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Packing Tips for Business Trips, Destination Weddings, & More

Packing Tips for Business Trips, Destination Weddings, & More

Figuring out how to pack for a regular vacation is one thing—but even those smaller trips can be just as difficult to figure out.

In fact, I’d argue that figuring out how to minimize your packing list for a weekend trip is one of the toughest travel feats out there. Only minimalists will find the task fun.

Toss in travel factors like black-tie events, hyper-cold temperatures, solo travel concerns, and even stressful events like meeting the in-laws, and packing gets a whole lot harder.

My standard packing advice still applies for these types of speciality trips; I recommend using compression packing cubes, taking a minimalist approach, and relying on the right types of travel products.

Beyond that, here are even more packing tips for life’s most common specialty trips.

Packing tips for all types of trips

Business trips

When you’re packing for business trips, you have two main priorities. First, keep your most important tech and documents with you in a personal item—don’t check them and risk losing vital business information. Second, rely on wrinkle-resistant clothes to keep your formalwear in good shape during transit.

Aside from that, remember that you should always hang or fold your suits, blazers, and formalwear. You can roll other items, like denim, to keep them less wrinkled. Toss ties and pocket squares into shoes so they keep their shape.

If you’re crossing multiple time zones, consider getting ahead with these business traveler jet lag tips.

Meeting the in-laws

This isn’t a packing hack so much as a reminder that you need to leave space for gifts and make sure to bring along any gifted items, like a watch or a hat. It’s always good form to bring a gift (or five) when meeting your in-laws for the first time.

And if you’ve received any gifts from them prior to the meeting, don’t forget to pack them—they’ll be touched that you showed up wearing the items they’ve gifted you before.

Destination weddings

The vast majority of destination weddings are formal, meaning you need to get your suits and dresses to the venue without getting them dirty or wrinkling them.

Unsurprisingly, that means you need a solid garment bag that will protect your formalwear during the long flight and/or drive. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Call ahead to your lodging to make sure they offer dry cleaning. If not, this is one of those times I actually recommend bringing a steamer. I also advise bringing a spare set of clothes, even if they’re not quite as formal. That protects you in case of a total wardrobe disaster, and prevents you from overspending on a replacement in a pricey resort.

Lastly, if you’re expected to show up with a gift, don’t forget that you can always mail it ahead of time. No need to lug around a heavy and luxurious gift with you to the destination. There’s a courier service that can handle it for you, like FedEx or UPS.

Concerts/sports events

You might already be aware, but many large stadiums and arenas that host major concerts and sports events have bag size limitations.

Remember to pack a small and efficient bag that you can stuff the basics into—and consider bringing a collapsible water bottle if you don’t want to splurge at the concessions area.

My last packing tip for concerts and sports events is to bring along a charging bank for your phone. The larger the event, the more likely it is that you’ll get separated from friends. The more excited you are about the event, the more likely you are to spend your phone’s battery taking pictures and videos. I’m sure you see where I’m going with this.

Winter travel

Want to dive into the ins and outs of winter travel? Start here. If not, here’s a quick summary of how to pack for winter travel: wear your heaviest gear on the plane, take fewer items and make plans to do more laundry, and try to purchase a few heat-smart pieces of clothing to keep your overall packing weight at a minimum.

Multi-week trips

The longer your trip, the more tempting it is to stuff your suitcase to full capacity. My advice is to keep it simpler than usual if you’re heading abroad for more than a few weeks. There are two key areas to focus on: shoes and layering.

Of all my packing tips, this is the simplest and most powerful: Don’t overpack shoes. You only need one comfortable, functional pair and one semi-formal pair. That’s all. You can buy a pair of flip-flops at your destination if needed.

Aside from shoes, look for pieces of clothing that you can mix and match. Usually, that means avoiding bright colors and statement pieces. Keep it simple so that you can mix and match every item—it’ll give you more flexibility between laundry days.

