• Camera (don’t forget it – you’ll take tons of amazing photos)
• National flag (rep your country flag loud and proud)
• Waterproof Dry bags (to keep your camera, cell phone and/or tablet safe and dry)
• (7) Swimsuits (this will be you main daily attire, so bring one for each day)
• (1) White sundress or pants set (for the White party)
• (3) Sundresses (think dressy casual – no gymshoes, short shorts, tank tops, or mini-skirts are allowed at Hvar, so these will come in handy)
• (3) T-shirts or tank tops
• (3) Shorts
• Hat or visor (to protect your face and body – the sun can be brutal at mid-day)
• Beach towel
• Aqua shoes (for rocky beaches)
• Boat shoes or flip flops (choose one to wear on deck)
• Sandals (flat ones with rubber soles are best – leave the high heels at home)
• Team costume (the crazier, the better)
• Floats (to relax and have fun on the water)
• Props/Gadgets (e.g. blow up dolls, water balloons, super soakers, and solar lights – not required, but helps to make your boat stand out)
• Ear plugs (for light sleepers – expect loud music and talking on most nights)
• Eye mask (again for light sleepers)
• Toiletries (travel size everything, except bring slightly larger shampoo and conditioner – beach hair is the name of the game)
• Make-up (lip gloss, eyeliner and mascara is sufficient – leave the rest at home)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Dramamine (for sea sickness – you probably won’t need it, but better to have it than not)
• Aloe Vera (in case you get sun burned)
• First Aid kit (for the inevitable scratches, cuts and bruises)
• Music CDs  (since most of the boats don’t have Ipod or Iphone connections)
• Electric converter and adapter (needed to switch between U.S. 110 – 120v and Europe 220 – 240v, otherwise you may fry your electronics)
• Cell phone charger

This list includes everything you need for a fun week. Visit The Yacht Week website for more info or feel free to ask me any questions in the comments below.

Visit the Croatia photo gallery to see more pictures.

The post What to Pack for The Yacht Week first appeared on The Travel Sista.

2.  Get a Skipper. The Yacht Week charges an extra fee for a skipper. Unless you’re an avid boater and know how to sail, I highly suggest that you get one. Even if you can sail, I still recommend hiring a skipper. The Yacht Week is all about partying and having fun, and your week will be a lot less enjoyable (and less safe) if you decide to sail without one. The skipper fee is about $1,000 USD (at time of writing), plus your crew has to pay for all of his or her food for the week, but it’s a small price to pay for your safety. (You can also pay extra for a hostess to shop, clean, and cook for you. Unless you just really want to be served, you should pass on that option.)

3. Pack Light. There is very limited space on board, so this is not the time to bring half of your wardrobe. Leave the make-up and hair supplies at home too. You’ll mostly be wearing swimsuits so you only need a few additional outfits. Pack light and limit bags to one per person. Soft duffel bags are best because they’re easier to smash into tight closets. Click here for more details on what to pack.

4. Bring your National Flag. A highlight of The Yacht Week is seeing the various country flags flying on the yachts. Purchase your flag before the trip and don’t forget to bring it with you. If you have people of multiple nationalities on board, you should have a different country flag for each one. As a general rule, the national flag should be about one inch long for each foot of overall boat length. However, we chose a 2′ x 3′ U.S. flag and it worked fine.

5. Choose a Unique Team Costume.  On regatta day, all teams dress up in costumes and sail in a race to be first to return to the marina. The team with the most original costume also wins a prize. Some teams wear custom t-shirts with their team name imprinted on them. Others wear character costumes. (My team wore sexy lifeguard costumes). This is your time to shine, so be creative and choose something that will stand out.

6.  Bring Music and Floats. Much of your time will be spent on the boat listening to music or swimming in the sea. Buy floats on shore or bring one with you to relax and have fun in the sea “swimming pool”. Also, be sure to bring some CDs of your favorite music since many of the boats don’t have IPod connections.

7. Bring Waterproof Cases. Nothing will spoil your trip quicker than mistakenly dropping your camera, cell phone or Ipad into the water. Make sure to have waterproof cases to protect your electronics.

8. Establish a Kitty for Expenses. There are a variety of extra costs not included in your TYW yacht rental fee, like fuel, port fees, water, groceries, skipper meals, and tips. To lessen the potential for disputes, each crew member should contribute to a kitty which is controlled by one designated person. Plan for approximately $150-200 USD person for the week.

9. Make a Master Grocery List. You’ll need to shop for groceries just before you sail out and also refill at some point during the week. To ensure that everyone on board has food they like and are able to eat due to dietary restrictions, make a master grocery list with food choices from each person. The list should include food items for breakfast and lunch, plus plenty of snacks, fruits, and beer/alcohol. Also, don’t forget water, condiments, toilet tissue, napkins, trash bags, and disposable cups, plates, and silverware. Remember, there is limited space on board and the refrigerator is small, so don’t overbuy especially refrigerated items. Most likely you will eat breakfast and lunch on the yacht and go out for dinner at restaurants on shore.

10. Buy Travel Insurance. Your trip will be paid for months in advance of your departure, so in the event you have to cancel at the last minute, you could be out of a lot of money. A travel insurance policy which covers trip cancellation could reimburse those expenses. But hopefully you’ll actually make it on board the yacht and that won’t be an issue. Just know that a week of drinking, water, and crazy antics (like jumping off 40-foot cliffs) mix to create the potential for accidental injury. Some Yacht Weekers have been known to suffer broken bones or worse. Make sure your travel insurance covers overseas medical treatment and emergency evacuation. As they say, better safe, than sorry. Now go and have fun!

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The post Ten Tips to Make the Best of The Yacht Week first appeared on The Travel Sista.