Dubai packing list: 5 travel essentials
I recently traveled to Dubai for a short stay and was surprised by how well I handled the rush. Our cramped itinerary did not allow much time to sleep or for proper skincare. Yet my skin did not break out, yay! Despite the hot climate, I felt comfortable with my choice of clothing and makeup. So today, I want to share with you my Dubai packing list: the 5 travel items that I could not have gone without.
Sunscreen
A good reliable sunscreen is a must when traveling to Dubai. The sun is intense and the last thing you want is to get a sunburn. I like to pack a sunscreen that has at least SPF 30 and is water resistant.
For my face, I went with Dr. Jart+ premium tinted beauty balm. This multi-tasking BB cream provides broad spectrum SPF 40 sunscreen protection while also evening out my skin tone. I was so pleased to experience all of what this product has to offer when it comes to sun protection, skincare, and sheer foundation. This significantly reduced the amount of time I spend on my makeup routine and did not break me out. Also, Dr. Jart+ tinted BB performed awesomely all day in Dubai's very hot climate.
For my body, I chose Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF 60 Sunscreen Lotion. I love that this sunscreen is oil-free, non-greasy, and light. It feels like I am not wearing any sunscreen at all! And it does an excellent job of protecting my skin from the sun in addition to providing all-day hydration. This was my first time using this sunscreen and I will definitely be repurchasing it for summertime and future trips.
Comfortable clothing
If you plan to do tourist activities, as we did, you will want to make sure to pack comfortable clothing. I packed mostly loose-fitting dresses and tops that I could layer if needed. Dubai is a very modern city, so you can pretty much get away with anything except for super casual beachwear.
Of all the clothes I brought, I would say that the winner was my black leggings. I ended up wearing them almost every day because they were so versatile and comfortable. I could dress them up with a flowy top and some jewelry for a night out, or dress them down with a t-shirt and sneakers for a more casual look.
So for your Dubai packing list, make sure to include a good quality pair of black leggings that won't show sweat or stretch out too much throughout the day. They are also easy to style! thank me later.
Good walking shoes
Dubai is a very spread out city, so you will do a lot of walking. I packed my tennis shoes and they were a lifesaver. I wore them to Desert Safari and Skydiving, as well as to my long days at the Souks markets and Dubai Mall. They go well with dresses, shorts, and leggings and always felt put together. If you don't have a good pair of walking shoes, make sure to find one before your trip. Your feet will thank you!
Also, include a pair of sport flip flops in case you want to go for a swim or just lounge around the pool or beach. Mine are sturdy and made with high-end material. They were so comfortable that I even decided to wear them to the Museum of The Future. You never know when you'll want to let your feet breathe, so it's always good to be prepared!
Make up remover
So I talked about using Dr. Jart+ tinted premium balm and not breaking out during my trip to a warm-weather town. I give all the credit to my trusty two-step makeup remover. I used it every day to take off my sunscreen, foundation, and eye makeup. It's very important to cleanse your skin properly when you're in a warm climate, or you will definitely break out.
I personally love the travel-size DHC Deep Cleansing Facial Oil as makeup remover step one. It's very light and dissolves stubborn, waterproof makeup leaving no residues. I also used a travel-size Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser as a facial cleanser in step two. This is a foaming gel cleanser that is also very light and refreshing. It contains hyaluronic acid which helps to lock in moisture for hydrated, glowing skin. These two steps have saved my skin on many occasions and I always make sure to pack them when I travel.
A good fanny pack
I know, I know. Fanny packs are sooo not cool. But they are very practical and can actually be stylish! I got mine at Macy's before traveling. Mytagalongs Olivia Fanny Pack Bag is exactly what I was looking for. It is not too big to take away from my outfit when taking pictures.
I wore it pretty much every day because it was perfect for holding my essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, phone, passport, and wallet. It also frees up your hands so you can carry shopping bags or take pictures without having to worry about your belongings.
A fanny pack was useful during desert camping and Dubai city tours. I highly recommend getting one if you plan to travel to Dubai or any other hot destination.
When traveling to Dubai or hot climate destinations for a short stay, make sure to pack the essentials. Including light clothing, good walking shoes, good makeup remover/facial cleanser, and a fanny pack. These items will help you enjoy your trip while keeping you cool, comfortable, and stylish.
There you have it, my Dubai packing list of 5 must-have items for a short trip. I hope this was helpful and that you enjoyed reading! If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Safe travels!
