A beach holiday is, for many of us, the well-earned break we look forward to all year long. But to stop it from turning into a nightmare before it even begins, it pays to put some thought into preparation and packing.
Forgotten swimwear, sunscreen or a phone charger can cause needless hassle, stress and extra spending once you reach your destination. In this article we’ll walk you through a complete beach holiday packing list, so you can enjoy carefree relaxation from the very first day of your trip to the last.
How to prepare your holiday packing list
When packing for a beach holiday, it helps to have a clear plan so you don’t forget anything important. We recommend putting together a packing list a few days before you leave, or simply use ours below.
Also consider the length of your stay, the activities you have planned, and the specific conditions at your destination, such as the weather or how easy it is to find shops. Split your list into categories – clothing, footwear, toiletries, beach gear, electronics, documents and medication.
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Beach holiday packing list: the essentials
Planning a seaside getaway is exciting, but packing for it rarely is. We often find ourselves staring into an open suitcase, trying to squeeze in everything we need while avoiding the unnecessary. To make life easier, we’ve put together a holiday packing list of all the essentials you shouldn’t be without on the beach, on day trips or during evening strolls.
💡Read also: Where to go on holiday in May
Clothing
- Swimwear (ideally 2–3 pieces)
- Light summer clothing (T-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses)
- A light hoodie or jumper for cooler evenings
- Pyjamas
- Underwear and socks for each day
- A hat or cap to keep the sun off
- A light waterproof jacket (in case of rain)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops for the beach
- A small handbag, backpack or bum bag
Toiletries
- Basic toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush)
- High-factor sunscreen
- Aftersun lotion with aloe vera
- Panthenol (in case of sunburn)
- Insect repellent
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitiser gel
- A small beach towel
- Make-up and make-up remover
- Body lotion to keep your skin hydrated
- Nail scissors, a file and tweezers
- Deodorant and perfume
- Spare contact lenses (if you wear them) and lens solution
- Hair ties and clips
- SPF lip balm
- Feminine hygiene products
- Tissues
- Cotton buds
💡TIP: 6 cosmetic essentials for travel
Electronics
- Mobile phone + charger
- Camera (if you don’t just shoot on your phone)
- Headphones
- A power bank for charging on the go
- A travel plug adapter (if needed)
- An e-reader or tablet for entertainment
Documents and money
- Passport or ID card
- Driving licence (if you plan to hire a car, we recommend DiscoverCars)
- Travel insurance (we recommend SafetyWing) and a copy of it
- Payment cards, a Revolut card and a little cash in the local currency
- Student card (if you have one – it can come in handy for discounted entry to attractions)
- Copies of important documents (electronic copies too)
- Tickets, boarding passes and accommodation confirmations
➜ Before you set off, take a look at our travel insurance comparison (including a 50% discount).
Medication and health supplies
- Any personal medication you take regularly
- A basic first-aid kit (painkillers, anti-diarrhoea tablets, plasters)
- Travel sickness tablets (if you’re prone to it)
- Sore-throat spray
- Antiseptic for minor cuts and grazes
Beach gear
- Beach bag
- Beach towel
- Slip-on sandals
- Snorkel, swimming goggles and fins
- Water shoes
- Sunglasses with a UV filter
- Inflatable lounger or air mattress (depending on your luggage space)
- A book or magazine to read
What else might come in handy
- Travel pillow
- Earplugs
- Small notes for tips
- A pack of cards
- A water bottle
- A small sewing kit
- A notepad and pen
- A phrasebook
- A beach tent or parasol
- Travel laundry sheets for washing clothes
- A travel coffee maker
What to pack it all in – choosing the right luggage
The right luggage mainly comes down to how long you’re away, how you’re travelling and your personal preferences.
- Wheeled suitcase – The best choice for a longer stay. A hard-shell case protects your belongings from moisture and knocks, while a soft fabric one is lighter and usually has expandable capacity.
- Holdall – Great for shorter trips or if you’re heading off on a road trip. It slots easily into the car and is usually lighter than a suitcase.
- Backpack – If you’re planning a more active holiday with lots of moving around – say, travelling along the coast or combining beach and mountains – a larger backpack can be more practical than a suitcase.
- Cabin bag – On the plane it’s worth keeping a smaller backpack or bag with your documents, electronics, a book, toiletries and any other essentials you need during the flight.
Tips for packing efficiently – making the most of your luggage space
Packing can be a real challenge, especially when you want to keep your luggage to a minimum but still bring everything you need. Here are a few tips to make the most of the space in your case:
- Roll, don’t fold – Roll your clothes instead of folding them; they take up less space and crease less too.
- Use packing organisers – Packing cubes and vacuum bags help keep things tidy and save space. They also keep your clean clothes separate from the dirty ones.
- Fill the empty gaps – Use your shoes to stash small items like socks or underwear. The gaps around your case are perfect for belts, cables or small toiletries.
- Cut down on toiletries – We recommend packing waterless NanoSpace Cosmetics (you’ll find our review in this article) or travel-size shampoo, shower gel and cream. Both save space and weight in your luggage.
- Think mix & match – Build outfits you can combine. Instead of seven different T-shirts and five pairs of trousers, pack a few versatile pieces that work together. We love the Summer Eagle NanoSpace by Lada dress, which can be worn up to 11 different ways.
- Don’t pack what you won’t use – Think about what you’ll genuinely need. If you’re staying at a hotel that provides towels, there’s no need to bring your own. The same goes for a hairdryer or hair straighteners.
We’re confident you’ve now got a good idea of what to take on a beach holiday, so you won’t be left short of anything.
💡You can learn how to pack efficiently using just hand luggage RIGHT HERE. It can come in handy if you want to save on your flight.
Frequently asked questions
What SPF factor is best for a beach vacation?
It depends on your skin, but a minimum of SPF 30 is recommended, ideally SPF 50 for longer time spent in the sun.
What shouldn’t I forget for a vacation at the beach?
The most important things are your documents, payment card, medications, and sunscreen. Everything else can usually be bought on site.
What to wear on your head at the beach?
For your head at the seaside, it’s good to bring a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, a baseball cap or linen cap, a scarf or bandana, which also works well for protecting your neck. Don’t forget sunglasses – even though they’re not exactly “for your head,” they’re important eye protection. If you’re planning to swim frequently, a swimming cap might come in handy too.
What to wear on a beach vacation?
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For a beach vacation, pack swimwear, ideally two pairs so they can dry. Bring light summer dresses or skirts, shorts, t-shirts and tops made from lightweight, breathable materials. Beach tunics or cover-up shirts are useful. Even in warm destinations it can get cooler in the evening, so don’t forget a light sweatshirt or sweater. For footwear, comfortable sandals, flip-flops and water shoes are suitable. In case of rain, have a light waterproof jacket with you.
What do you need for a beach vacation?
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Besides clothes, don’t forget sunscreen with high UV protection and after-sun lotion with aloe vera. Obviously you’ll need toiletries and a basic first-aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication, band-aids, and painkillers. You’ll also need a towel or beach blanket and a beach bag. A charger and possibly a power adapter are also important. Don’t forget your travel documents and insurance.
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Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
