Beach vacation packing list
A trip to the beach is a summertime staple. When the sun is out and temperatures begin to rise, there is nothing better than soaking up some sun on the sand before cooling off in the glistening water.
Whether you’re travelling to a tropical island or taking a short road trip to the coast, a beach vacation is the perfect way to unwind and catch up on some vitamin D! But without a thorough beach packing list, you may be left disappointed when you arrive. Knowing what to pack for the beach means you’ll make the most of your trip and avoid unnecessary overpacking.
Luckily, we can help you pack and prepare. Here’s a list of things to bring to the beach:
Sunscreen
Possibly the most important item on your beach packing list: sunscreen! The sun is one of the best things about the beach, but it’s crucial to bring protection. You don’t want to burn on the first day and spend the rest of your vacation regretting it. Be sure to bring plenty of strong sunscreen that you can reapply often, and don’t forget your face!
Protect your lips with SPF lip balm, and spruce up your beach attire with a sun hat. It’s also important to check the environmental regulations of your beach destination, as coral-damaging chemical sunscreens may be banned. In any case, try to shop for more environmentally-friendly sunscreens.
Beach-friendly clothes
Free-flowing, comfortable (and easy-to-remove) clothes are essential for your beach checklist! Avoid bulky and structured clothing, and instead opt for light kaftans and beach cover-ups. If you’re having a great day at the beach, you might find yourself staying once the sun begins to set, in which case it’s always good to have a jumper or jacket to hand.
As well as a few swimsuits (nobody likes getting back into a soggy swimsuit), remember to bring beach-friendly foot-wear: flip-flops, sandals, water shoes or canvas tennis shoes, depending on the type of beach you’ll be vacationing on. If you’re an avid snorkeler, you may want to bring your own snorkel fins – you can check before your trip if water sports equipment would be available at your beach.
Eyewear
When thinking of things to bring to the beach, your priorities might lean towards the fashion-conscious, or simply the functional. Sunglasses can work for both! As well as protecting your eyes from the sun, think about whether you’ll need other protective eyewear such as goggles. For snorkelers, bringing your own snorkel mask means you can have it custom-made for your glasses prescription, ensuring you can see clearly underwater – you don’t want to miss out on anything! It’s more hygienic too.
Drinks and snacks
Be sure to add refreshments to your beach trip packing list. A day of swimming and lounging is hungry work! If you know you won’t be near any restaurants or cafés, or you simply want to save money – bring a picnic! Bring plenty of water to keep hydrated in the sun and avoid heatstroke. My favourite beach day snack is watermelon: it’s easily the best summer food, refreshing and hydrating!
Entertainment
When thinking of things to take to the beach, don’t forget about the entertainment! Bring a portable speaker to keep the party going all day, but do be considerate of beach-goers around you. If you’re travelling with children, consider sand toys, beach balls and frisbees. Kites can also be a great source of fun if the weather’s right!
Beach bags
Of course, you need something to carry all of this with you! Before your trip, it’s worth thinking about the most convenient way to carry all of your beach items on your vacation. A mesh bag is ideal for holding beach toys and shoes, as the sand will fall out (so you’ll bring less of it back to your car/hotel room). For the rest of your belongings, choose a bright beach bag that will be easy to spot in a crowd. Waterproof inside pockets are a must to store valuables and electronic devices.
Bags will help you cut down on the bulk, too: a soft-sided insulated lunch bag for drinks and snacks is easier to carry than a big cooler. Don’t forget about the clean-up after your fun day out, either – disposable wipes will be a big help. Reusable plastic bags are also helpful to carry wet swimsuits and towels on your way back. Most importantly, make sure that everything on your packing list for the beach will fit into these bags!
With this beach holiday packing list you should be all set to relax. If you’re staying at a hotel, find out ahead of time if towels and other beach amenities are included so you can avoid packing unnecessary items. Be sure to make the most of what is being offered on your vacation and soak up some sun!