Solo vacations

If you’re heading out on a solo trip, it might be a multi-week adventure. In that case, the above advice stands: bring as many mix-and-match clothing pieces as possible, and limit how many pairs of shoes you bring.

I also recommend bringing along a few security-focused gadgets and a portable charging bank just in case your day trips take a little longer than expected.

However, the most important packing tip for solo vacations is to focus your energy on finding a lightweight and functional carry-on. Many solo vacationers stick to bus and train transportation, which is when an overly heavy suitcase or backpack will get you into trouble. (You’ll tire out fast lugging an overweight piece around.)

6 Best Motel Chains for Your Budget Road Trip Needs

Road trips are perfect for last-minute escapes. Best of all, you can swing one on a budget—especially if you’re okay holing up in a motel for the night.

Even if you aren’t looking to string together a budget road trip, you should still know a thing or two about popular motel chains. After all, the distances between many smaller US towns are longer than you might think. It’s not uncommon to find yourself looking for roadside lodging when the refill tank light comes on or the sun sets.

Let me paint a picture for you. I went on an off-the-cuff road trip with a friend from Saint Louis, Missouri, south to New Orleans, Louisiana, then to Asheville, North Carolina, before cruising back west to the Lou.

We didn’t make a single arrangement beforehand. When the sun would start to set, we’d start looking for accommodation.

Our best motel stay was a Super 8 in downtown Asheville. It put us straight in the city center where we could walk to bars and restaurants.

The worst was off a two-lane highway in Tennessee, called the Plantation Inn. The only thing worse than the couple screaming at one another in the parking lot was when they decided to head inside to make up later on. Both were hours-long ordeals.

Here’s my point: You never know when a little motel knowledge will help you find a comfortable, safe place to stay after a long day cruising across the country. Consider this your road map to avoiding stays like mine at the Plantation Inn.

[Pro tip: Avoid mom-and-pop motels unless you’ve actually heard good things about the property or have combed through reviews. On the other hand, always look into new boutique hotels that use the word ‘motel’; it’s trending at the moment.]

Best motel chains for budget road trips—at a glance

  • Motel 6 is (usually) the cheapest (plus, it’s pet friendly)
  • Travelodge (usually) has an onsite restaurant
  • Super 8 Motels include a continental breakfast and indoor rooms
  • Econo Lodge also includes a basic breakfast—at a cheaper price
  • InTown Suites is long-stay ready
  • Microtel Inn and Suites is a good hotel substitute

Best motel chains for budget road trips

Motel 6 is (usually) the cheapest

Ontario, CA, USA – November 30, 2023: Signage for Motel 6 (Getty)

Motel 6 should be top of your list for cheap, reliable motels. Their goal is to keep prices as low as possible, meaning you won’t find a more affordable room. That being said, you’re walking into a very basic arrangement.

As in, Wi-Fi isn’t included, there’s no shower gel in the bathroom, and the only thing you can expect in the way of breakfast is filtered coffee. Still, this brand goes a long way in maintaining its hotels, meaning you can expect a clean stay every time. As an added bonus, it’s pet-friendly!

Travelodge (usually) has an onsite restaurant

Keystone, South Dakota, USA – April 1, 2013: The Travelodge in Keystone (Getty)

Travelodge should be your top pick if you’re showing up hungry. The name ‘lodge’ in the title refers to the old-school lodges and taverns that served travelers centuries ago. Today, that means you can find a restaurant (sometimes with a bar) on the premises, letting you fill your stomach before heading off to bed.

Super 8 Motels include a continental breakfast

Bakersfield, California, USA – June 17, 2023: Exterior and sign of Super 8 Worldwide, formerly known as Super 8 Motels. (Getty)

Super 8 Motels are the most elevated pick of the bunch. First, because Super 8 Motels are (almost always) built like a hotel—not a door-opens-to-the-parking-lot traditional motel setup. Second, they also offer a continental breakfast, letting you get a little bit more for your buck at a Super 8.

