Check the poles before you leave home.

Two — one for you, one for your pal.

One each, plus spare batteries.

Tent sites rarely have power.

Backpack or wheeled — you carry it from the car.

Hand anything prescription to your circle leader.

Two, so one can dry.

Strapped, not flip-flops. Wear them in the water as well as on the sand — stingrays are active in the warmer months.

Better sun protection than sunscreen alone.

Required for rafts and inflatables. Rentals include them, but they run out of sizes.