What Should I Bring On A Beach Vacation

I’ve just spent 2 months at the beach, and even I was confused about what to bring. I don’t want to carry around a suitcase, but what should I bring with me? That’s why I’ve created this handy list of 15 things you need to bring on your beach vacation.

Ah, the beach. The serenity of a tropical beach, the silky feel of sand between your toes, and the cool waves lapping against your body. Sounds like paradise to me. So you’re planning that beach getaway? One thing I plan when I travel is what to pack. You don’t have to take everything you own on vacation, but there are a couple of standard items that you should take with you.

The glamorous life of a beach vacation, tanned skin and sand in between your toes. It doesn’t get any better than this, right? But there’s one thing that a beach vacation always has that can ruin the whole experience: the packing list. You see, if you forget a few items, it won’t be the end of the world. But if you forget the right items — you can end up with an unpleasant experience.

Ahhh, it’s time. Time to clear your mind and refresh your body; refresh that beach bod. While you’re at it, you’ll want to show off that beach bod to all the other vacationers. I can’t forget about the all important Instagram-worthy pictures! Vacation is when some of us feel most relaxed, so why not bring all the comforts of home to enhance your relaxation? Here are ten items for your beac

As a confirmed beach lover, I am constantly on the lookout for the perfect destination with its paradisiac natural landscapes. It’s not just about enjoying the sun and sand; For me a perfect vacation is measured by its accommodations, food and water sports activities.

Packing your bags for the summer vacation can be quite exhausting and turn into a high-level mental exercise and it even becomes more challenging if you’re travelling with children. Imagine, your house is now temporarily turned into a dressing room with stuff everywhere. Everything is taken out, stacked, packed and unpacked, over and over again. And before you know it, congratulations, you have packed a week’s worth of supplies into your suitcase for a one-day trip. 

Anyone who is packing for a trip to the beach with children must have 1/ good nerves, or 2/ the beach packing checklist from the CabinZero team, where we have listed all the beach essentials for you and your family – just relax and follow! 

You can use this beach packing list as a jumping-off point, and then make your own personalised checklist for you and your family. 

THE OVERALL BEACH PACKING TIPS FOR YOUR BEACH VACATION 

• The ‘sand-free’ items: Remember you’re going on a trip to the beach, which means you might come back home with your wet clothes full of sand – you don’t want that. Think ahead and pack along with those towels, beach blankets or bags that are made to prevent sand from sticking onto the fabric. 
• If you’re carrying any electronic gadgets with you (phone, GoPro, camera, etc.), make sure they are waterproof or have a protective case with them.
• Disposable wipes can be useful – take them along with you to the beach and there will definitely be times you need them, to wipe out those ice cream or food stains for example.
• Reuse those plastic bags to bring food or snacks to the beach and store your swimsuits or any wet items home after. 

What Should I Bring On A Beach Vacation

• Leave those towels at home if your hotel offers towels/beach towels as a part of their amenities. This will help to save you some extra space for other stuff and avoid overpacking. 
• If you’re planning to do other activities like hiking or trekking, then your beach packing list should look a bit more extensive, with walking shoes and lightweight pieces of clothing. 
• Go through your itinerary of each day and think of what you will need for each activity, you might have a better idea of what to prepare. 

>> Read more: Best Beaches In The Us And Tropical Places In The US For Your Beach Vacation

THINGS TO PACK FOR THE BEACH – THE ULTIMATE FAMILY BEACH PACKING CHECKLIST

From your personal items to your kids’ necessities, make your life easier with this checklist – as we will go through basic and essential items you will need for a family beach vacation following these categories: clothes (adults & kids), beach accessories & toiletries, electronic items, heath & first-aid items, personal items, items for kids & babies, beach family travel games and important documents. 

CLOTHES – BEACH TRIP PACKING LIST 

Going to the beach is all fun and casual – it’s time to free all your summer clothes out of the closet and dress all light and comfortable! 