Econo Lodge also includes a basic breakfast—at a cheaper price

Hershey, USA – August 13, 2011: A sign stands outside the EconoLodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania (Getty)

Econo Lodge hits a lot of the same notes as Super 8 Motels in that you can expect a few standard hotel amenities, including a continental breakfast. On to of that, Econo Lodges are usually centrally located, putting you close to any attractions you want to see. Despite the breakfast and central locations, Econo Lodges are still affordable.

InTown Suites is long-stay ready

Courtesy of InTown Suites

InTown Suites is a hotel rather than a motel, but it’s one of the cheapest options you’ll have if you need to hole up for a week or two, as InTown accepts long-term lodging. I’m including it here just in case you need to take your car into the shop during your road trip. Who knows when you’ll need cheap room rates for a longer period of time, in that case?

Microtel Inn and Suites is a good hotel substitute

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA – June 3, 2012: A Microtel Inns + Suites location just outside of Pittsburgh (Getty)

Microtel Inn and Suites is also a hotel, but it’s so affordable that its room rates won’t raise eyebrows. If you’re a little on the fence about staying in a traditional motel, Microtel Inn and Suites is a fantastic substitute.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Glasgow for Your Scottish Adventure

As the most populous city in Scotland, you might think Glasgow takes the crown when it comes to tourism. In actuality, most visitors head straight to Edinburgh, leaving Glasgow for their second romp across Scotland.

While Edinburgh isn’t shabby by any stretch, these visitors are missing out on Glasgow’s stunning sites, from the famous Necropolis cemetery to Buchanan Street to its elevated brewery tours.

They’re also missing out on Glasgow’s tastiest eats (including Turkish and Indian delights), fantastic live music scenes, must-see museums and art galleries, and plenty more.

Here’s my point: Don’t underestimate Glasgow.

If you’re gearing up for a visit, you can shop around for the eleven best boutique hotels in Glasgow below. Each selection is centrally located, highly rated by recent guests, and offers a unique twist that will make your trip more memorable.

Best boutique hotels in Glasgow at a glance

Best boutique hotels in Glasgow at a glance

Best modern pick: The Social Hub Glasgow

Sleek, clean, and designed with incredible shared spaces, The Social Hub Glasgow offers a comfortable landing pad, plus tons of other modern hotel perks. From the game room to the vegan dining options to the lighting, it’s a crisp and effortless contemporary hotel.

Most convenient: Motel One Glasgow

Located right next to Central Train Station and close to George Square, Motel One offers a convenient and central location. Similar to The Social Hub, this is a tasteful and modern hotel with well-appointed communal areas. Thanks to its central location, it also has fantastic views.

Cozy and convenient: Babbity Bowsters

Babbity Bowster is a boutique hotel located inside a gorgeous, historic building. With a quaint courtyard and cozy rooms, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you set your bags down. The restaurant-pub is also highly rated by guests, so make sure you come hungry.

Bougiest amenities: The Address Glasgow

The Address Glasgow is a four-star hotel that feels more like a five-star location. Its high design lures you in, while its spa and bar will keep you happy for hours. Despite how high-end the Address feels, it’s not exorbitantly priced.

The Most Scottish pick: The Pipers’ Tryst Hotel

The Pipers’ Tryst Hotel is located on the grounds of the National Piping Center, the headquarters of Scottish Bagpiping. For fans of Scottish culture and traditional music won’t find a better way to dig into local heritage. As a bonus, all proceeds go to a charity that teaches bagpiping around the world.

Stylish & affordable: Point A Hotel Glasgow

You can save a bit on your room rates at Point A Hotel—but you won’t feel like you’re getting a discounted stay. The property is simple but stylish with a trendy check-in area. The dining options are also simple, designed to let guests buy a fresh or packaged snack any time of day.

