If you’re traveling to The Bahamas, most of your vacation essentials won’t take up much space in your luggage – you don’t need much more than a pair of flip flops, a bottle of sunscreen, and a swimsuit! However, if you’re checking baggage, there are a few items and outfits to stash in your carry-on bag to help get your vacation off to a good start.

Most hotels have check-in times of 3:00 p.m., so if you arrive before your room is ready, just store your larger bags in the front desk area, grab your carry-on, and head to the beach – no need to wait to get your vacation started!

Here are some must-have carry-on items to pack for your next Nassau Paradise Island getaway

A SWIMSUIT. Packing a suit in your carry-on bag means you won’t be digging through your larger suitcase in the middle of the resort lobby. You can even wear it under your travel clothes to go straight to the beach!

A BOTTLE OF SUNSCREEN, A HAT, AND SUNGLASSES. Make sure you’re protected from the warm Bahamian sun with these essentials. Pack a bottle of sunscreen that’s 3.4 ounces or smaller in size and store it in a Ziploc bag to prevent any unwanted leaks.

SOMETHING TO READ. A magazine or a paperback book is lightweight and perfect for reading in airports, on the plane, or on the beach.

LIP BALM. Airplane air can be drying to skin, especially the sensitive skin on your lips, so be sure to bring a tube of lip balm to prevent dryness.

A PORTABLE SNACK, like a granola bar or piece of fruit. Unexpected travel delays can throw off your eating schedule, so to avoid becoming ravenous, bring along a granola bar, a bag of trail mix, or a banana – something portable and tidy that you can eat on the run.

A LARGE, LIGHTWEIGHT SCARF. A scarf can double as a shawl or blanket during chilly airplane rides and can come in handy in air-conditioned restaurants. It can also help you add a little extra flair to a simple day dress, letting you go from a day on the beach to dinner in a snap.

HEADPHONES. Essential for listening to music, watching movies on your tablet during waits at the airport, or tuning in to in-flight entertainment, headphones are an often forgotten but key piece of carry-on gear that can make your trip much more enjoyable.