I recently turned 30, and in true travel editor fashion, I decided to celebrate the milestone by treating myself to a last-minute solo birthday trip. As a New Yorker who’s been struggling with the lack of sunlight and freezing temperatures that come with winter in the city, I knew I wanted to ditch my winter coat for a bike to soak up the sun on a beach somewhere — preferably, somewhere that wouldn’t eat a hole in my wallet. Inevitably, I set my sights on Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory island famous for its turquoise beaches, lush rainforests, historic sightseeing opportunities, and distinctive, rich cuisine. 

With tickets in tow, I quickly had to pivot to my packing list; not an easy task, considering my Puerto Rico itinerary involves a wide variety of activities ranging from exploring the streets of Old San Juan to a bioluminescent bay tour in La Parguera, and a guided hike through El Yunque National Forest. If you, too, plan on visiting Puerto Rico soon — whether it be for a weekend getaway or spring break vacation — keep reading to learn more about the non-negotiable travel essentials I brought with me for my trip to the island. Ahead, find comfy hiking boots that don’t require a break-in period, quick-drying beach blankets that repel sand, and three-in-one travel pants suited for just about any Puerto Rican adventure, starting at just $6.

1. A Portable Charger

Charmast Portable Charger Power Bank

Running out of juice in the middle of a vacation day can be a real bummer. Depending on where your phone dies, tracking down an outlet and charger on a whim can be impossible — and since I traveled to Puerto Rico solo, this predicament could have also been a safety hazard.

To keep my phone battery fully charged all day long, I brought along a portable power bank; specifically, this $30 model from Charmast. Not only does it come with built-in charging cables, but it also has an LED screen that displays how much battery percentage is left. It can also charge up to six devices simultaneously, which meant I was able to recharge my Bluetooth headphones at the same time as my iPhone.

2. Luggage Trackers

Apple AirTags 4-pack

I usually bring an Apple AirTag on every trip to track my carry-on or checked suitcase. But if I’m going on a trip that calls for multiple different bags I’ll want to track (like hiking backpacks, beach totes, and evening clutches) I’ll pack more. For this trip, I traveled with four trackers in tow. Currently on sale, this four-pack of Apple AirTags can be synced to your phone’s Find My app to give you location updates, providing peace of mind while you travel. 

3. A Waterproof Belt Bag or Phone Pouch

Crenova Waterproof Belt Bag 2-pack

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch 2-pack

Swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, scuba diving: If you plan on booking one or more of these water activities during your stay, I highly recommend packing a waterproof belt bag or phone pouch. Since my trip involved multiple outdoor excursions, I packed both for good measure, and I’m so glad that I did.

These Crenova belt bags were large enough to hold my keys, wallet, smartphone, and other essentials. The dual zip-lock and Velcro closures kept water from seeping in during my waterfall hike. Meanwhile, the Hiearcool waterproof phone pouches allowed for underwater photo opportunities while snorkeling at Playa El Escambrón, thanks to the clear, touchscreen-sensitive TPU material and triple-layer frame that keeps water and sand from sneaking in. 

4. A Sandproof Beach Blanket

Tesalate Bora Bora Sand-free Beach Blanket

Keep the sand at the beach — and out of your suitcase — with the help of a sand-proof beach blanket. This Bora Bora blanket from Tesalate was deemed the best sand-resistant beach blanket by the Travel + Leisure team thanks to its tried-and-true sand-repelling, rapid-drying fabric. Big enough for two people, this blanket also comes with a compact carrying case for easy packing.

6. Strappy Walking Sandals

Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT2 Sunscape

Heed my words: You don’t want to rely on flimsy flip-flops in Puerto Rico. While a pair of corner store thongs might hold up to a day of leisurely activities, these unsupportive sandals just can’t handle a full beach vacation. Lest you get caught with achy feet or a broken flip-flop mid-stroll in San Juan, I recommend bringing a pair of supportive, strappy sandals that won’t slip off easily. 