Bed and breakfast vibes: Argyll Hotel & Sandyford Hotel

Argyll Hotel

Both the Argyll Hotel and Sandyford Hotel are small, family-run operations that you’ll adore if you like bed and breakfast setup. Uniquely, they’re also both located just outside the city center bounds, letting you choose which times you’d like to enter Glasgow’s busiest streets. I’ll let you pick which atmosphere you prefer.

Hostel vibes: Revolver

To describe Revolver as a hostel is a little reductive because it downplays how gorgeous the design is. From the rooms to the free-standing tubs, there’s a pleasant surprise around every corner. Still, Revolver puts a big emphasis on its shared spaces, which are full of things like ping-pong tables. Also, there are affordable bunkbed rooms

Best for long-term stays: Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central

Looking to set up shop in Glasgow for a while? Aparthotel Adagio is ready to host you for months on end. Condo-style rooms come with coffee makers, kitchenettes, and all the other basics you need. You can also expect great views and friendly, responsive staff.

Moodiest architecture & coolest design: Native Glasgow

A few hotels on this list are located in grand, historic buildings—but Native Glasgow is truly something special. It’s located inside an Edwardian building that was once home to the Anchor Line Shipping company. The hotel has maintained those original 1906 features, then upgraded them with a warm, modern design. From just about every angle, it’s a cool, moody project.

Dinosaur National Monument: How to See Fossils, Petroglyphs, & More

Did you know there’s a town called Dinosaur, Colorado?

It’s not as weird as it sounds; Dinosaur is the headquarters of and gateway to Dinosaur National Monument. This massive park spans over 210,000 acres, stretching between Utah and Colorado in the high desert mountains.

The site gets its name thanks to its massive paleontological impact. The area is home to 1,500 dinosaur fossils, many of which are well-preserved and nearly whole. There are also important petroglyph sites throughout the area, giving you direct access to some of our continent’s oldest human activity.

Even if those topics don’t tickle your fancy, Dinosaur National Monument is still a great place to hike, raft, and even camp. As of 2019, it’s also part of the International Dark-Sky Association, giving you unspoiled views of the constellations at night.

Still, the sheer size and scope of this park make it hard to explore off the cuff. If you’re heading to Dinosaur, Colorado, or Vernal, Utah, and want to stop in, here’s what you can’t miss.

What to do at Dinosaur National Monument

Explore the fossils at Quarry Exhibit Hall (Utah side)

One section of the famous Wall of Bones showing large Jurassic dinosaur fossils, Dinosaur National Monument. (Getty)

Head to Quarry Exhibit Hall to take a closer look at some 45,000 objects that are catalogued and displayed. The most impressive is the Allosaurus skull, which looks like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. There are even remnants of extinct plants, too.

The coolest part of the hall is the quarry wall, where you can see actual fossils still sunken into the ancient rock and even touch them.

Or you might be more drawn to the holotypes section. Holotypes are the first-ever discoveries of their kind. In other words, Quarry Exhibit Hall is an active research site where new dinosaurs are being discovered.

See the petroglyphs around the park (most on Utah side)

Panels galore to be seen at McKee Springs at Dinosaur National Monument (Getty)

I’m a history fan more than a paleontology fan, meaning I’d head straight for the petroglyphs. They date back to Fremont culture, some as old as 300 CE and as young as 1300 CE. They depict humans, animals, deities, and more.

You can explore different petroglyph sites here. Some are easily accessible from popular hiking trails, while others require a longer hike. I’d personally head for the Deluge Shelter petroglyphs and the McKee Springs pictographs.

Soak up the gorgeous views from Echo Park and Harpers Corner (Colorado side)

Views from Dinosaur National Monument (Getty)

When you’re all tuckered out from exploring the quarry and hiking to Dinosaur Natonal Monument’s coolest pictographs, you can take a load off at multiple scenic stops. Echo Park is the most famous, as it showcases the monolithic Steamboat Rock. Sheer cliffs rise around the Green River, letting you kick back inside a gorgeous canyon.

Harpers Corner is another popular stop. This one offers panoramic views from 2,000 feet above the canyons and the Green River. Just be ready for a bit of a hike; if you’re tired, stick to Echo Park instead.

