Anyone who has ever traveled probably knows how disappointing it is to forget something important after you’ve left your home. Most of the time you will realize it once you have boarded the plane or arrived at your destination. Even though Cyprus offers a myriad shopping opportunities, here is a rundown of things that we recommend bringing with you to the island.

Things to bring to Cyprus

Needless to say, the two things you should never forget to bring with you when you travel are your travel documents and money. Without these you are unlikely to make it past your country border. Check to make sure you have both of these items before you travel and set them aside somewhere where they are easy to see, or better yet — put them into your carry on luggage.

The second most important item on your list should be your clothes. It tends to get very hot in the summer in Cyprus, so opt for cotton-made, lightweight clothing. On the contrary, winters can be quite cold and it’s a good idea to check weather forecast before you travel. If you plan on going up to the mountains, keep in mind that the area is always 10 degrees cooler than the seaside.

A hat is a must, as is something with long sleeves — the sun tends to be scorching in the summertime. But if you do forget to bring any of these things, don’t despair — practically any shop or kiosk in Cyprus sells an array of hats and you can easily find a clothing store selling long-sleeve shirts as well. Daytime and nighttime temperatures vary greatly in Spring and Fall, so make sure to bring a pair of jeans and a sweater.

If you are going to visit any of the local churches or monasteries (and they are worth a visit , in my opinion), then you will need clothes that cover your shoulders and knees and women will also need a headscarf. If you didn’t bring anything like that with you, don’t worry. Most churches will have a box with proper clothing at the entrance.

Travel documents

• Passport,
• Travel insurance (medical services are not cheap in Cyprus, so it’s best to come prepared),
• Visa (find out if your country is allowed visa-free entry),
• Tickets.

As far as your plane tickets go, most airlines now offer online registration, which you can go through before you arrive at the airport. Otherwise, you can register and check your luggage at the airport. If you plan to rent a car, then you will need to bring your driver’s license. You will also need an International Driving Permit. Also keep in mind that must have at least two years of driving experience to rent a car.

If you are traveling with a child, don’t forget to bring his or her passport and birth certificate. If the child is traveling with at least one of the parents, then there is no need for parental consent from the other parent. If, however, the child is traveling with another relative, then you should provide two notarized parental consent forms from both the mother and the father.

Another thing I like to bring with me, just in case, is a copy of my passport.

Medication

Forgetting clothes may not be a big deal, but medication, on the other hand, is a totally different matter. I recommend bringing the following medication that can help ease any physical discomfort during your trip.

• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen,
• Anti-histamines,
• Antacids,
• Anti-diarrheal medication,
• Antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide),
• Adhesive bandages (Band-Aids), sterile gauze pads.

If you tend to suffer from motion sickness, then you might have an especially hard time because of the heat. If you plan on going sightseeing and taking the bus, then it’s best to have medication for car sickness — most of which is sold over the counter in Cyprus.

Clothing and footwear

Cyprus is known for its unpredictable weather. It’s rarely windy and rainy here, but when it is — it comes out of nowhere. So do take the kind of clothes with you that will ensure you are comfortable in all kinds of weather.

1. Going to the beach

Spending time at the beach is a given in Cyprus and you can start doing so as early as March. Bring a swimming suit and a set of towels (obviously), but also don’t forget a pair of swim goggles — I highly recommend going snorkeling to explore Cyprus’ diverse marine life.

Many of the island’s beaches are gravel, so if you’ve got sensitive feet, then get a pair of water shoes. Many of the seaside shops in Cyprus sell these.

2. Outdoor clothes

Bring a couple of lightweight t-shirts and a pair of shorts if you plan to go hiking. There are many great places to visit in Cyprus, so you will most likely be spending a lot of time outside. Opt for lighter colors. Make sure your clothes cover your upper body, which tends to sunburn first if you are walking around.

3. Going out clothes

Cyprus has a thriving night scene, so if you plan to check it out, I recommend bringing a set of clothes just for that. It could be a dress, if you are a girl, and a shirt, if you are a boy. But don’t worry too much about bringing dressy clothes, being comfortable is more important than looking fancy.

4. Footwear

I advise against bringing high-heel shoes — women are unlikely to need them. Instead, bring a pair of sneakers, sandals or flip-flops. You might need a pair of slippers for the hotel too.

Miscellaneous items

1. Personal care items: you can buy these in Cyprus. But I like to bring everything with me, or at least something that will last me in the beginning while I settle down. And when I return home I like to bring local beauty and care products with me. The sun is brutal in Cyprus, so sunscreen is a must. Go for a higher SPF (at least 50) and apply it every time after swimming.

2. Phone charger, adapters and cables. This is easy: if you plan on bringing and using any equipment, then don’t forget that you will need to charge it too. In Cyprus the power plugs and sockets are of type G and the standard voltage is 240 V. If you need an adapter, then either bring one with you or purchase it after you arrive.

3. Print books. We have almost given up reading print books. But the beach is almost the best place for reading, so do bring one along with you.

Personal experience

I was surprised to find out that the voltage in Cyprus is 240 V. I was lucky that I brought and adapter — a habit that I developed as a result of frequent travel. So if you want to be able to charge your phone or any other device without a hassle, then bring a triple adapter. I also like to bring a portable charging device with me when I go out — to avoid running out of battery.

This comes in particularly handy when you are constantly using your phone to take pictures.

Another thing I like to do is make a list of things I want to bring with me on a piece of paper and cross them off once I put them in my suitcase.

One last life hack that I’d like to share with you is taking a nap after you have packed your suitcase. Your brain tends to finalize all of your to-do items before falling asleep, so it will recall anything that you have left out. Add it to your list and take care of it afterwards.