• Jacket Pants (short and long)
• Tops
• Underwear and socks
• Skirts / Dresses
• Pajamas / Tracksuits
• Shoes (sturdy and light) / Flipflops / Sandals 
• Accessories (scarf, jewellery, belt)
• Rain gear if necessary
• Possibly sports clothes
• Water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and corals

 Kids clothing

• Light jacket
• T-shirts
• Pants / Leggings
• Pants and socks (non-slip)
• Pajamas / Tracksuits
• Shoes (sturdy and light)
• Shorts / Skirt
• Change of clothes
• Bodysuits
• Rain gear if necessary
• Possibly sports clothes

TOILETRIES FOR THE FAMILY BEACH TRIP

• Shower gel and shampoo
• Body and face cream
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hair spray/gel
• Hairbrush/comb
• Shower cap
• Hair ties and clips
• Towels / Washcloths
• Possibly glasses/contact lens accessories
• Cosmetics (makeup, makeup remover)
• Shaving kit
• Deodorant / Perfume / Cologne
• Cotton balls
• Vaseline
• Pads/panty liners
• Feminine products

BEACH ESSENTIALS FOR A FUN BEACH VACATION 

Besides the basic toiletries items for any trip, don’t forget to prep yourself with those beach necessities if you don’t want to come back with a heavy sunburn or the irritation of your legs getting all bitten by beach bugs and sandflies! Here is a list to note: 

• Sun cream
• After Sun lotion
• Hair conditioner for hair that is left under the sun, to protect your hair from the sun and saltwater
• Swim brief / Swimsuit / Swim diapers
• Beach towel / Picnic blanket
• Sun hat/cap
• Sunglasses
• Beach bag
• UV swimwear
• Bathing shoes
• Diving/snorkel/swimming goggles
• Beach Umbrella
• Lip Balm with SPF 
• Repellent
• A reusable water bottle for everyone
• Beach blanket and towels
• A portable cooler
• Bottle opener
• Reusable utensils
• Swim diapers for babies
• Toddler swim floaties 

Note: Make sure you check the environmental rules of using sunscreen at your beach destination as some places ban certain sunscreens that are harmful to the coral reefs. You can shop for those reef-friendly sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate instead. 

ELECTRONIC ITEMS TO PACK FOR A BEACH TRIP

• Cellphone
• Headphones
• Camera / action camera
• Foreign adapters
• Power banks and charging cords
• E-book reader / Kinder 
• Portable speaker 

HEALTH & FIRST-AID KIT CHECKLIST

• Disinfectant spray
• Plaster / Bandage
• Personal medications (prescription)
• Pain relievers for adults
• Ointment
• Syrup against cough
• Nasal spray / drops / aspirator
• Insect spray
• Possibly earplugs
• Fever gauge
• Suppositories for vomiting/fever
• Vitamins

Anti-COVID Hygiene Products:

• Masks
• Alcoholic wipes/ disinfecting wipes
• Hand sanitiser
• Disposable plastic gloves

BEACH ITEMS FOR KIDS AND BABIES – WHAT TO PACK WELL FOR THE CHILDREN?

Who doesn’t want a bit of fun taking the kids and babies for a day out at the beach? However, the packing bit can be a bit of a pain if you don’t know where to start – We’re here to help! See the list of the items for babies and kids below and feel free to add more to make it more customised for your family beach packing list. 

Items for Kids

• Shower gel and shampoo for children
• Body and face cream
• Wound protection cream
• Sunscreen for children
• Children’s hairbrush
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Cotton swabs
• Scissors and nail file, tweezers
• Plastic bags for dirty laundry
• Toilet paper (camping or excursion)
• Individual detergent packages

Items for Babies

• Pot cleaner
• Drinking bottles (filled)
• Special foods (powdered milk)
• Snacks!
• Thermos bottle
• Tupperware
• Nuggis / Nuggi chain
• Tissues
• Layers
• Changing mat
• Travel towel/swaddling
• Possibly travel cot/sleeping bag
• Baby monitor
• Soft toy (& replacement)
• Sun protection for the car
• Car seat
• Baby carrier
• High chair
• Stroller / Buggy
• Change of clothes

BEACH FAMILY TRAVEL GAMES – DON’T FORGET THE ENTERTAINMENT BIT ON YOUR LIST!

Going on a family vacation without any family travel game? Sounds like a bad idea. You’ve gotta keep the kids (and yourself) entertained and tie that family bond. Here are our suggestions of games and activities you can do to spice up your quality family time. 

• Card games or other board games
• Electronic reader / Books / Magazines
• Toys (don’t overdo it) / Sand toys
• Painting materials
• Volleyballs
• A portable speaker
• A selfie stick
• Books & Magazines
• Printable travel games
• Paper, pen and coloured pencils
• A floating raft: Most all-inclusive places have paddleboards and kayaks you can borrow, but nothing beats an inflatable floating raft in the pool or the ocean. 

IMPORTANT PERSONAL ITEMS AND DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST

• Passport / Identity card
• Driver’s license, vehicle documents
• Cash / Credit Cards
• Insurance certificates
• Vaccination cards
• Travel documents (tickets, hotel confirmation, map)
• Emergency numbers
• Wallet / Coin pouch