- Beach vacations are easily ruined if you forget essentials like swimwear and sunscreen.
- A list for each type of vacay and every type of vacationer means you’re always prepared.
- Pack these essentials to ensure your beach holiday is absolutely divine.
What It Takes to Enjoy a Beach Vacation
When you’re planning a beach vacation, you may get lost in daydreams of sunning on the beach or splashing in the waves, forgetting about all the important items you need to pack to make the perfect beach vacay a reality. If you’re worried about making sure your waterside break is a success, follow along with this packing list to ensure you’ve got everything you need.
The Essentials
You might think the basics are obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people forget to pack a swimsuit for their beach vacation! These are the items you will need, regardless of where you’re going or who is going with you. Make these the basis of your packing list to guarantee you’re ready for anything!
- Everyday clothing
- Swim dress or swimsuit
- Lightweight coverup
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Beach tote
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- After-sun cream
If you’re heading somewhere nearby, you may want to include beach gear on your packing list, just in case your hotel doesn’t offer these amenities: towels, blankets, and water bottles.
Also, remember that if you’re traveling for a special occasion, like a beach wedding, you may have to bring even more to cover all your bases.
Beach Essentials for Women
In addition to the essentials, you’ll need to pack enough clothing for your full vacation time. Make sure you explore versatile pieces that you can mix and match to create the most outfits with the fewest number of pieces. And whether you need a full-figure bra or just a bralette, make sure you have enough underclothing to get you through the trip. Some other tips for women include:
- Pack at least three suits with a mix of one-pieces and bikinis
- Cover-up rompers and dresses are the most modern and stylish
- Sunglasses with UV protection are best for the beach
- Choose jewelry specifically for sun, sand, and surf
- Keep your makeup light and waterproof with mascara and tinted sunscreen
- Leave-in conditioner can help rehydrate your hair after a day in the waves
Don’t forget your skincare when packing for an amazing beach vacation, as more sun time could mean drier skin and more sun damage.
Beach Essentials for Men
When packing as a man, practicality may be the only thing on your mind, so opt for comfortable and easy styles that make it simple to get dressed each day. While you may be good with just a few shirts and shorts combos, you’ll still need a blend of accessories and extras to ensure your comfort. Here are the best tips:
- Pack two pairs of swim trunks in case one is still wet the next day
- Choose cotton or linen fabrics to ensure breathability in your shirts
- Pack flip-flops and sneakers so you have options when not at the beach
- Polarized sunglasses are a must-have to protect your eyes
- Choose a waterproof watch so you don’t have to worry about taking it off
- Take a backpack so you can carry all the essentials together
- Protect your skin with a basic skincare kit, including moisturizer and shaving essentials
Some extras you might want to bring to the beach include beach games, a travel journal, and a camera to keep you occupied when you’re not in the waves.
Beach Essentials for Kids
Bringing kids to the beach is a little more complex than traveling with adults, but here’s a list that will make traveling with them a bit easier:
- Light, breathable clothing with UVA/UVB protection built in
- Swim diapers or a swimsuit if they’re old enough
- Rash guard shirt with long sleeves for sun protection
- Floaties and safety gear to keep them afloat in the water
- Wide-brimmed hat to protect the face and neck
- Extra clothes for days when they get super sandy or dirty
- Water shoes to protect their feet from sharp rocks and shells
- Snacks and sippy cups
- Beach-friendly toys and games
- Baby wipes and first-aid kit
- Carrier or stroller
- Portable shade for naptime and playtime
- Blankets for naps and playing
Ready to Travel?
Whether you’re traveling on your own, as a couple, or with your family makes a big difference to how you pack for your trip. But no matter what, don’t let the packing plan overwhelm you! Create a list based on these essentials so you can tailor the perfect packing guide for your needs.