What to pack for your trip to French Polynesia

Loose and breathable clothes. The islands of French Polynesia offer a tropical climate with a hot and humid season from November to April, and a cooler season from May to October. The hot season is also the rainiest andfrom December to April, there also is the risk of cyclones. Wear loose and breathable clothes that are comfortable in the humid heat and dry quickly when wet from either sweat or rain.

The rainy season runs from December to April. During these periods tropical rain fall in the form of showers or thunderstorms may be quite intense, although usually short-lived. Ideal are lightweight hoodies like the highly weatherproof Arc'teryx Squamish jacket, which is breathable, too – handy for when the weather clears up again.

If you travel during the wet season, you might also opt for an actual rain jacket like the Patagonia Torrentshell.

Lightweight shoes for hiking. Pack a not-too-bulky pair of trail runners that can handle both streets and trails in dry and wet conditions, such as Saucony’s Peregrine 7 for men or women, that hold up well on wet and dry ground.

Mosquito and sun protection. Along with an effective bug repellent and great sunscreen, bring a wide-brimmed hat – when the sun is out in Polynesia it's strong year-round. Tilley's LTM6 AirFlo Hat is stylish enough to wear in the city, but also keep you cool and provide a convenient perch for a personal mosquito net, like this one from Outdoor Research.

Don't forget your swimwear! You’ll also want a comfortable, easily adjusted pair of goggles, like Aqua Sphere goggles and a space-saving microfiber towel like the Sea to Summit DryLite towel. A pair of sandals, like Chaco's Z/VOLV or Ecotread, will give you better traction on wet surfaces than a standard pair of flip-flops.

Power adapter and charger. In French Polynesia the power sockets are of type A, B and E. The standard voltage is 110/220 V and the standard frequency is 50/60 Hz. The Type I power adapter is included in this world adapter set from Bestek, and a multiport charger, like Anker’s compact Powerport 4.

Packing cubes. They not only keep your suitcase organized, but also compact your clothes to save space. One of frequent travellers'favorites are Eagle Creek‘s Pack-It cubes, which come in different sizes so you can tailor your setup to your needs.

Travel guide. The Lonely Planet's Tahiti & French Polynesia guide provides great advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Swim in the sparklingly clear waters, hike to waterfalls, dive into coral wonderlands, then sips cocktail by the beach.

You'll also find lots of useful information on offical tourism website of Tahiti.