If this is your first villa vacation, you are probably wondering what to bring with you and what will be provided at the villa. This varies depending on location and nightly rate of the villa rental so the focus will be on moderate priced Caribbean villas. The higher the rate, the more amenities and services you will receive.

Most of the villas will not come stocked with shampoo, conditioner, lotion, dishwashing soap etc. like you have at a hotel so you will need to provide your own. With today's luggage regulations, I would recommend purchasing these items which are usually readily available after you arrive at your destination. Some villas offer a pre-stocking service, if you do not want to go grocery shopping. However, if you do have a favorite product that you can't live without, I would bring it with you since the selection is limited and the price is high.

You are going to the Caribbean so of course you will need sunscreen. Sunscreen is available at a high price and the stores may not have the SPF that you are looking for. So I would pack sunscreen in your checked luggage and put it in a zip lock baggie. Most of the time in the tropical environment of the Caribbean bug spray is necessary especially if you are prone to bug bites, so I would pack a small bottle in your checked luggage.

In addition to the obvious items such as your bathing suit, clothes, sweater (it can get chilly in the evenings and in the air-conditioning), other items to remember are: Water shoes, sunglasses, umbrella, camera and passport depending on which island you are traveling to.

Lastly, make sure to pack in your carry on luggage, a bathing suit (in case your luggage gets lost, you can still swim in the pool or ocean), medicines, camera and important documentation.