Hike the dramatic canyons around the visitors center, Cub Creek, and Harpers Corner

View from Desert Voices Nature Trail and Split Mountain Campground in summer in Dinosaur National Monument Park in Utah (Getty)

Speaking of hiking, you’ll have plenty of options on how to get around. Dinosaur National Monument has made it easier than ever before by dividing its trails into difficulty levels and state access. Make sure to look for whether or not pets are allowed on the trails—many hiking trails are off-limits.

Go rafting down the Green and Yampa Rivers

North America, United States, Colorado, Dinosaur National Monument, Green River, children in kayaks near whitewater raft in canyon (Getty)

Dinosaur National Monument is home to the Green River and the Yampa River, which join near Echo Park. Both rivers are renowned for their rapids, which are great for more experienced rafters. They’re home to Class III and Class IV rapids—and one of the Yampa River’s most popular passes is called the Maytag thanks to its boat-flipping tendencies.

Camp to get the full experience

Split Mountain Campground, courtesy of National Parks Service

If you’re swooning thanks to all those fossils and petroglyphs, know that you can camp inside Dinosaur National Monument to slowly explore its many offerings. There are five campgrounds and one no-water site for you to pick from on the Colorado and Utah sides.

Echo Park is one, in case those canyon and river views appeal to you. Split Mountain is another popular choice based on the gorgeous canyon and mountain views.

Looking for even more things to do at Dinosaur National Monument? Check out the tilted rocks and more.

Where to See Carnivorous Plants in the Wild in the US: Venus Flytraps & More

When you imagine a carnivorous plant, what comes to mind?

Most people see the dainty but intimidating jaws of the Venus flytrap. This well-known plant comes in bright green shades and has a red mouth-like clamp, which it uses to attract flies before chomping down.

In the realm of exotic plants, the Venus flytrap is one of the most recognizable in the world.

That being said, the Venus flytrap isn’t nearly as foreign as we imagine. In fact, it’s not foreign at all—

The Venus flytrap is American as hell, originating in the swamps and bogs in South and North Carolina. To top off that surprising news, here’s another one: the Venus flytrap isn’t the US’s only indigenous carnivorous plant.

The US is home to a handful of small but hungry carnivorous plants. Though the Venus flytrap is the most famous, it’s joined by the cobra lilies of the West Coast and the purple pitcher plants found along the East Coast and further inland toward the Great Lakes.

Aside from Venus flytraps and cobra lilies, you can also find smaller, lesser-known carnivorous plants like sundews, bladderworts, and butterworts.

Ready to come face to face with the US’s tiniest predators? Here’s where to find them across six states.

Venus flytraps in Carolina Beach State Park (SC) & Green Swamp (NC)

Venus Fly Trap at Green Swamp Preserve (Courtesy of Nature Conservancy)

Not only are Venus flytraps not exotic, but they’re actually easy to reach. Less than twenty miles from Wilmington, South Carolina, is Carolina Beach State Park.

There, you can find a designated Flytrap Trail that takes you through the swampy park and showcases the types of diverse habitats that Venus flytraps love. You can also see purple pitcher plants in this park, which we’ll cover below.

In North Carolina, you can also head to Green Swamp Preserve to catch a glimpse of wild Venus flytraps. The Green Swamp is a private preserve that’s owned by The Nature Conservancy and is the domain of around 75% of the world’s total Venus flytrap population. (It’s also home to some of North America’s most stunning orchids and more of those gorgeous pitcher plants!)

Here’s the part where I remind you to treat these little insect-hunters well. They’re populations are very small and are threatened by habitat loss and poaching.

Cobra lilies in Florence, Oregon (Darlingtonia Botanical Wayside)

Pitcher plants in Darlingtonia Botanical Wayside (TripAdvisor)

Many parts of the US are home to pitcher plants. These carnivorous plants have pitcher-like structures that fill with liquid, which is used to lure in and digest unsuspecting insects. Cobra lilies are a variation of pitcher plants, named after their snake-like shape.

