What to Pack for a Beach Vacation? – Ultimate Beach Trip Checklist

I have packed so many times over the years for beach holidays, that I know just what to pack for a beach vacation.  So, if you’re one of those people always finding themselves wondering what to take to the beach on vacation, then you will love this beach packing list I have put together.   In this beach vacation packing list, I include everything you need to not only look the part whilst hanging at the beach or by the pool, but also have all the beach vacation essentials to be comfortable and practical as well.

Whether you’re wondering what to pack for a week at the beach or a month, this beach vacation checklist will have you packing for the beach with the perfect beach vacation wardrobe in next to no time and be on your way to your tropical destination.

I highly recommend you print off this beach holiday packing list off and tick the items off as you pack your things to take to with you.

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information. 

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation? – Our Checklist

To make it easier for you, I have broken this beach trip packing list up into the categories: clothes, shoes, beach stuff, bags, toiletries, electronics and travel documents.

Beach Trip Packing List – Clothes

What to bring on a beach vacation in terms of clothes really is a personal choice.  But my advice to you is when packing for beach vacation, don’t bring too much, as you just won’t wear it.  You will find that for most of the time you will be in your swimsuit any way.

Keep reading for my tips on how to pack for a beach vacation with regards to clothing.

1. Bikini / Swimsuit 

Perhaps one of the most essential things to pack for beach vacation are you bikinis.  I recommend you bring 2 swimsuits, one you can wear whilst the other one is drying.

2. Swim Cover Up or Sarong 

Also, when packing for beach holiday, you will need of course a swimsuit cover.  This is perfect for wearing down to the beach, but you might prefer a sarong as you can also use this to cover your shoulders or legs if your visiting anywhere that has temples or monasteries.

3. Shorts

Bring 2-3 comfortable pairs of shorts for wearing down to the beach or walking around town.  I like shorts such as the one’s pictured here – click here to check out the price.

4. Tank Tops 

You only need around 3 tops which you can mix and match with your shorts.

5. Dresses 

Depending on whether you prefer wearing dresses over shorts, I’d recommend you bring 1-2 casual sun dresses.  You might take more dresses and less shorts or vice versa, depending upon your preference, so amend your beach trip checklist as necessary.  Dresses like the one pictured here a perfect and you can dress them up for a casual dinner at night too –click here to check out the price.

Also you might like to bring something a little more formal dress if you want to dine in a posh place.

6. Pants 

If the nights will get cold, consider bringing a pair of pants to keep warm.

7. Jacket 

You may also need to bring a light jacket in case it gets a bit cool or windy at night.  A rain jacket may also be worth while if you are going somewhere that often has down pours, particularly if you during wet season.  3 in 1 jackets are perfect as they keep you warm and protect you from the rain too – click here to find out more about the jacket pictured here.

8. Underwear

I recommend 2 bras and a pair of knickers for each day.

9. Pajamas 

1 pair of pjs is also you need.  If you stay longer than a few days – you can get them washed.

Beach Vacation Packing List – Shoes

What to pack for a beach holiday in terms of shoes.  On my packing checklist for beach vacation, I recommend just bringing 3 pairs of shoes: flip flops, sandals and water shoes.

10. Flip Flops 

Given you will be spending most of your time at the beach or by the pool, a pair of flip flops are one of the beach vacation must haves.

11. Sandals 

For walking around town, shopping or going out for dinner.  Sandals such as these one’s from Teva are great – you could even use these for light hikes too and they come in a range of great colors.  Click here for more information about these Teva sandals.

You may like to bring a dressy pair of sandals or wedges too.

12. Water Shoes 

At some beachy destinations there can be a lot of rocks and coral on the beaches so a pair of slip on mesh beach shoes can be useful items to pack for beach vacation to protect your feet.  These shoes pictured come in a range of great colors – click here for more information.

What to take to the Beach?  Beach Essentials

Things to bring on a beach vacation include sun protection as well as few items to have a bit of fun in the water.

13. Beach Hat 

What to take on a beach vacation?  A big sun hat of course to protect your skin from burning.  One with a big brim all the way around like the one pictured here is ideal – click here for information about this particular sun hat. 

14. Beach Towel 

When choosing a beach towel, I recommend one with microfibres that is lightweight and dries fast. Another reason I like it is that the sand won’t stick on it. I would choose a similar to this one.

15. Snorkel Set 

If you’re headed somewhere with fantastic life underwater, don’t forget a good quality snorkel kit.  Sometimes your accommodation might have a set you can borrow or hire, but I like to have my own for that perfect fit.  Check out these best seller snorkel set from Amazon here.

16. Floating Device 

Do you want to get some awesome Instagram shots?  Bring along one of these super unicorm floaties.  Or if you want something a little more practical get a simple lie on float for the relaxing on in the pool.  Check out this one from Amazon here.

17. Body Board 

Probably not practical if you have to fly to your destination, but if your off on a road trip, throw in a body board in the back of the car to catch some waves.

18. Beach Shelter 

If you intend to spend anymore than an hour or so on the beach, I highly recommend you invest in some proper beach shelter.  Again not really practical if you are flying to your destination, but if you’re driving don’t leave home without some shelter.  I like the easy pop up ones, like the one pictured here.

19. Sunglasses 

Things you need for the beach vacation?  Sunnies of course!  Don’t leave home without them!

20. Water Bottle 

These days we all know the devastating consequences plastic bottles have on the environment, so make sure you bring along a refillable water bottle.  I like to have one that won’t leak and has a clasp on it so I can attach it my day bag.

Another thing you might need on your beach vacation is a beach chair. Check here a selection of the best beach chairs

Beach Vacation Checklist: Bags

When wondering what to pack for a beach resort vacation, you’ll of course need a few different bags to pack all your items.