Specifically, these Hurricane XLT2 Tevas are perfect for a trip to the island. They’ve got supportive and comfortable EVA footbeds, grippy rubber outsoles, and adjustable hook-and-loop closure straps to keep your sandals securely attached to your feet (psst: I like to use these as water shoes, too).

7. Comfortable Hiking Boots

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Hiking Boots

The hiking opportunities in Puerto Rico are unreal, with plenty of waterfalls, rugged coastline, and lush rainforest trails to choose from. Considering how varied the terrains of each can be, I suggest packing a pair of comfy, versatile hiking boots.

Personally, I packed my beloved Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boots. I previously sang the praises of these budget-friendly boots after wearing them on a Costa Rican hike without having to break them in. They’re waterproof, lightweight, and roomy, and have padded heels to prevent blisters from the first wear. 

9. A Packable Tote Bag

Syzy Travel Tote Bag

With so many different activities on the menu, a packable nylon travel tote is a must for visiting Puerto Rico. These foldable totes take up minimal space and weight in your bag, yet can serve many different purposes, including that of a beach bag, wet bag for swimsuits, grocery bag, or extra shopping bag for souvenirs.

This Syzy travel tote is so compact that it fits right into the palm of your hand when stuffed into its carrying pouch. Unlike some popular reusable nylon tote bags, it comes with two long shoulder straps and two short grip handles for easy carrying, plus a magnetic cord closure that can be looped onto a keychain. 

10. Durable Polarized Sunglasses

Meller Shipo Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are a must for any island getaway. When the sun reflects off of water or concrete, it can cause a serious glare, making it difficult to make out what you’re looking at — hence the importance of choosing polarized lenses over non-polarized ones. 

I decided to pack a pair that has no metal hardware or separate nose pads, since these pieces easily get caught on my long hair. I especially love these Meller Shipo aviator-style sunglasses. Not only do they provide UV400 protection from the sun’s rays, but they also come with an anti-scratch, superhydrophobic coating that repels water, preventing vision-blocking water stains while at the beach or on a boat. 

11. Breathable, Versatile Pants

Outdoor Voices RecTrek Zip-Off Pant

Whether you plan on strolling through a city or embarking on a zipline adventure, pack a pair of pants that can work for any scenario. I recommend opting for a utility style (like cargo pants or joggers) with multiple pockets for holding your must-haves should you need to leave your day bag behind. The breathable, durable material that will keep you cool and hold up to abrasion.

These RecTrek pants from Outdoor Voices deliver on both fronts while also having zip-off legs that convert them into capri pants or hiking shorts — a stellar feature for hot, sunny outings. When you’re ready to shed some extra material, simply zip off the leg portion you’d like to remove and stuff it into the left thigh’s cargo pocket before clipping it onto the attached carabiner loop on the shorts or slipping it into your travel bag for later use. 

12. Plenty of Sunscreen

Supergoop Round Trip Ready SPF Travel Kit

Fact: Skin that hasn’t been exposed to the sun in a while is more susceptible to a sunburn than skin that has had more frequent exposure. After spending most of the winter locked inside my New York City apartment, I made sure to pack extra SPF in my carry-on in order to protect my skin from the sun’s rays. 

Supergoop continues to be one of my go-to brands for sunscreen thanks to its streak-free formulas that never leave a purple cast. This Round Trip Ready kit contains travel-sized versions of my favorites, including the Unseen Sunscreen and Play Lip Shield. The best part? It’s on sale for $18 off right now. 

13. A Vibrant Swimsuit Cover-up 

Sunforyou Batwing Kaftan Dress

From the mural-covered street corners of Old San Juan to the green thickets of El Yunque, Puerto Rico is as rich in color as it is in culture. For this trip, I decided to leave my neutral swimsuit cover-ups at home, and instead, pack more colorful options in order to mirror the island’s vibrant essence. 

This flowy batwing kaftan dress immediately caught my eye. It comes in 31 different patterns, but the patterns “butterfly,” above, and “face” are my favorites of the bunch. It’s lightweight, breathable, and has large armholes and side slits on the skirt for maximum airflow. Once you’re done at the beach, step into a pair of jeweled sandals, then add statement earrings and a clutch for a dinner-ready look. 

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