The ideal luggage to travel to Cape Verde: we tell you all about it in detail!
Large Suitcase or Hand Luggage? The first dilemma...
The first important decision is whether to take a large checked suitcase with us or not. In most cases it will not be necessary, since traveling to Cape Verde allows us to pack fairly light luggage. In addition, we remind you that reducing the weight and volume of luggage when traveling directly contributes to minimizing CO2 emissions caused by tourism.
Disadvantages of taking a large suitcase:
- Checking in luggage on international flights, queuing at the check-in counter, and on the conveyor belt upon arrival at destination.
- It will be a large and usually heavy item that you will have to carry around throughout the trip.
Advantages of carrying a large suitcase:
- You can transport larger objects in your luggage to travel to Cape Verde, such as trekking boots, backpacks that do not fit as hand luggage, etc.
- It allows you to bring back larger souvenirs, bottles like the wine or Grogue shown in the photo, and other liquids not allowed in the cabin.
Cape Verde regulations require you to have your passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the archipelago. Many travelers who book their trips with us end up having to renew their passport at the last minute and in a hurry. We remind you that without a valid passport we cannot book services such as internal flights.
For all these reasons, we always recommend having a passport that is valid for at least one year when travelling anywhere in the world.
Carry-On Luggage Recommendation:
We recommend the use of a trolley + a backpack / handbag. Although similar, remember that the permitted dimensions and weights are determined by each airline; you will fine the links with details in the description.
Carry-On Luggage Links
https://www.flytap.com/es-es/equipaje/equipaje-de-mano
https://www.royalairmaroc.com/int-es/equipaje-de-mano
https://www.vueling.com/es/servicios-vueling/prepara-tu-viaje/maletas
Carry-on suitcase: a good option for luggage to travel to Cape Verde
Essential and optional items for your luggage to travel to Cape Verde
Let’s detail the contents of average luggage, consisting of a trolley suitcase + a small backpack:
- Passport, valid for at least 6 months (we recommend one year).
- Traveler registration: if you do it online you will avoid queues when you arrive in the country.
- Travel documents: we recommend a printed copy in case you need them.
- Clothes for everyday wear.
- Windbreaker / light raincoat
- Jacket for the night (in no case are cold temperatures predicted).
- Swimwear (swimsuit, towel, water shoes for the beach or to boarding boats).
- If you travel with Oi Cabo Verde you don’t need towels for the shower.
- If you spend many hours at sea, we recommend a surf shirt or similar UV protective shirt.
- Suitable footwear / trekking shoes.
- Leave the power adapter at home, as you won’t need it. Want to know more tips like this? .
- Sunscreen. We recommend factor 50.
- Water bottle. In Cape Verde, always drink bottled water; otherwise you might have a tough time in the toilet… However, in order to minimize the use of plastics, we recommend using your bottle and refilling it from carafes or dispensers.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Batteries, laptops and drones cannot be checked in and must go in your carry-on luggage.
- Headlamp in case of some night excursions. It is important to keep in mind that if you are part of a turtle nesting experience, you should use low density red light so as not to disturb the turtle habitat.
- Multi-purpose knife, totally optional but always useful when traveling (always in checked luggage).
- And finally a good travel insurance policy: here is a link with a discount for you to use it anywhere in the world, as many times as you like.
Weather Considerations
Between the months of August and September, Cape Verde experiences its rainy season. That is why we recommend bringing a light raincoat.
Avoid Overloading
You won’t need winter sweaters or anoraks, as they will not be of any use in the warm climate of Cape Verde.
"We strongly oppose souvenirs from poaching or counterfeit markets."
Let's move on to other important luggage issues to consider:
- Security controls in Cape Verde. They are very thorough, even more so than some European Union countries. Be careful with liquids, restricted objects and the like. Also, we remind you to go to the airport with plenty of time in advance.
- Luggage for domestic flights: everything is checked except backpacks. The space available in the cabin is similar to that of a bus, the rest of the luggage is placed in the hold of the aircraft.
- If your flight includes layovers, whether international or domestic, luggage handling is simple. You check it in on the first flight and pick it up at your final destination. When changing flights, you don’t need to do anything in that respect.
- And finally on the ferries, the logistics are similar to those of domestic flights. Only backpacks are allowed in the passenger area. All other luggage, large bags and trolley suitcases are placed in the hold.
And souvenirs? What should we bring back?
Here, again, everyone has their own tastes. We always recommend investing in local tourism to help generate a circular economy, from gastronomic items such as Cha Volcanic Wine, Fogo Coffee, to pieces by local artists or clothing from the different markets. We strongly oppose souvenirs from poaching or counterfeit markets.
And that’s it – everything you need to know to prepare your best luggage when travelling to Cape Verde.
You will find more articles like this one on our blog and on our YouTube channel. For now that is everything related to luggage to travel to Cape Verde.
All set for your next adventure in the Creole archipelago? Don’t forget to check this list before packing your luggage to travel to Cape Verde! Have a nice trip!
