A full tropical beach vacation packing guide. A week at a tropical resort is always a good idea - but when your only options are the hotel gift shops, you don't want to be stuck without everything you need. There are some unexpected and easy-to-forget items that will make your trip so much better - and some that I've learned through years of overpacking that you just will not use. The best shoes, attire, accessories, and essentials to pack for the piña-colada-sipping vacation of a lifetime.