PACKING LIST FOR THE BEACH
It is the time of the year again – summer is coming (at least in some parts of the world). Though I have not planned a beach trip in the near future, my summer will include some days at the beach, and if this is the case for you, you will need this ultimate beach vacation packing list.
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I admit, that I am not the person who can stay at the beach all day. I prefer staying there for a few hours before heading somewhere else. However, I have realized how much you guys love lists, and so I did not want to keep my “beach essential list” to myself.
So here it is: here is my packing list for the beach.
I have a more detailed post about your summer vacation which you can find here, but this post is specifically for a day at the beach.
Find out about the most important travel essentials for the beach and how to pack for a day at the beach.
Essentials for a Beach Day
When it comes to luggage, I try to NOT look for the cheapest. Though pretty and more affordable bags/luggage are indeed appealing to me, I normally invest a few euros extra to have a product that lasts longer. My beach bag, however, is not very expensive as it can get dirty quickly and I do not want to ruin an expensive bag.
- Beach bag – A beach bag has many advantages: they are light, big enough, and fun. Also, a nice beach bag does not have to be expensive to look great and fulfill its duty. So a day at the beach without a beach bag is only half as good: find your perfect beach bag here. My tip: take one bag with a zipper to keep your items safe.
- Toiletry bag– for your shampoo etc.
- If you have a great hotel with a private beach section, you probably do not need a towel to lay down. If this is not the case it should also be on your list. Tip: Microfiber towels are not as comfy as regular towels but lightweight and they take up less space.
- You probably also need an extra towel to dry yourself. Some towels are pretty lightweight and do not take up a lot of space.
- Okay, I do not have that but it seems pretty fancy to have a portable beach umbrella, right?
Click Here to See 20 Dream Beaches Around the World.
Entertainment /Tech Things to Pack for Your Day at the Beach
I admit that I am a bit paranoid and am scared to take expensive stuff with me when I travel alone (well, at least when I am planning to swim and do not have anyone to watch my belongings). So, I do not take all the items with me, but just take a few – if they get stolen, I do not lose everything.
If you are less paranoid, or if you travel with someone, this is the ideal list for entertainment and tech stuff to bring to the beach.
- Do you prefer lying at the beach all day, or do you like to be more active? Beach sports are much more fun than normal sports and if you agree, bring your beach ball, or a floating unicorn. Unfortunately, this is not part of the essentials in most hotels yet, so you need to get them yourself.
- A day at the beach would not be perfect without my iPod, so this is a must-must-must-have item for my beach day iPod.
- A Kindle, or in my case a “real” book is also essential for a day at the beach.
- A power charger – how long does your phone battery last? Not long? Neither does mine, so this is essential.
- My smartphone without a doubt one of my most useful and important (travel) items ever.
- Protection for my phone (especially if you are close to water or sand waterproof phone case.
- One of my favorite travel items – GoPro HERO which is great for action shots, and selfies. I just got one a few months ago, but I was happy to take some underwater pictures and it is so small and easy to carry around. If you have to decide on one camera for your summer trip I would go with a Go Pro. It is also cool for hiking and other outdoor activities since you can do so much with it – and you don’t have to be scared to break it (and you do not have to take another camera with you).
- GoPro comes with a lot of accessorizing. To be honest, I bought most of my stuff from third-party providers and am totally fine with it.
Clothes to Pack for Your Day at the Beach
I recommend light and bright clothes for a beach trip. The best thing about packing for a summer vacation is that clothes do not take that much space so you have more space for other things.
Stupid reminder: If you get dressed for the beach at home (aka wear your swimsuit at home) do not forget to pack underwear or the time after…Just saying as we all probably have experienced this somehow 🙂
- I love kaftan – a perfect item for the beach because I can easily cover up whenever I feel like it.
- Swimsuit: A bikini, burkini, or any kind of swimsuit should not be missing from your packing list for some lazy days at the beach.
- Sunglasses- my advice, invest in better sunglasses with proper protection which protect your eyes actually.
- Floppy hat – it is more than an accessory.
- Flip flops- another great invention for a beach day.
- A dress, shorts, etc.
- Underwear
Toiletries to Pack for Your Day at the Beach
Hygiene is important – even at the beach, but beach time also means to relax and not to worry about make-up. Our skin needs to breathe and make-up makes this difficult. A bit of tan normally makes most of us look healthier – so, let nature do its part and take only a minimum with you.
- Sunscreen should be on every list, especially if you have kids or stay in the sun for longer & after-sun lotion.
- Brush- hair gets messy at the beach.
- Invisibobble hair ties.
- Shampoo and conditioner- in case you wanna take a shower close by (extra tip: you can use travel bottles to refill I refill them with my own.
- Refreshing towelettes.
- Deodorant
- Forget about much make-up at the beach, the only thing I would actually use at the beach is waterproof mascara.
Mix to Pack for Your Day at the Beach
- Foldable water bottle and water, water, water
- First aid kit (band-aids, a small scissor, and pain reliever)
- I have dry eyes, so eye drops are a must for me
- Tissues
- Snacks
- Chewing gums
What do you think? Do you have more items on your “beach vacation packing list”? If so, what does your perfect beach holiday packing list look like?
What to Pack for a Day at the Beach- Pin the Beach Vacation Checklist
