I couldn’t agree more about the mask. I’m also a big believer in conditioning the lens with toothpaste first and then spit for an unlimited supply of free antifog. (works better than liquid antifog chemicals imho)
But I would actually recommend going for the best fins and comfortable booties you can afford at the beginning. Let’s face it, they are items you will need all the time whether scuba diving or just snorkeling. My wife and I still take only two bags with us on vacation; one for clothes and one for gear. We just pack a little lighter on the clothes side and are happier for it. Last year we went on a tropical vacation and decided to dive with all rental gear. The fins were stiff and full foot snorkel style which gave me blisters and cramps. The mask was ok but fogged like crazy. The wetsuits were shorties which gave almost everyone fire coral burns. And the bdc was a vest style that I hate. I now ALWAYS travel with ALL my gear. I prefer a full wetsuit. My comfy booties fit perfectly with my split fins. My mask fits and never fogs. My back inflate bcd is just more streamlined and comfortable. When we go snorkeling I don’t have to go rent a set or stand in line. When diving you want to be comfortable so you can enjoy the ride :-)
The last issue is which to choose.... As the other posters stated go with best fit on the mask. When shopping I started with the cheapest and moved my way up until I found the perfect fit. Mine cost $25 and my wife’s $85. Oh well. A snorkel is a snorkel. Go cheap. As for fins....the debate rages on. Some like split fins, and others force fins (solid). I get leg cramps will force fins, and therefore love split fins. I started with Apollo Bio Fins and loved them. I’ve since found that I love even more the Scubapro Seawing Nova fins. But there are many good fins out there. Best advice I can add is to get spring straps with any fin. The Nova’s have a Bungee Cord that works great. With spring or bungee you never need to adjust, they won’t break on your on vacation, and they are easy on & off when doing shore dives. My fins are five years old and I use them just about every weekend of the year.
Hope this helps.