My favorite visa-free country so far has appeared!!!

🇱🇰 Though small in size, this island nation in the Indian Ocean packs beaches, historical sites, wildlife, tea plantations, and delicious cuisine—truly the "ultimate blind box for travelers."

💐 Essentials Checklist
Passport + passport holder + copies (store digital copies in the cloud)
Wallet (for storing spare SIM cards or coins)
VISA card + security lock, UnionPay card (as backup in case VISA fails)
Cash (~2000 RMB equivalent, exchangeable during the trip)
Universal adapter (Sri Lanka has varied plug standards)
Mugwort sticks/patches (crucial for seaside rheumatism relief)
Travel insurance (keep digital copy handy)

Gear:
Sun protection: outdoor/beach/sun hats, high-SPF sunscreen
Skincare: cleanser, moisturizer, after-sun care, face masks
Sunglasses/contact lenses + solution
Portable thermos (only iced water available locally)
Power bank (high temps drain phone batteries fast)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues
Mosquito repellent patches/spray

🌷 Clothing:
Tank tops, shorts (pack a sunshirt if prone to burns)
Long pants/skirt for temples (quick-dry pants double for safaris)
Light jacket (airports/vehicles get chilly)
Vibrant resort dresses (photogenic!)
Swimwear (bikinis work for pools/beaches)
Sneakers + sandals
Extra socks (laundry may be inconvenient)
Spare underwear
Separate bags for clean/dirty clothes

🛩️ Long-haul flight prep:
Slippers (for swollen feet during flights)
Neck pillow/eye mask (better sleep)
Shawl/scarf (planes/buses are cold)
Pre-downloaded videos/podcasts or a pocket book
Headphones (essential for in-flight entertainment)

Post-landing:
Connect to airport WiFi (revival begins!)
Get a Dialog SIM (10GB suffices—hotels have WiFi)
Exchange currency (include small bills for tips, or regret later)

💰 Tipping guide:
Hotel porters: 100-200 LKR per bag
Driver: $10 total/day (VIP rate if solo)
Sigiriya "guides" (scammers!): Ignore or haggle down 75%
Beach boys: Avoid engagement
Safari staff: 2000 LKR per jeep
Stilt fishermen: 500 LKR per photo op