
Thinking about heading to Trinidad Carnival? Here’s a packing list that will make sure you’re ready for any and everything on de road. Because you know what they say…when you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.
Costume Must-Haves
Carnival Monday and Tuesday are the main attractions. If you’re partaking in the actual events, you’ll join a band that will provide costumes for Carnival Tuesday.
- Tights are your friend. You can go with fishnets or regular tights. Fishnets come with a warning: the chains on your costume (or those of your dance partner) might get caught on the tights. Yea, you’ll probably end up with a few holes at the end of the day, but it’ll be worth it.
- Comfortable shoes and insoles. You will be doing a lot of walking…a lot! I saw a few women in heels and I still don’t know how they survived. We ordered flat boots to match our costumes. They weren’t the cutest boots in the world, but they did the trick.
- Underwear that matches your costume. When you touch down in Trinidad, you’ll pick up your costume. It hasn’t been washed, and to add insult to injury, it has been handled by numerous people…sounds like a uti waiting to happen. With that in mind, pack some undies that are large enough to provide coverage but small enough to fit under the bottoms that come with your costume.
- Travel sewing kit. If your group is on top of registering with a band, you might submit your costume measurements up to six months in advance. So, you hope and pray it’ll fit once you arrive in Trinidad. Pack a sewing kit and a friend who is good at fixing things in case you need to make alterations.
- Don’t forget an outfit for free mas. Think of Carnival Monday as the pregame before Tuesday’s big show. Some people wear pieces from Tuesday’s costume. We decided to buy an entirely different outfit. Why? Because we’re clearly extra.
J’ouvert Gems
To kick off Carnival Monday, be prepared to head to J’ouvert around 3:00 am that morning. When you hear J’ouvert, think paint, mud, water, and anything else that will result in you being messy.
- Baby oil is your friend. Slather some on before you leave so it’ll be easier to clean up later.
- Shower cap, bonnet, scarf. Ladies, especially my natural sisters, you already know what’s up!
- Trash bag to sit on if you’re hopping in a car post-J’ouvert.
- An outfit you don’t care about. You will get dirty and the paint might not come out of your clothes. So bring an outfit and shoes that you won’t mind leaving behind. This includes underwear and a bra that you can part with. Those panties that you’ve been meaning to purge…pack those and wear them to J’ouvert.
- A waterproof phone case. I left my phone in the car, but if you must have your phone make sure it’s protected.
Fete Favorites
Pronounced fets, these are outdoor parties that take place during Carnival week. This is a tricky section because all fetes aren’t created equally.
- Check to see if your fete has a theme, then pack accordingly.
- Flats or wedges, leave the stilettos at home.
- Swimwear for the poolside fetes.
- Cooler fetes are BYOB, so buy a bottle or two once you touchdown at the airport. This might be the only time you’ll need to purchase alcohol. Everything else we attended during Carnival week included alcohol.
- Speaking of cooler fetes you’ll need…you guessed it, a cooler. Buy a cheap one while you’re out and about, borrow one from your Airbnb host, or pack an insulated bag that won’t take up much space in your suitcase.
Basic Essentials
Now for a few basic things you’ll need to survive a week in Trinidad during Carnival season.

- Sunblock…that Trinidad sun is no joke.
- BC Powder, great for
hangoversheadaches. - Vitamins – perhaps this is just for the 30+ club.
- Emergen-C, Gatorade, pretty much anything with electrolytes.
- Hand sanitizer and wipes for bathrooms on de road.
- WhatsApp – not sure what your phone situation looks like, but WhatApp was clutch.
- Snacks. While most events included food, you might get hungry or need some calories after all the walking.
- Cash and credit. Most events during Carnival week include food and alcohol, so the only time you’ll need cash is if you want to buy roti, doubles, or a fresh coconut while you’re out and about. Most places accept major credit cards; before you leave, check your policy on foreign transaction fees.
- Passport, otherwise where are you about to go?
- Facial wipes, masks, moisturizer. Basically, a consolidated skincare routine to wipe away makeup and rejuvenate your skin after a long day in the sun.
Did I miss anything? Leave a comment and let me know what you would add to the packing list for Trinidad Carnival.
Happy travels,
~ Marissa
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I would love to travel to Trinidad and attend one of these carnivals! The only carnival I have been to is the yearly Notting Hill Carnival in London. It doesn’t have the same vibe as the one in Trinidad or any other Carribean island; so I will be keen to visit the island to experience it. When is the Carnival season?
I would love to go to Notting Hill Carnival. I’m regretting the fact that I didn’t go when I was on that side of the world a few years ago. This year, Carnival Tuesday is on March 5th. So people are probably packing their bags to head out there for the events leading up to that.
So soon! I will keep in mind the period for next year or the one after 😉
You ladies all look amazing! Trinidad Carnival looks like so much fun!
Thank you! It was a lot of fun!!
Oh my goodness this was such an educational and interesting blog post for me! I personally never desired to do Carnival but had no idea what all it entailed including the fact that the costumes are not washed and you have to (of course) get some protected undies to avoid a potential UTI…lol! Thanks for sharing important logistics about how to “come correct” and to be prepared with the costume for Carnival. 🙂
hahah. Yea, I try to avoid that at all costs lol.
In the case of Carnival, it can be good to over-prepare and over pack…you never know what you’ll need.
Wow, that looks like so much fun! Perfect girls trip away!
It was a lot of fun! Probably the best girls trip I’ve taken to date.
Wow, Trinidad is so far away that I don’t know if I’ll ever go there, but your tips are so excellent! You really thought of everything so I’ll be sure to pass this on if I know anyone who wants to go to Trinidad during Carnival!
Thanks, Nina! Yea, it is a pretty long trip…but worth it!
It sounds like a lot of fun! Sorry you can’t go this year 🙁
So much fun! Yea, I’m a bit bummed…but maybe next year lol
We wrote a post, not long ago, about Carnevals and we spoke about the one in Trinidad too, so it was lovely reading an insider point of view x
Nice, I would love to check out some other carnivals around the world.
This looks like a total blast! Love the makeup pic!
Thanks! That entire week was epic!
Wow! Super fab. I love how amazing the costumes are.
I was surprised by the detail in the costumes.
Looks like you ladies had fun! I love the make up.
Thanks, Latasha! Yep, we had so much fun…Carnival was definitely a great experience!
This is interesting! The carnival looks so much fun. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance you are interested on doing collaborations, you can check out the collaborations portal of Phlanx.com and connect with amazing brands!
Xoxo,
Tiffany
Thanks, Tiffany! I’ll check it out!
~ Marissa