The time for your beach vacation has finally arrived! Packing can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to remember everything you'll need off the top of your head. While you want to keep your luggage minimal, it’s essential to thoughtfully pack all the clothes and items you'll need. Preparing well for your trip will also make it more sustainable, as you won't have to buy new items that you might already have at home.
For those short on time feel free to download and print the packing list here. Otherwise, you are very much invited to take a few minutes to read through the blog and pick up some extra tips!
Where are you Staying?
What you will need depends on where you will be staying, so keep in mind that you might want to leave or take certain items with you.
- Hotel: You will not need to bring items like shampoo, conditioner, soap, or towels, as these are typically provided by the hotel. Most hotels also offer hair dryers, so you can leave yours at home.
- Resort: Similar to hotels, resorts usually provide all the basic toiletries and linens. Additionally, many resorts offer complimentary beach towels and beach chairs, so check in advance to avoid packing extras.
- Airbnb: Here it all depends on the listing - but you might need to bring more items, such as your preferred toiletries, so check in advance there as well!
Packing List for Beach Vacation - From Essentials to Optional Props
Essentials for Traveling
First, let’s touch on things you will need to take care of before leaving.
- Passport or ID: Check that your passport is valid; you do not want to be surprised a few days before your trip by an expired passport.
- Visa: Check if you need one if traveling internationally.
- Travel Itinerary: Take screenshots and share them with people you are traveling with.
- Wallet with cards and cash: Convert currency if needed; bring a credit card if renting a car.
- Chargers/Adapters: Check the destination plug type and bring adapters.
- Power Bank: This is crucial if you rely on your phone for navigation or photos. High brightness settings in the sun can drain your battery quickly, so a power bank ensures you have enough power, especially at remote beaches without charging facilities.
Essentials for Beach
Sun Protection
We all enjoy the sun, but we all know how dangerous it can be. For the sake of your skin and your health and take care of yourself. Besides protecting your skin with sunscreen, you can also protect yourself with appropriate sun hats and clothing. Here are the items we recommend you take:
- SPF for body: Choose sunscreen with SPF 50 for optimal protection. Higher SPF numbers provide extended protection against the sun's harmful rays.
- SPF for face: Since the skin on your face is more sensitive, select sunscreen that suits your facial skin.
- SPF lip balm: The skin on your lips is extremely thin and susceptible to sun damage, so be sure to pack a lip balm with SPF protection.
- Sun Hat: Check out our sun hats, that will give you UPF 50 protection and are made from high-quality materials that will allow your head/scalp to breathe. Covering your hair, they also protect your hair from the sun damage.
- Polarized Sunglasses: Polarized lenses reduce glare from water, so it will help you look easier to see clearly and comfortably in bright sunlight.
Optional
- Rash Guard: For those who will be staying longer in water, use this for extra sun protection in the water.
Beach Gear
Now that we took care of sun protection, you will also need items to enjoy on the beach:
- Swimwear: Since swimwear doesn't take up much space, pack at least 3 swimsuits. This way, you'll always have a dry option available.
- Beach Bag: Choose a beach bag that is big enough to pack all your essentials and makes you feel comfortable on the beach. Our beach bags are very convenient, as you can also pack your sun hat in them.
- Towel: To save space in your luggage, we suggest a microfiber towel, which takes up less space and dries quickly.
- Reusable bags: These are handy for storing wet swimwear or sandy items.
Optional
- Reusable water bottle: If you're traveling to a country with drinkable tap water, a reusable water bottle with filter is essential for staying hydrated while being environmentally friendly.
- Headphones: Even Though the sound of the waves is more relaxing, you will also appreciate the option of listening to music or podcasts, or just for a phono call.
- Water camera: A water camera allows you to create lasting memories without worrying about water damage to your regular camera or phone.
- Beach chair: Useful for sandy beaches, a beach chair keeps you comfortable and helps avoid getting sand all over your belongings.
- Beach tent: Many beaches lack natural shade, so a beach tent will be a solution for an area to relax and avoid sunburn.
- Umbrella: Instead of a beach tent, you can also take umbrella
- Snorkeling equipment: For those who love to explore underwater life, bringing your own snorkeling gear is a must!
- Inflatable props: They allow you to relax on the water, enjoy the waves, and stay cool.
- Swim goggles: If you enjoy swimming for exercise, take tame with you.
Clothes and Footwear
Clothing
Make sure you feel comfortable in what you are wearing. Select natural materials that allow your skin to breathe, so avoid polyester as it will stick to your skin. If you're looking for some Instead, opt for breathable materials such as 100% cotton linen or bamboo.
Daytime Clothing
- Workout outfit: For all the sporty girls, prepare a sporty outfit in which you feel comfortable and cute.
Evening & Site-seeing Clothing
- Jeans/Pants: Lightweight for cooler evenings or sightseeing.
- Blouses: Made of linen, so you don't have to worry about being perfectly ironed.
- Maxi Dress: For elegant and feminine outfit
- Skirts: Super long skirts are in style this year.
- Mini Bag or belt bag: Perfect for summer outings to hold essentials like your phone, wallet, lipstick, and tissues.
- Layering Options: For cooler nights, pack a light jacket, cardigan, or long-sleeve shirt.
- Evening Accessories: Jewelry inspired by marine life and colors.
Footwear
For footwear, you will likely be barefoot most of the time. However, bring a few pairs of shoes to be prepared for various activities.
- Flip Flops: Bring a pair for walking along the beach. They are water-resistant, so you won't have to worry about getting them wet.
Optional:
- Water shoes: Perfect for rocky beaches or areas with stones. They protect your feet from sharp rocks and make it easier and safer to enter and exit the water.
Sleepwear
- Pajama: Light and comfortable for warm climates. Choose materials like silk or bamboo.
Cosmetics
You probably already have a personalized list of cosmetics, including your skincare routine. However, we recommend adding more moisturizing products because the sea and air can dry your skin.
- Small empty packaging: Save space by transferring products into smaller containers.
- Skin-care products: Add nourishing products to your regular skincare routine.
- Hair mask: for moisturizing your hair from the salt water
- Deodorant
Optional:
- Makeup: Keep it minimal, you'll be glowing naturally!
- Shampoo, conditioner: If not provided by accommodation.
- Hair-dryer: If not provided by accommodation.
- Hair accessories (headband, scrunchies)
Wrapping Up
Having this packing list for beach vacations in your hand will be a game-changer. You won't waste time and money buying items you forgot to pack. Instead, you will have more time to create unforgettable experiences, like trying out new water sports, local cuisine, or enjoying on the beach.
Download our beach packing list and let the stress-free vacation adventures begin!
