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Trinidad Carnival Masquerader Must-Haves
- Ron Victor
- Jan 10, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 9
A Shopping List & Things to Consider While Preparing to Travel to Trinidad for Trinidad Carnival 2026
If you've already packed, you may have missed these. If you haven't started packing, you might have one last run to your favourite department stores before you get on your flight. Here is our list of Trinidad Carnival 2026 Masquerader Must-Haves.
We've done the work below to find and provide recommendations to some of the better quality items. Shout out to members of the Limin' Professionals Carnival Crew for submitting some of their own recommendations. Feel free to use this list as a guide, but by all mean purchase the brand and type of product that suits your own needs.
Click each header to expand/collapse the related lists.
Communications
Using Your US Mobile Plan (e.g. Verizon) in Trinidad
My US mobile carrier is Verizon. They offer something called a "Travel Pass" which I use when I travel internationally. For US$10/day, you get to use your US cell phone plan. Check your US carrier to see if they offer something similar.
Otherwise, as soon as you exit the Immigration checkpoint, there will be booths for both local mobile providers, Digicel and BMobile, where you can get a local mobile phone or sim.
Our crew utilizes WhatsApp for communications on the group. The app is free. International and local texting and calls are free with a data/wifi connection and the app has the best user interface and feature set of all the messaging apps. Perfect for group chats
Music & Entertainment
Portable Speaker
Don't miss a beat—Honestly, this is one of the best, compact, portable speakers I own.
Streaming Apps
My recommendations for the best streaming apps with the best libraries, music—period.
Tech & Staying Powered Up
A Multi-Socket & Multi-Port Power Strip
We all travel with quite a few electronics. You can imagine with roommates how fast available outlets disappear. We recommend getting one of these, at least 10ft long, because who knows where the outlet is located in your room. Power Strips that now come complete with USB and USBC ports as well for the modern mobile phones, iPads and such.
A Cell Phone Charging Cable
We recommend getting one of these 10ft (because who knows where the outlet is located) charging cables (USB or USB C depending on the phone you have) so that you can charge those modern devices while you use them.
A Charging Block
If you want to use your charging cable outside of the room, moving the entire power strip won't be ideal. Get one of these charging blocks to go with your cable.
Apple USB-C Charging Block
iPhone owner? If you want to use your charging cable outside of the room, moving the entire power strip won't be ideal. Get one of these charging blocks to go with your cable.
Magnetic Portable Charger
Stay charged and connected on the go.
Portable Speaker
Keep the vibe going in your room, by the pool or wherever the crew congregates... but keep it respectful to other guests with this surprising powerful, waterproof, lightweight, and durable mini speaker by Sonos.
Health Maintenance & Self Care
Sunblock
Protect yourself against the effects of the blazing hot sun. These are going to be important on the road for all the sun we'll be exposed to, especially on the road Carnival Mon and Tue. The average temp in Trinidad is 80-90 degrees F during carnival... or hotter. Read this article in the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian.
Sunglasses
We're leaving this up to your personal style, but get some! My two favourite brands for the season are RayBan and Quay, both available at your local mall so you can try on and get the best fit in time for your trip.
Chapstick
Protect your lips against the effects of the blazing hot sun. I actually love the Burt's Bees brand.
Your Preferred Medications for Headaches, Allergies, the Flu & Diarrhea
One of these is very likely to hit you, especially those coming from Northeast USA and parts of the world where the weather change is going to be horrendous.
Bug Spray
Mosquitos and other bugs could be a problem depending on where you stay.
Hand Sanitizer
For those times you need to cleanse in between bathroom breaks.
Insoles for your Sneakers
You will be on your feet ALOT for the 2 days on the road. As much comfort as you can add to your sneakers will help greatly. I usually custom design my own pair of Nikes to match my costume at https://www.nike.com/nike-by-you.
Medical Information Card(s)
If you have medical conditions you think may arise while you're in Trinidad for carnival, keep the information on you somewhere that can be found easily. Don't write an essay or anything like that! But simple information on a business card size document (maybe a few of those) that will help a doctor diagnose you quickly. You'll never believe how many doctors are at each event and can assist. Red Cross Blood Type cards are a good addition as well. Quick access to this kind of information could be lifesaving - literally. Carry this with you at all times.
Emergency Contact
Make sure your group leader or members within your crew have all the contact information for an emergency contact back home they can reach in the event something happens to you.
Apparel & Accessories
A Waterproof Pouch
Keep Your Phone and Valuables Dry
Fashionable Bandanas
Style this accessory anyway you like, including acting as a mask for dusty venues, hair accessories... or people prevention.
Fishnet Stockings
Up-level the look of your costume a lil bit with this accessory.
Seamless Clear Strap Panties
Show up and show out, but don't show all!
Pasties
The sticky nipple covers for women will stay in place no matter the activity
Events Preparedness
Crew Paraphernalia
You don't want to forget the items from your welcome kit, especially all your crew paraphernalia like your crew tees, water bottles, rags, duffles and such!
Event Tickets
Make sure you're traveling with ALL your tickets. If physical, put them in a ziploc bag (to prevent damage of the barcodes especially) and make sure they make it to your suitcase. If you have digital tickets, make sure you download them in case you don't have internet service at the venue. Print them as a backup!
Baby Oil
Before J'Ouvert, we recommend everyone rub your entire body down with baby oil. It makes washing the mud, paint and oil off your skin a lot easier.
Ear Plugs
If you are like our crew, and like to be front and center, it'll get very noisy next to those speakers. High fidelity ear plugs could help.
Shower Caps, Bandanas or Preferred Hair Cover
Ladies you definitely want to cover your hair for J'Ouvert. Some wear a shower cap with a bandana over it.
Face Bandana
Some opt to cover their face for those times when the powder hits the air during J'Ouvert, or as an alternative to wearing a mask.
Print Your Paid in Full Band Receipt
You will need this to collect your costume if you're doing so yourself. Make sure to take a VALID (not expired) ID with you on the day to collect your costume. You can either log into your band account to print your invoice/receipt or print the confirmation email you got for your band administrator. Remember, costumes must be paid in full to collect or you could risk your costume being resold by the band.
Things You Didn't Know You Needed
Anti Chafe Balm
Prevent rubbing leading to chafing, raw skin, and irritation.
Safety Pins (Various Sizes)
For on-the-go temporary or quick repairs.
Band-Aids
Cover up minor blemishes in your own skin tone.
A Flag Fan
Represent where yuh from - but most importantly stay cool doing it. Sometimes, that natural breeze doesn't hit like we need it to.
A Mini Sewing Kit
Some bands DO NOT do alterations. The unfortunate part about playing mas is that you have to make a decision on your costume, and the related sizes almost 9 months before. Some who are in the middle of workouts for those 9 months experience size changes that will require costume alterations. Check with your band to see if they do alterations, If not, you're on you're own where that's concerned.
Dude Wipes
For on-the-go tidying and cleanup.
Wet Wipes
For on-the-go tidying and cleanup.
DISCLAIMER: Limin' Professionals is a registered Amazon Affiliate. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Hopefully this list helped you get a few percentage points more prepared for your trip. We look forward to seeing you on the island! Safe journey!
BE SAFE! BE SENSIBLE! BE RESPONSIBLE!
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