21. Beach Bag 

Bring a beach bag to put all your items in, or if you prefer just use your backpack as discussed below.  Check out the ShyLero XL Beach Bag here.

22. Hand Bag 

A small shoulder bag is ideal to keep your wallet and camera with you at all times. I like the range from Travelon, like the one pictured here, as it can fit in everything you need for a day of sightseeing.  Click here for more information about this Travelon shoulder bag.

23. Backpack 

A small backpack is essential if you want to go out for a day of sightseeing.  This can also double as a beach bag if you don’t want to bring separate bags.  Have a look at the Osprey Daylite backpack here.

24. Packing Cubes 

Packing Cubes, like these ones,  are a must to keep all your belongings organized.

25. Toiletry Bag 

Bring a toiletry bag, like this one,  to keep all your toiletries in as well as a small clear bag for going through airport security.

26. Wet Bag 

There is nothing worse than having no where to put your wet swimsuit after a day at the beach.  If you bring a small wet bag, you can keep your wet clothes away from your other items.

27. Dry Bag 

Dry bags are a must if your headed out for a day of kayaking or any sort of boat trip really.  If you’re trying to pack lightly, bring a large one that can double as your day pack.  The pone pictured is pretty cool as it also comes with a phone case and waist pouch – check it out here.

28. Luggage 

I’ve got a separate post on luggage I recommend.  Click here to check it out.

Beach Holiday Packing List: Toiletries

What to pack for a beach trip in terms of toiletries?  Well following is my comprehensive what to bring to the beach checklist for your toiletries.  Most times you’ll be able to buy all these items at your destination, so its up to you which ones you bring from home and which ones you purchase once you arrive.

29. Sunscreen 

If you plan on spending most days at the beach or by the pool, a good quality sunscreen to protect your face and body is one of the vital things needed for beach vacation.   Choose one that’s at least SPF 30 – like the one pictured here.

30. Make Up

This is a personal choice but bring whatever you might need for a night out.

31. Moisturizing Cream 

Make sure you bring some moisturizing cream for your face, eyes and body, the sun and sea tend to make the skin dry.

32. A Razor 

33. Shampoo and Conditioner 

A small travel size, enough for one week is plenty.

34. Body Wash 

35. Toothpaste and Toothbrush

36. Hair Brush and Hair Ties

37. Deodorant 

It can get very hot in the sun, so you won’t want to forget this one!

38. Medication 

Bring any medication you may require.  At least bring some pain killers, you don’t want to have to be worried about where the nearest pharmacy is just because you have a headache.

39. Motion Sickness Pills 

Especially important if you plan on going on any boat trips.

40. Mosquito Repellent: 

For most beach destinations you will need this before heading out in the evening.

41. 100 ml  Non Leak Containers 

Lastly, if you want to travel carry on only you will need 100 ml non leak containers to store your liquids.  Click here to buy these ones from Amazon.

Beach Trip Packing List: Electronics

When it comes to electronics and tech gear, in terms of things to take on a beach vacation it’s a personal thing, so here are some items you may want to consider.

42. Mobile Phone

Your mobile phone so you can keep in touch with families and friends.

43. Camera 

You’ll know doubt want to take plenty of photographs for your memories.  For the best quality images I use the Sony a6000, which I highly recommend – click here for more information about this camera

44. Memory cards 

Take two memory cards– one for the camera and one for as a backup!

45. Underwater camera 

Take an underwater camera for those beach shots, this is vital if your destination is known for great snorkeling.  Click here to check out the Campark Action Camera.

46. Waterproof Phone Pouch 

If don’t want to bring an underwater camera, turn your mobile phone into one with a waterproof phone pouch.  Check out this best seller phone pouch here.

47. Travel Adapter 

Depending upon where your visiting you may need to bring a plug adaptor.  Get a universal one like this one here.

48. Laptop / Tablet

Some people like to bring their laptop or tablet, particularly if you have to do a bit of work whilst your away, or maybe to stream some movies whilst traveling.

49. Headphones 

For listening to music or streaming movies on your phone whilst lying by the pool or whilst traveling.  I like ones like this so as they are noise cancelling ones.

50. Chargers

Don’t forget all the various chargers you need to keep your tech gear charged.

51. Power Bank 

Bring a charger to keep all your electronics fully charged throughout your trip.  Taking endless amounts of photos each day can easily drain your phone while you’re and about.  One like this Anker one is ideal as it is lightweight and can charge 2 devices at once.  Click here for more information about this portable charger

Travel Documents

Last but not least, don’t forget all those important travel documents, money and somewhere to carry it all.

52. Passport / Visa

If you’re headed overseas, don’t forget to bring with your passport and check if you require a visa.

53. Passport holder 

Consider a RFID passport wallet like this one pictured.

54. Travel Wallet 

These come in handy when you have multiple tickets for transport, tours and hotels as well as somewhere to keep your passport and foreign currency.  Click here to read my guide on the best travel wallet for women here.

55. Money

When I travel I want to have with me a variety of options concerning money. I always have some cash, my debit card so that I can withdraw money from the ATM’s and my credit card.

56. Security pouch 

For keeping your money safe.

57. Travel Insurance

Never leave home without it!

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5 thoughts on “What to Pack for a Beach Vacation? – Ultimate Beach Trip Checklist”

  1. Thanks for reminding me that bringing water shoes is essential when going on a beach trip. One of the things I cannot stand is having soggy socks and having to walk a lot. I hope my friends and I eventually settle on going a beach with a good opportunity for a sight-seeing trek aside from swimming in the sea.

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