Travel Hack: 10 Days Sailing the British Virgin Islands – 5 Items I Won’t Sail Without
Travel Hack: 10 Days Sailing the British Virgin Islands – 5 Items I Won’t Sail Without
One of my favorite parts of planning any trip is the shopping. (Let’s be honest…sometimes it’s almost as much fun as the vacation itself!)
This time I was packing for 10 days aboard a 53-foot bareboat sailing yacht in the beautiful British Virgin Islands with eight friends. When you’re living in close quarters and spending most nights on a mooring ball (a permanently anchored buoy instead of a marina), every inch of storage counts.
Here are five lightweight travel hacks that earned permanent spots on my sailing packing list.
🎒 Pack Soft…You’ll Thank Yourself
Hard suitcases and sailboats simply don’t get along.
Cabin storage is limited, so a soft-sided bag can be folded away once you’ve unpacked. I packed my Ronstan 55L Roll-Top Dry Backpack, and it was perfect. It’s roomy, weather-resistant, comfortable to carry, and collapses down when not in use.
Travel Hack: Soft luggage equals more cabin space…and happier cabin mates.
🤿 Snorkel With Confidence
The BVI is famous for incredible snorkeling, but I’ll admit it—I am not the strongest swimmer. Open water can make me a little nervous.
My secret weapon is the Seaview Palawan Inflatable Snorkel Vest.
It folds flat in my luggage, inflates in seconds, and provides just enough flotation to let me relax and actually enjoy what I’m looking at instead of worrying about staying afloat. Two friends borrowed mine during the trip, and both immediately wanted one.
Travel Hack BVI’s: Trust me…this beats wrestling with pool noodles or awkward foam floaties.
💦 Dinghy Rides: Expect to Get Wet
Here’s a little sailing vocabulary…
When you’re “on a ball,” your sailboat is secured to a mooring buoy offshore instead of a dock. That means every trip to a beach, restaurant, or island sightseeing or shopping begins with a ride in a small inflatable boat called a dinghy.
Chances are, you’ll get “SPLASHED” along the way, so keeping your valuables dry is a must. The Iku Shang Triple Zip-Lock Waterproof Waist Pack is a great travel hacks. It comfortably secures around your waist, leaving your hands free to safely board, hold on, and maneuver the dinghy while keeping your phone, wallet, cash, passport, credit card, keys and other
The Iku Shang Waterproof Waist Pouch triple-lock seal and the clear material made it easy to find everything without digging around.
Sometimes the best travel accessory is the one you hope you never have to test.
😴 The Best Seat on the Boat Isn’t a Seat
One of my friends packed an ENO Eagle Nest Hammock, and I quickly discovered the most relaxing place on the entire boat.
Hung beneath the boom, gently swaying in the trade winds, overlooking crystal-clear turquoise water…
Add a good book, and you’ve basically created a floating spa.
It packs down smaller than a sweatshirt and weighs almost nothing. If there is one luxury item worth making room for, this is it.
⚓ Bend It, Wrap It, Secure It
Life aboard a moving sailboat means everything tends to slide, swing, or disappear.
On this trip, I packed Reusable Heavy-Duty Rubber Cable Straps, AKA Twisty Ties, and they became the unexpected MVP.
- Wet towels? Secure them.
- Snorkel gear? Hang it.
- Life jackets? Bundle them.
- Random gear rolling around the cockpit? Problem solved.
- They’re lightweight, reusable, surprisingly strong, and one of those inexpensive gadgets you’ll find yourself using long after vacation is over.
Final Travel Hack Word
The best travel gear isn’t always the most expensive—it’s the gear that makes your trip easier, safer, and a little more comfortable.
These five items barely took up any room in my luggage, yet they made a huge difference during ten unforgettable days exploring the British Virgin Islands.
If you’re planning your own sailing adventure, I’ve linked all of my favorite gear below through my Amazon storefront. They’re products I’ve personally used, tested, and would happily pack again.
Fair winds, calm seas, and happy travels!
⚓ Shop My Complete BVI Sailing Packing List
I’ve gathered every item I actually packed (plus a few extras) in one convenient Amazon list. If you’re planning your own sailing adventure, it makes packing easy—and helps support the blog at no additional cost to you
Take Another Route Tip: The best souvenirs aren’t always what you bring home—they’re the memories you make because you packed smart. Browse my favorite sailing travel essentials below to make your next adventure a little easier.
Seaview Palawan Inflatable Snorkel Vest.
Iku Shang Waterproof Waist Pouch
Reusable Heavy-Duty Rubber Cable Straps
More Travel Hack Articles with efficient packing tips and items
Travel Hack 29 Days Away from Home
About The Author
thannanimal
👋 Hi there, and thanks for Taking Another Route with me! I’m a late-blooming adventurer who discovered a passion for travel and exploration well into my professional career. What started as business trips quickly turned into a lifelong curiosity to explore every corner I could reach—across states, continents, and oceans. My family always saw me as fearless (even if they worried a bit!), and over time, they grew to love the stories I brought home. Eventually, someone said, “You should really share these,” and Take Another Route was born. To date, I’ve traveled to 46 U.S. states and 36 countries, often solo or with my best friend Susan—and now, with my loving partner Urs. Along the way, I discovered that my travel style didn’t fit neatly into one box. That’s why this blog features three types of adventures: 🌍 Long Haul – International journeys rich in culture, history, and wonder. 🧳 Short Haul – Weekend escapes and hidden gems that surprise and delight. ⚓ Drop Anchor – Sailing adventures that take Urs and me to unique, water-bound destinations. Whether you're dreaming, planning, or reminiscing, I hope you find something here that sparks your curiosity. 💬 Let’s connect! I’d love to hear your stories, questions, or feedback. Feel free to leave a comment or reach out via social media: 🔵 Facebook: Take Another Route 📧 Email: takeanotherroute@gmail.com Thanks again for stopping by. I’m so glad you’re here! —Thann aka Thannanimal