Uniquely, cobra lilies are only found in the wild in small parts of Northern California and Southern Oregon. The easiest way to see these bad boys is at Darlingtonia Botanical Wayside in Darlington, Oregon. The gardens have a whole plot of gorgeous cobra lilies for you to closely observe.

Purple pitcher plants (aka turtle socks) in Acadia National Park (MA)

Image courtesy of Kew Gardens

Cobra lilies are the fussiest pitcher plants, preferring the dry climate of Northern California and Southern Oregon. However, the most common type that you’ll see around the US are purple pitcher plants (also called turtle socks) and trump pitchers (below).

You can see purple pitcher plants in Acadia National Park wherever there are bogs and wetlands. The Sundew Trail at Schoodic Peninsula is a hot spot, along with Witch Hole Pond.

But know that purple pitcher plants are found around huge swaths of North America, including almost all of Canada’s southern provinces. So long as you’re new a swamp, bog, fen, or wetland, you could see one of these purple plants noshing on an unsuspecting fly.

Trumpet pitchers in Brown’s Lake Bog (OH)

Flower of the pitcher plant (Courtesy of Nature Conservancy)

Similar to Green Swamp, Brown’s Lake Bog is another private holding from The Nature Conservancy. They use the natural area for research purposes, helping learn more about trumpet pitchers and other carnivorous plants. You can take a tour to see dozens of unique trumpet pitchers, some of which have leopard-like spotting.

See (almost) all of them in the Big Thicket (TX)

Field of pitcher plants at Big Thicket (Courtesy of National Park Service)

Want to knock out four of the five types of carnivorous plants in a single park visit? Head to Big Thicket in Texas, which is a national preserve. You can see a range of pitcher plants, and the lesser-known species like bladderworts, sundews, and butterworts.

There’s even a pitcher plant trail so you can learn about these amazing plants and spot them just off the pathway. Just don’t expect to see the most famous of the bunch; the Venus flytrap is only found in the wild on the East Coast.

Caribbean Shipwrecks That You Can Explore While Snorkeling—Plus, Where to Stay

When it comes to underwater adventures, shipwrecks are the holy grail.

Sunken ships hit a range of interests. For divers, they’re another chance to descend into the great, blue depths. For divers with a love of history, there’s added intrigue; few ships are sunk voluntarily, after all. Even those without an appreciation for seafaring vessels are likely to get caught up in the details.

Unfortunately, shipwrecks are almost always reserved for certified divers and their professional gear.

That’s a pretty big catch for travelers like me who would love the chance to get up-close and personal with a shipwreck but have no plans of getting dive certified.

To put it simply, travelers who aren’t scuba-certified have limited chances to explore life under the sea.

In most cases, at least.

There is one place on earth with leagues of shallow waters, and they’re chock-full of sunken vessels.

Welcome to the Caribbean

The Caribbean is home to the highest concentration of shipwrecks in the world. These sites span centuries of complex (and, at times, very pirate-y) history. They start with Spanish raiders in the 1500s all the way up to modern, planned shipwrecks created for tourists.

The best part? Some of the coolest sunken vessels can be found in shallow waters, meaning they’re fair game for snorkelers in the Caribbean.

With just a handy breathing tube and a functional set of water goggles, you can glimpse some of the most intriguing Caribbean shipwrecks without descending more than a few feet. Many of these snorkel-friendly sites are covered in healthy reefs and surrounded by tropical fish.

Best of all, they’re accessible for Americans in terms of price, distance, and infrastructure.

Snorkelers, assemble! I’m counting down the best Caribbean shipwrecks for snorkelers, along with how to get there, where to stay, and when to go.

(Are you a certified scuba diver, instead? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy all the sites listed here!)

