Excellence Collection, you likely already have your sunglasses, swimsuit, ideal Caribbean clothing, and sunscreen ready. But what shoes or sandals should you pack for your oceanfront escape? And what types of footwear will provide you with the best overall protection and comfort throughout your stay?

Let’s take a look together!

Different vacation shoes that you should bring

Whilst your number one destination may be the beach, there are going to be moments when you want to do other things, and it is therefore important to pack for a variety of situations and settings.

Here are a few vacation scenarios that you may wish to consider:

• Walking on hot sands:
  For a fun time at the beach, you will want something to protect the bottom of your feet from burning, yet you also won't want something too heavy, or else you will sink, and your shoes will fill with sand. Consider something lightweight and flat to evenly distribute your weight. You should also avoid shoes that have many inside parts or complex designs where sand can get stuck. Choose simple instead of stylish.
• Walking on the shore where you are likely to get wet:
  This is not the scenario where you bring your best or most expensive footwear. Find something easy to carry so you can walk barefoot, or something that you won't be upset about if you accidentally lose it in an incoming wave. It is also important to make sure that they are easy to wash afterwards.
• Walking over rocky or rough terrain:
  Choose grippy shoes with a decent sole so that you do not feel the spiky rocks. They do not have to be bulky, but they should be comfortable and well adjusted to your feet. Avoid overly delicate or elegant shoes and find something that can be adaptable to a variety of robust situations. 
• Walking in or around your resort areas
  Since your resort is going to be a wonderland of luxury comforts, there are really only two main things to consider.

1) What does the resort dress code allow in the areas where I am going?
2) What do I feel like wearing throughout the day?

• Walking long distances on exterior excursions:
  Whilst you do not have to travel far within your All Inclusive oasis for literally anything you desire, heading out for a day trip may require you to walk for longer periods or distances. Choose something comfortable that will not tire your feet out during the day, and for safety precautions, you should avoid high heels at all costs. 

How Many Shoes Should You Pack for a Caribbean Vacation?

Many people wonder how many shoes to pack for their tropical vacation, and whilst you may be tempted to pack as many as possible, the reality is that you do not need many shoes to enjoy a beach escape.

There is not one pair of shoes that will adapt to every occasion, but neither do you need to bring 6 pairs of beach shoes for your trip.

Think about the following # points:

1. Practicality: Can you wear them for the activities you want to do?
2. Style: Are these shoes that you would like to wear?
3. Comfort: How will this footwear impact my vacation experience?

The ideal solution is to bring…

• One pair of beach shoes or flip flops - These you will use most days by the beach or for lazy days by the pool in your resort. 
• One pair of walking shoes - This should be sneakers or something enclosed with cushioned soles and good arch support that you can walk in for any vacation adventures, games of golf, or long travel that you are going to undergo. Also, a great option for the flight. You may also choose something that allows you some time at the gym.

• One pair of dress shoes - these are your fancy date night shoes for going to fancy restaurants when you want to dress up and experience some glamour. 

However, this is your bag that you are packing, and if you want to pack more shoes for more fancy nights out or to bring some elegance to your relaxation, there is no reason not to bring some more. Just make sure that you have enough space in your luggage. 

Another aspect to keep in mind is the time of year you go on vacation. If you are traveling when there is a chance of rain, you may be wise to have some extra enclosed shoes to protect your feet from the puddles. 

Does The Excellence Collection require specific footwear?

As you envisage your escape, have you thought about enjoying some time at the beach and then heading straight to lunch or dinner once you have had enough vitamin D? Is this an option when staying in an All Inclusive resort?

Well, yes and no. 

Certain restaurants and bars in luxury resorts have dress codes. These are designed to maintain an ambiance and capture the enchantment of the dining theme. 

However, in the top all-ages resorts, you will notice that they cater to every vacation style. 

Often, you will find that the beachside restaurants and the poolside bars are designed with the guests' comfort in mind. This means that you can usually head straight from the beach to the relaxing, chill ambiance of the restaurant or bar nearby.

There are also other establishments on the premises with different guidelines. This is why it is important to check the dress codes for each location so you know whether you can head in with sandals and shorts or if you need a shirt and dress shoes. These can be easily found in The Excellence Collection App, which is free to download.