Traveling to Sri Lanka was a dream come true. But my suitcase? A total disaster. From clothes that didn’t match the weather to missing essentials, I learned the hard way. Here’s my story—and a checklist you can print and pack right.
The Humidity Shock
I brought jeans. Heavy, clingy jeans. Within the first hour of arriving in Colombo, I regretted it. The heat and humidity are no joke—what you need are loose, breathable clothes. Think cotton and linen, not denim.
Too Many Shoes, Not Enough Sandals
I packed two pairs of sneakers and forgot a proper pair of flip-flops. Walking barefoot into temples is the norm, and a simple pair of sandals is all you need for most of your journey.
Rain? Nobody Told Me About That!
Even during the dry season, unexpected downpours happen. A small, foldable raincoat or travel umbrella is a lifesaver.
Sunburn in the First Hour
I underestimated the Sri Lankan sun. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are must-haves. Don’t make the mistake of thinking ‘tropical’ means cloudy.
Final Advice
Pack light, pack smart, and think local. You can always buy a sarong or local outfit along the way—it makes for a beautiful souvenir too!
📦 Printable Sri Lanka Packing Tips
- ✅ Lightweight cotton/linen clothes
- ✅ Flip-flops/sandals
- ✅ Travel umbrella or raincoat
- ✅ Sunglasses & hat
- ✅ Reef-safe sunscreen
- ✅ Modest clothing for temples
- ✅ Reusable water bottle
- ✅ Mosquito repellent
- ✅ Travel adapter (Sri Lanka uses Type G plugs)
- ✅ Basic first-aid kit