I love to shop and packing for a beach vacation is a perfect time to upgrade some items that are used, warn out or just plain out of date. Even if it is just a general beach vacation, you still want to look good and feel good while you are relaxing in the sun. Here is a quick list of items you want to make sure to bring while you are out catching some rays.
Beach Vacation Packing List
Swimsuits & Cover Ups
You probably have a stash of swimsuits already but now is the perfect time to take inventory of what you do have. Are they in good condition? Throw away the older ones that are stretched out and faded. You probably are not going to wear those. Try on the remaining ones. Do they fit well?
If you are like me, my weight fluctuates throughout the year so a winter beach vacation and a summer trip may be different sizes. Which are going to fit when it is time to leave? My personal favorite brand is CupShe. They have cute suits for a broad range of body types and mine have lasted a lot longer than others I have purchased.
Sunglasses
You are probably headed to the beach to relax in the sun. Eye wear is important to protect your sight from the UV rays that warms your skin. Make sure to find something that will filter out those rays and help with glare. You also want something that will help improve the color you see through the lenses. I love Maui Jim glasses specifically for those reasons with their PolarizedPlus2® technology.
Sunscreen
While we are on the topic of sun safety, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen for your beach vacation. Try picking something that is also environmentally friendly. Those rays are unforgiving especially if you are coming to the beach from a destination that doesn’t really see the sun during the winter months.
The further south you go towards the equator, the stronger those rays are going to be. For instance, if you are coming from Chicago in the middle of winter, even the sun of Miami has the potential to burn. If you are traveling to Jamaica or St. Lucia, it will be even stronger. I had an unfortunate indecent of getting sun poisoning on my first day of a vacation which in turn, ruined the rest of my trip.
Even if you are just planning on being out at the beach for a couple hours, put on sunscreen. You will thank me later.
Beach Towels
If you are staying at a beach resort, the property will probably have towels for you to use. I was on a beach vacation at a hotel on Capri, Italy and they gave us these thick yoga mats because the beach was rocky. It was a nice touch to be able to lounge in the sun and not feel the stones under me.
If you are just visiting a local beach though, bring your own towel. I generally have larger ones than just a bath towel so I can stretch out and not touch the sand. There are some great new technologies within the towel industry that helps repel sand from the fibers. There are even some that have little loops and stakes so you can attach the towel to the sand to help with it blowing away (kind of like staking a tent).
Beach Bag
You are going to want a bigger bag to carry all of your stuff on your beach vacation. Some things like a towel or snacks are going to require more space than just a general bag. Look for something with comfortable handles or straps to help with the additional weight of the items you are bringing. You may also want to look for something that is insulated to keep food and beverages cold in the sun. Something that has a lot of extra pockets also helps to keep your things organized.
You may also want to pick something that looks unique. It is easier to find when you are walking back to your perfect spot on the sand. As always though, make sure someone in your group is constantly around your area to make sure nobody walks by and takes your things. If you are alone, make friends with others around you so if you want to jump in the water for a dip, they may be able to keep an eye on your things for you. Remember to return the favor!
Books
When I am tired from swimming on my beach vacation, I like to sit back and relax with a great book. With so many out there, I like to find one that tells a story about my destination. Maybe not a travel guide but a fiction novel that highlights the area and tells a story set in the local culture.
I have found that a lot of those can weave in local hot spots that may not be in a travel guide. You may not get an exact name but with a bit of research you can find those hidden gems they may be basing their story around. Are the characters at a restaurant on Waikiki Beach drinking a Mai Tai with their toes in the sand? Something like that is an easy Google search. Even if you don’t find the exact place the author was referencing, you can still have a similar experience. (Answer: Duke’s Waikiki)
Snorkel Gear
If you are like me and love the water, you are going to want to see more around you. If you decide to take a snorkel or dive excursion on your beach vacation, they will have equipment for you to use but I prefer to bring my own anyways. I don’t like sharing things especially if it is going to be by my face or in my mouth.
I like snorkel masks that cover your whole face. This helps with seeing more of what is around you plus many are anti fog and even have a place to attach a camera. If you want to go all out, get a snorkel set with a mask and fins. Some even come with a bag to keep all the parts together for you.
Mini Speaker
If you like listening to music on your beach vacation, I would recommend bringing a portable speaker with you. The sounds around you like crashing waves and sea birds can be loud so having an extra boost will help. Plus, you don’t want your phone out in a beach environment. You can get sand in the microphone or damage the camera lens with the sun. Look for a waterproof, Bluetooth enabled speaker to connect and just store your phone safely in your beach bag.
Underwater Camera
I love taking pictures under the water. You can see really fun things there like different colors of a coral reef or an interesting fish swimming by. I even saw one of the most poisonous snakes in the world while snorkeling in Fiji! You are going to want a quality camera that takes a great quality picture under the water. GoPro is a brand that I generally look for because they are built specifically for action and durability. They have great quality and live streaming capabilities as well.