Caribbean shipwrecks that you can snorkel (plus, where to stay)

The Montana & The Constellation (Sandys Parish, Bermuda)

Courtesy of Snorkel Bermuda

Bermuda is often regarded as the shipwreck capital of the Caribbean, with around 300 wreck sites. In fact, the islands were first discovered by stranded sailors without a vessel. They washed up on the shores back in 1609  thanks to Bermuda’s massive, healthy reefs. Many of these shipwrecks are still visible to snorkelers today.

The Montana (sunk in 1863) and the Constellation (sunk in 1943) are the most well-known picks, as they’re situated on either end of a long reef in Northwestern Bermuda in Sandys Parish. They’re also close to the Western Blue Cut Reef, giving you plenty of chances to get in the water.

But if you’re specifically looking for tropical, colorful reefs, look no further. Because the vessels were sunk around 150 years ago and close to 100 years ago, respectively, they’re overgrown with marine life and home to schools of tropical fish.

How can you snorkel these shipwrecks in Bermuda?

Hotels & resorts that are located close to the wrecks in Sandys Parish:

SS Antilla (Malmok Beach, Aruba)

A bird’s eye view of the SS Antilla shipwreck dwarfing a tiny kayaker off the Northwest coast of Aruba (Getty)

The best Caribbean shipwreck to snorkel in Aruba is the SS Antilla, which is only accessible by boat ride. It’s the third-largest in the Caribbean, as well, giving you tons of space to snorkel around in wonder.

But there’s a historical angle to the Antilla that you should know about.

The SS Antilla was a Nazi cargo ship that was used to transport supplies around the Caribbean. To make a long story short, the SS Antilla docked in Aruba, thinking the Netherlands would remain neutral. Then Germany invaded the Netherlands, ending any neutral port activity.

A group of Dutch marines went to meet with the crew but weren’t allowed onboard. Rather than fall to the Dutch, the ship was set alight, and its crew was handed over as prisoners of war.  Almost a century later, the Antilla is still partly intact, now covered in healthy coral just off the coast of Aruba. That means it’s only accessible by boat.

How can you snorkel this shipwreck in Aruba?

Hotels & resorts that are close by Malmok Beach

MV Captain Keith Tibbits & Balboa (Cayman Brac & Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

MV Captain Keith Tibbits (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

As one of the most pristine regions for diving in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands are a top choice for divers. But snorkelers will also have options when it comes to exploring a handful of shipwrecks around this British territory.

The MV Captain Keith Tibbits in Cayman Brac, for example, is an intentionally sunk Russian frigate that you can snorkel to straight from the shoreline. However, because it was sunk recently in 1996, there’s not too much coral growth to see compared to other sites. It’s ideal for those who like larger ships, as this is a 330-foot vessel.

On the shores of George Town, by contrast, you can swim out to explore the wreckage of the Balboa. The Balboa went down in 1932, meaning there’s a bit more in the way of coral, so long as visibility is good.

How can you snorkel these shipwrecks in the Cayman Islands?

  • MV Captain Keith Tibbits is in Cayman Brac. You can explore this shipwreck by swimming out from the beach. No official tour guides needed. Be mindful of water conditions.
  • The Balboa Wreck can be accessed from the beach in Grand Cayman. Once again, you don’t need to join an official tour group. Be mindful of water conditions.

Hotels & resorts that are close by

Carlisle Bay Shipwrecks (Carlisle Bay, Barbados)

Wreck in Carlisle Bay (Getty)

While Bermuda comes out ahead in terms of the sheer number of Caribbean shipwrecks in its shallow waters, Barbados’ Carlisle Bay is actually known as the Shipwreck Capital of the Caribbean. That’s because it has many well-preserved shipwrecks in a small area, whereas Bermuda’s are spread out across the cay.

In fact, there are so many options in terms of shipwrecks you can snorkel that I won’t list them all here. There’s the Bajan Queen, the Cornwallis, the Barge, the Berwind, and more. The area is also a hot spot for sea turtles, letting you come face to face with hawksbill and green sea turtles.

