How to Pack for a Beach Holiday

Co-authored by Amy Tan

Last Updated: August 13, 2022 References

Beach holidays are a blast, but packing for them can be challenging. You’ll want to pack light without foregoing the essentials. Making a checklist can streamline the packing process and ensure you don’t forget key items, like sunscreen and swimsuits!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Packing the Essentials

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Pack beach-related accessories. Accessories can improve your outfit and ensure your comfort at the beach! You should pack a beach bag, flip flops, glasses or contact lenses if you need them, sunglasses, and a sun hat. ^{[1]
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- White sun hats tend to be more effective in protecting you from the sun.
- Sunglasses with large lenses work best to shield your eyes.
- If you are wearing your sunglasses in the water, consider buying sunglass straps to so you don’t lose them.^{[2]
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2
Pack swimsuits. Pack at least 2 swimsuits for your trip, but pack more if you think you’ll need them.^{[3]
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Research source} Pick swimsuits that you make you feel confident. Also, keep in mind any water activities you’ll want to do. A one piece swimsuit might be better for water sports, for example.
- If you are packing two-piece swimsuits, choose versatile bottoms and tops that you can mix and match.
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3
Pack casual clothing. Think about the clothing you’ll need for your trip. Be sure to check if you’ll have access to a washing machine. You’ll probably want to opt for loose, comfortable clothing—linen and cotton are great for a breezy day at the beach. Casual sandals, like flip flops, are versatile and easy to wash. ^{[4]
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- Cover ups and sundresses are easy to throw on when going to the hotel or a casual dinner from the beach.
- Pack athletic clothes if you plan on working out.
4
Pack formal attire if you’ll need it. If you’re planning on engaging in fine dining or another formal activity, don’t forget to pack formal clothing as well.
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Pack health and beauty items. You should pack your regular health and beauty items, including prescriptions, razors, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. ^{[5]
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Research source} You’ll probably be spending a good deal of time outside, so be sure to pack a lot of sunscreen! An SPF of at least 50 is ideal.^{[6]
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- You may want to pack a lip balm with SPF as well—lips can sunburn, too!
- Consider packing a first aid kit with bug spray, a thermometer, aloe vera gel for sunburns, and bandages. ^{[7]
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- Don’t forget tampons or sanitary napkins if you think you might need them. These are especially important if you plan on wearing a swimsuit. ^{[8]
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6
Make sure you’ll have access to beach towels. Beach towels are essential for drying off after a dip in the water or simply lounging on the sand. Resorts or hotels usually provide towels, but if they don’t, you should bring your own.
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Pack your travel documents. Pack any identification documents you might need, including passports, print-outs of reservations, and maps or directions. Don’t forget money! ^{[9]
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- Put your documents in plastic bags to avoid water damage, and email copies to yourself just in case.^{[10]
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8
Pack light. If your airline charges a checked baggage fee, it is in your best interest to travel light. Try to pack clothing items that can be mixed and matched, and roll your clothing instead of folding it to save space.^{[11]
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Research source} Avoid packing duplicate clothing items if possible. ^{[12]
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- Pack multipurpose items, like a pair of sandals that can be worn at the beach and at a casual restaurant.
- Put smaller clothing items, like swimsuits and underwear, in clear, resealable plastic bags for compact storage and easy access.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Packing Extra Items

1
Check if you’ll have access to beach chairs and umbrellas. During your time at the beach, you might want to have beach chairs and umbrellas on hand to make your holiday experience more comfortable. Check with your resort or hotel to see what equipment they provide. ^{[13]
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- If your resort has umbrellas or chairs, don’t bother packing them, especially if you are flying—they’ll take up a lot of room.
2
Pack equipment for beach activities. You might want to snorkel, play volleyball, or boogie board. Think about the activities you’ll want to do during your beach holiday and pack the necessary equipment.
- Again, you should check with your resort or hotel to see what equipment they provide.
3
Pack goodies for the kids. If you’re traveling with kids, pack an assortment of sand and swim toys to keep them entertained. Floaties, shovels, and buckets are all fun options.
4
Pack snacks. Healthy snacks, like dried fruits or nuts, are easy to carry and will keep you fueled up during your holiday. Cold drinks are refreshing during a hot day at the beach. Snack boxes and sippy cups are great for little ones.
- If you are traveling by car, you might want to bring a cooler to keep drinks cold and store fruit and other snacks.
5
Pack extra entertainment items. You might want to read a book on the beach, keep a travel journal, or watch movies on your laptop in the evenings. Think about those extra items that can make your holiday more enjoyable, and pack accordingly.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.}
- Bring a camera if you want to take photos, or use the camera on your phone to save room.
- Consider downloading books onto a tablet or e-reader to consolidate. ^{[15]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Streamlining the Packing Process

1
Check the forecast. Check the forecast at your destination before you go. This will guide your packing process, and ensure you won’t need to buy any extra items, like umbrellas or ponchos, at your destination. ^{[16]
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2
Visualize your itinerary. What will you be doing during your holiday? Visualize the activities you want to do, day by day. These might include snorkeling, fine dining, or simply reading a book. Think about the different items you will need for these activities and pack accordingly. ^{[17]
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Make a checklist. After assessing your itinerary and the forecast, start making a checklist of everything you’ll need for your holiday. Refer to your checklist while packing your essentials and extra items. ^{[18]
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- Go day by day, and write down the items you’ll need. Think about accessories, clothing and swimsuits, beach equipment, toiletries, travel documents, and entertainment.
- If you are packing for other family members, especially children, consider their needs when you make your checklist.

Expert Q&A

Question

What should I bring on my carry-on bag for a 7 day beach vacation.

Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000.

Amy Tan

Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers

Expert Answer

Since you can repack for the beach when you land, use your carry-on for items you'll need on the plane. This may include chapstick, a neck pillow, headphones, earplugs, and plenty of reading material for the plane.
Question

If I travel with a family of five and am going on a plane, can I bring a cooler?

Community Answer

Yes, but unless it meets carry-on size requirements, it will have to be checked as luggage.
Question

I'm going on a road trip, is there a magazine for activities to play in the car or something like that?

Community Answer

Try Mad Libs, they are fun fill-in-the-blanks you can do with a friend. If you like numbers, try Sudoku, 1-9 in each square, line, row. The best thing is to bring a book or two depending on the size and how fast you read and the hours you are spending in the car. You could also bring a sketchbook and some colors and draw.

Warnings

Always wear sunscreen!

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Bring sunglasses, and a hat

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Be on the lookout for sea animals while you're in the water.

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