Whether you’re building the world’s greatest sandcastle or just relaxing on the shore, these items will help you pass the time.
Packing for a beach vacation requires lightweight clothing and accessories that are easy to mix and match.
Make sure to bring a reusable shopping bag to drop in odds and ends on your way to the beach or to hold your dirty clothes on the way home.
1. Sunscreen
Whether you are heading to the beach by yourself, with a group of friends or family, or on a romantic getaway, bringing the right items is essential. A bathing suit and coverup are obvious staples, but don’t forget to bring a towel, sun hat, sunglasses, and a bag for carrying your essentials and belongings to and from the beach.
Sunscreen is perhaps the most important item to pack when planning a beach vacation. Beautiful white sandy beaches and clear blue ocean water are inviting, but sunburns can ruin your day (and your trip). Protecting your skin with a high-SPF sunscreen should be applied before you head to the beach and regularly reapplied throughout the day to prevent premature aging and skin cancer. Choosing a reef-safe sunscreen with no oxybenzone and octinoxate is also important as these chemicals are harmful to coral reefs.
Other helpful items to pack include a reusable water bottle for hydration, portable speakers for listening to music and podcasts, and an after-sun lotion for sore, red skin. If you are traveling with kids, consider packing travel games like a Spikeball set and Kan Jam to keep them entertained while sitting in the sun or in the water.
2. Water
If you’re heading to a beach vacation, make sure you pack plenty of water. There’s nothing worse than feeling dehydrated while at the beach. Pack a few bottles of water for yourself and the kids, or opt for an insulated beach bag that doubles as a cooler. Depending on the type of beach you’re visiting, it may also be smart to bring an inflatable raft or a floating chair for anyone who wants to venture into the water.
For those not planning to venture into the ocean, a good pair of flip-flops or sandals is essential for walking on hot sand. An extra lightweight backpack can also come in handy for storing towels, sunscreen and other beach necessities. A waterproof cell phone case and a sand-proof pouch for storing electronics are important accessories for beach goers, too.
Don’t forget to include a first-aid kit in your travel bag. There’s nothing worse than a cut or a jellyfish sting ruining your beach getaway, so having some band-aids, ibuprofen and motion sickness meds on hand is always a good idea. Don’t forget a small bottle of hand sanitizer, too—perfect for wiping sticky ice cream hands or getting rid of that pesky sunburn smell!
3. Towels
Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or soaking up some sun, a good towel can make the world of difference. For the best experience, look for towels and beach blankets that are sand-resistant. This will help prevent your clothes from becoming saturated with sand and smelling bad.
Also, you might want to consider packing a small towel to dry off with after you come back from the water. Just be sure to place the wet towel inside a plastic bag before reinserting it into your tote or string backpack to avoid making everything else wet.
You might also find yourself wanting to stay out of the sun for some time and read a book, so it’s important to have an ebook reader or paperback on hand to enjoy your leisure activities. Ebook readers take up less space in your luggage and are more lightweight than traditional books. Plus, they can withstand a splash of water much better than the average paperback.
A hat is another must-have for beaches. such as in Costa Rica or Cabo San Lucas, especially if you’re planning to wear sunglasses. Not only does it look cute, but it will protect your face from the sun’s harsh rays. Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra style to your outfit.
4. Sunglasses
A pair of sunglasses is a must-have when it comes to beach vacations. They not only protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but also enhance your style and appearance. Whether you’re looking for a pair of classic aviators or funky cat-eye frames, there’s sure to be a perfect option to match your unique face shape and personal style.
If you’re planning on participating in water sports or other active activities during your beach vacation, sporty wraparound sunglasses offer a curved design that hugs your face, offering maximum eye protection and minimizing peripheral glare. In addition, these styles are often lightweight and durable, ensuring that you’ll have a comfortable fit and feel confident while exploring your destination’s attractions.
To prevent sun damage, choose a pair of sunglasses that offers high-quality UV protection and polarized lenses. These features will ensure that your eyes are protected from the harsh rays of the sun and help you stay healthy and radiant throughout your trip. As an added bonus, polarized sunglasses also reduce glare in bright conditions, making them a great choice for sunny beaches and outdoor activities. To keep your sunglasses clean and dry, pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a microfiber cloth in your travel bag.
5. Snacks
When planning for a day at the beach, most people remember sunscreen and water bottles, but don’t forget to pack snacks to fuel your fun in the sun. In addition to helping keep energy levels up, food at the beach can help prevent dehydration and promote healthy eating habits.
Healthy options for a beach snack include smoothies, fresh fruit, nut butter packs and string cheese. For extra protein, consider adding boiled eggs to your beach vacation packing list.
Dried fruits and nuts are another great beach snack option. Try creating your own trail mix ahead of time using pantry staples such as raw pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews and dried fruit. A few skewers of chopped, fresh fruit are also a quick and easy snack that will help you stay hydrated.
Don’t forget to pack a small cooler to store your food at the beach. Choose a soft-sided insulated beach tote with plenty of storage compartments that can hold your food and drinks as well as extra towels, swimsuits and wet clothes. Also, remember to pack reusable utensils and napkins so you don’t have to worry about plastic and paper waste on your beach vacation. Lastly, be sure to bring some hand sanitizer and wet wipes to clean up any spills or messes you may make on your trip.
6. Beach Chairs
The beach is a great place to relax and unwind. Make your time there more enjoyable by having comfortable beach chairs to sit in while reading or enjoying the waves. It is also a good idea to bring beach umbrellas that are large enough to provide shade and protect you from the sun. If possible, choose ones that fold easily into a compact case and are easy to take in and out of the trunk of your car.
Other items that may come in handy on your trip include a portable speaker, which is perfect for listening to music while relaxing at the beach or in your hotel room. You can also invest in an underwater camera to capture some of your best moments under the sea.
Finally, don’t forget important documents like your passport and travel insurance. It’s also a good idea to pack some basic first aid supplies, like bandages, ointments and tweezers, in case of any accidents or injuries. And of course, you can’t forget a hair brush to keep your ocean hair looking neat and tidy.
7. Beach Umbrellas
Whether you want to relax on the beach or engage in fun activities, you’ll need a variety of items to stay comfortable and entertained. For example, you might consider packing hobby supplies to keep yourself busy such as coloring books or knitting needles. Having these supplies can also help you pass time on long airplane flights or car rides.
If you’re traveling with kids, it may be helpful to pack some inflatable toys such as bodyboards or skimboards for them to play in the surf and sand. You can even add a small first aid kit to the mix to make sure you’re prepared for any accidents that may occur.
Another essential item to include on your list is a beach bag that will hold all of the other necessities you’ll need. A good beach backpack will have plenty of compartments so that you can easily find what you need. In addition, a patterned or brightly colored beach bag will be easier to spot among the crowd. You’ll also want to include a hairbrush and a few travel-size items of personal hygiene such as hand sanitizer and tampons. This will ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your beach vacation!
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