Finally, your well-deserved beach vacation has arrived, so it's time to pack. From swimwear to sunscreen and everything in between, we have put together a detailed packing list for your beach vacation. First, you will find a short list of essentials for a beach vacation and then a more comprehensive list, which covers everything you could possibly need, from first-aid travel kits to technology. Read on to discover our packing list for beach vacations.
Not the right vacation packing list for you? Try our packing list for a European vacation or our camping packing checklist.
Sunscreen
Aftersun lotion/Aloe vera
Bug spray
Swimsuits/swim shorts/bikini
Cover-up/beach dress
Sunglasses
Flip flops/sandals
Beach towel
Beach mat (for rocky beaches)
Beach bag
If necessary, a waterproof dry bag.
Waterproof cases for your mobile phone, camera, etc.
If you’re planning a family trip, here’s our packing list for a beach vacation with family:
Cooler bag
Batteries
Air mattress
Air pump
Balls/water games
Beach tent
Wind deflector
Water wings or floaties
Umbrella
Picnic
The important stuff. You can’t board a plane without your passport, and you can’t buy a coffee in any city without a bit of money. Here’s a tip: always bring your ID and travel documents with you. If you don’t feel comfortable bringing the originals with you, take a photo of them or have a PDF scan on your phone. Just make sure a stranger isn't able to unlock your phone.
Credit card/debit card
Cash (foreign and domestic)
Phone number of your bank in case you need to lock (or unlock) your card.
Consider bringing a fanny pack to keep all your things in (all the hipsters are doing it).
ID cards and/or passport
Driver's license (if you have one)
Student card (if you have one)
Health insurance card and, if necessary, proof of health insurance abroad
Any medical prescriptions (in case you need them)
Train ticket or plane ticket and visa
Hotel confirmation (with the address on it)
Maps if you need one —we recommend downloading an offline map for the place you’re visiting.
Remember: most of us often take too much in our bags. Pack only the bare essentials and spare yourself the unnecessary weight. Even if you are going on a last-minute vacation for more than a week, you often do not need more than a few days worth of clothes. No matter where you are in the world, you'll almost always have the opportunity to wash, even if it's only in a hotel sink. Your wardrobe may vary depending on the season, but the most important thing is to wear comfortable shoes!
Swimwear — take two sets to be on the safe side
Pants, shorts/skirt
Belt (if required)
T-shirts, tops
Hoodie (worth having for a cold flight)
Rain jacket
Underwear
Socks
Pajamas
Sunglasses
Hat (to shade the sun)
Sandals or some flip-flops that are comfortable (just beware the awkward tan lines)
Sleep mask
A water bottle you can refill
Combination lock for your luggage (especially important if you are in a hostel)
A book or magazine (for some inspiration)
Glasses (If you need them to read your new book)
There's nothing worse than being unwell while traveling, so pack a few medical essentials for your trip. What you need depends, of course, on your vacation destination and the season (for example, if you need mosquito spray). But first, think about your individual medications, especially those you need to take regularly.
Personal medication
Wound and blister plaster
Pain and fever remedies
Something to calm an upset tummy
Allergy pills (possibly nasal spray and eye drops)
Ointment
Mosquito repellent
Aloe vera (or some after-sun) for those of you that go lobster-red
Nobody goes anywhere without their cell phone these days, and vacationing at the beach is no different.
Without your cell phone, how else would you take your snaps for the 'Gram? To make sure you don't run out of batteries and for general entertainment, here's our must-have list of tech items to take with you.
Mobile phone + charger
Powerbank + charging cable (You can get a solar-powered one for the beach)
Headphones
Adapter for the socket
Camera + battery, charging cable, and SD card
Laptop or tablet + charging cable
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