If you’ll be traveling with a non-diving and non-snorkeling group, Carlisle Bay is a great option, as other members of your group can stay busy on the beach. Plus, Carlisle Bay lets you explore other Barbadian hotspots, like Harrison’s Cave.

How can you snorkel these shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay?

Hotels & resorts in Bridgetown/Carlisle Bay

La Famille Express (Provo, Turks & Caicos)

Seated in the crystal clear waters of Providenciales, this soviet era ship is a stunning landmark and tourist attraction (Getty)

La Famille Express was a massive cargo ship that ran ashore during a devastating hurricane in 2004. It hasn’t been moved from the sands of Providenciales Island (aka Provo) since then.

Uniquely, much of the wreck is above water, making this one of the more visually stunning and grand Caribbean shipwrecks. As with other sites on this list, you still need to book a tour to gain access to the site, which is done via boat. (Or possibly jet ski, depending on your tour.)

Many charters also bundle in other activities, such as other shipwreck tours and even kiteboarding. Just keep in mind that you should not climb this shipwreck—it’s not stable after decades of decay.

How can you snorkel this shipwreck in Turks & Caicos?

Hotels & resorts that are close by

SS Sapona (Alice Town, Bahamas)

If you’ve been to Bimini before, you’ve probably heard of the SS Sapona. It’s one of the most popular things to do for visitors heading to the Bahamas’ westernmost chain of islands, aka Bimini.

The SS Sapona was wrecked in 1926 during a major hurricane, and today it remains an important navigational landmark for sailors. Prior to sinking, this US ship was docked in the Bahamas with plans to become a floating nightclub and alcohol warehouse to bypass Prohibition laws in the US.

But that’s another story. Today, the SS Sapona is a top pick for snorkelers, as the wreck has since become a healthy artificial reef that’s home to schools of tropical fish. (It’s also been graffitied, in case you’re into aquatic art.)

I’d also recommend exploring the submerged Fountain of Youth on your snorkeling tour of Bimini! There’s not too much to see, but you might consider poking around if everlasting life piques your interest.

How can you snorkel this shipwreck in Bimini?

Hotels & resorts that are close by in Alice Town

FAQs: Snorkeling at Caribbean shipwrecks

Do you need to bring snorkeling gear to explore Caribbean shipwrecks?

The easiest way to explore the sites listed here is by signing up for a tour. When you sign up for a tour, your guide will provide all the necessary equipment to explore the shipwreck, from fins to goggles to breathing tubes. That means you don’t need to bring any equipment with you.

However, if you have a pair of goggles or a mask that you love, feel free to bring them along. The equipment provided won’t necessarily be specialized, meaning the gear you have at home works just fine—so long as you have the space to pack it.

When is the best time to go snorkeling at Caribbean shipwrecks?

Generally speaking, the best time to snorkel (and dive) in the Caribbean is from December to April during the dry season. That’s when currents are calmest, the water is clearest, and you’re less likely to experience cloudy weather and rainstorms. That being said, you can explore Caribbean shipwrecks any time of year. The temperature stays warm year-round.

How can you stay safe when you snorkel at shipwrecks?

You should always listen to your tour guide when it comes to the best safety practices at Caribbean shipwrecks. Your guide should have plenty of experience navigating the waters and tell you what to look out for.

That being said, there are a few general rules that will keep you safe. When snorkeling at shipwrecks, always maintain sight of your group. Don’t let yourself drift too far from the group or shore. Additionally, don’t touch any marine life or coral that you see. It helps preserve the reefs you love to explore, and also prevents injury—coral is sharp, y’all!

What kind of wildlife will you see when you snorkel in the Caribbean?

You’ll see unique marine life at every site. A few of the Caribbean shipwrecks listed here are preferred by sea turtles, including those in Carlisle Bay and the Bahamas. Aside from sea turtles, expect to spot fish like surgeonfish, angelfish, and wrasses, plus other reef locals like sea stars, sea urchins, and anemones.