So your big beach trip is coming up and you are a little lost on what to pack to the beach? Some items will be the same as what
we would usually bring to our regular summer beach day: beach towels, our cell phone, credit cards, and a sun hat to help with sun protection. But traveling to a beach destination is not the same! These essential items can look a little different.
Whether you’re reaching your beach destination by plane or after a long road trip, your beach essentials will go way beyond a bathing suit. So what to pack for the beach? You will need to put together a complete beach packing list to help you get organized before setting off on your vacation.
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I am here as your friend to ensure you have more than a good time on your next beach vacation, so let’s do the best thing to answer that question: what to pack to the beach?
Let’s go through this article together so your personal items and your beach bag essentials are not left behind for the beach trip of a lifetime.
Brazil has endless things to do and if you are looking at traveling all around Brazil, we also have our complete Brazil travel guide, which you can read later.
What to Pack to the Beach and How to Prepare My Beach Vacation Packing List?
When it comes to answering โWhat to pack to the beach?โ, there are some essential items you need to put in your beach vacation packing list. Think of what you would usually pack for a normal beach day then add other specific items.
For example, I would always start by choosing each of the clothing items I’m taking along. I am a bit of an anxious packer, so each outfit gets paired up with some underwear and then placed inside a plastic bag.
Also bring shoes, your preferred accessories, a very well-packed toiletry bag, beach gear, toys, some sort of entertainment, and other amenities we will go over in the next section of our article.
Before we go over it, remember the key to being ready for your beach trip is planning accordingly however many days you are staying there.
No one wants to overpack and be stuck with heavy bags while traveling, so that is where our next section will come in handy. Keep in mind that while these items are a must-have in your beach vacation packing list, how many of each will depend on how long your tropical getaway will last.
Also keep in mind that if you are thinking of leaving some stuff behind to get it at your destination, your preferred brand for beach essentials might not be available. Now pick a pen and paper, and let’s get you all set for your beach holiday!
What to Pack to the Beach: The Ultimate Beach Trip Packing List
As I mentioned before, this is not going to be a final beach vacation packing list. My advice is to take your time as we go over the next items. Take a beat after each section so we can have a fully formed list for your beach trip by the end of it.
Beach Weather Clothing Items
The first of your essential items is enough change of clothes then some. Let me explain, first, we want to bring more than one bathing suit so you’re not stuck re-wearing your wet swimsuit. You also want to bring beach cover-ups for everyone. Your last item on the beachfront should be plastic bags to take everything back home in, sand tends to get everywhere.
As your friend, I hope you take time to explore more than just the sand at your beach destination. Whenever I have to plan for a trip, my first step is looking at the weather forecast.
Then you should choose one outfit per day you’re spending there, plus one for each travel day. As your friend, I recommend you take a couple of wildcards just in case items like a long-sleeved shirt or your favorite denim pants. Who knows when the weather will turn crazy?
Appropriate Shoes
You may think that the only shoes deserving of a spot on your beach vacation packing list are flip flops but that is simply not true!
Yeah, they are super important and don’t take up much room, so use this opportunity to pack some other shoes that might make your trip more comfortable! For example, water shoes can be great to avoid slipping up on rocks or the pool.
It is always great to have at least one good pair of sneakers for all of your exploring, one pair of shoes you can use to dress up a little and I always like to have some slippers for downtime at the hotel!
A friendly tip: don’t use your trip to break in any new shoes, breaking in any new pair can lead to discomfort, blisters, and worse so it’s better to be safe.
A Well Packed Toiletry Bag
When I say a well-packed toiletry bag, I mean it! You do need all of your usual essential items: soap, shampoo, conditioner, and sun protection such as sunscreen for your body, face, and even scalp. Going to a beach destination requires a little more though.
I recommend you bring a lip balm because salt water will dry up your lips! You should consider bringing both a sun balm and your preferred lotion.
In addition, don’t forget your oral hygiene items too. One more thing that can be included on your list is a small first aid kit. If you are traveling to a more remote destination or even abroad, finding the things that work for you can be hard.
You can purchase ready-made ones or get creative with a small necessaire to put together your kit.
Beach Gear (Including Toys)
Adding beach gear to your packing list can be something tricky because it really depends on how you are going to your final destination.
If you are driving there, then it is a lot easier to take bigger beach items like a beach blanket, beach chairs, your own beach umbrella, and so on. I can’t count the number of times my family’s car was packed and on the road early in the morning.
In case your vacation starts with a plane ride, it is silly trying to take this much stuff. So your best bet is to look for a place with vacation rentals so your only concern is to relax. In all inclusive resorts, those things are generally included in your room rate along with other amenities.
Personal Entertainment
Personal entertainment is such a broad term but it is important to have little things with which to spend your down time. For me, that is at least one good book, some games, and maybe craft projects.
This will look different for each group, so talk to each person and see what works for them.
For groups with younger kids, I’ve seen some parents put together little entertainment kits in backpacks. So think of coloring books, puzzles, and whatever family travel games you have. It can help to have a portable charger on hand for electronics while traveling.
Your Personal Items
Here is where it can go very wrong because it is a miscellaneous category. So start with your wallet: credit cards, travel documents (photo ID and visa if necessary), and cash. You never want to be stranded with no money at hand.
After that, think of things you need every day like your personal electronics plus chargers. Personal items for me also include my hair clip, hair ties, umbrella…
Even your luggage counts as a personal item, that is why you need to properly identify and lock it. My last few locks were purchased at a Walgreens and paired with bright ribbons around my standard black suitcase.
Additional: Snacks
The last one isn’t exactly an item on your beach vacation packing list but I would say it is a need for any trip, not just for your next beach trip. Packing snacks is necessary for when you get a little antsy during a long road trip. Or maybe your plane won’t have the best in-flight options.
In any case, you will want to be prepared!
Even for international flights, you can bring stuff like kind bars or even candy, so long as every package is not open. My personal tip? Take something salty and a sweet option too! You never know what craving is going to hit you.
Remember, this article isn’t meant to be taken as a final beach vacation packing list, it should be used as your starting guide for the packing process. The first thing to take into account is every person going on this beach trip with you.
Is it just family members? Or has the trip finally made it out of the group chat? Each kind of trip will have a different list of essential items.
Kids will need a rash guard over their bathing suits and water shoes, and an insulated water bottle to keep hydration up. I wouldn’t bother taking stuff like beach towels and beach chairs since almost every beach destination will have them available. Either through your hotel or rentals for your beach day, big items like a beach umbrella can stay behind!
And you know your personal items; things such as cell phones, credit cards, sun hats, and other smaller beach bag essentials should be taken wherever you’re going. Especially if you are like me and only use some specific brands.
Before we part, I have to share one of my favorite travel tips with you! After everything is packed away, don’t forget to triple-check your travel documents.
That will include a good insurance policy, especially if your plans include practicing water sports. You always want to be on the safe side!
If you are curious, here are a list of Brazils top beaches.
