Packing for a beach vacation with the fam can be overwhelming, but with some (or a lot of) planning it’s completely manageable. Whether you’re flying or hitting the road, use my tips to help you get organized and perfectly packed. Read on for our ultimate beach vacation packing list.
TOILETRIES BAG PACKING LIST
Hair:
- Shampoo, Conditioner (or ask if they have them available at the hotel/rental)
- Brush / comb
- Hair styling tools
- Hair styling gels / creams
- Hair ties
Face:
- Face wash
- Moisturizer
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Face products
- Contacts, case, solution
- Glasses
- Makeup and makeup remover, cotton balls
Body:
- Deodorant
- Soap / body wash
- Shaving tools / creams
- Feminine products
- Lotion
Medicine bag:
- Bug spray
- Aloe vera
- First aid ointment
- Pain relievers
- Lip balm with SPF
- Diaper cream
- Childs Tylenol / Motrin
- Bandages
- Q tips, cotton balls
- Diapers (bring one small bag for the day of travel, then buy a box when you get there)
CLOTHES PACKING LIST
Basics:
- Underwear
- Socks
- Bras
- Sleepwear
- Lounge clothes
For the beach:
- Swimsuits for women
- Swim trunks for men
- Rashguards for kids
- Coverups
- Sliders / flip flops
- Swim shoes
- Swim diapers
Daywear:
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Tanks
- T-shirts
- Dresses
- Rompers
- Sandals
- Hats
- Hair accessories
Evening Wear:
- Dresses
- Dress shirts
- Jeans/pants
- Belts
- Shoes
- Heels
- Light jacket
- Jewelry
- Purse / clutch
Athletic gear:
- Athletic pants/shorts
- Light tops
- Sports bras
- Sneakers
- Hair ties
BEACH PACKING LIST
(Before packing any of these, check with your hotel or rental about whether they offer any of these items)
- Beach bag
- Sunscreen
- Beach tent
- Beach blanket/mat or fitted sheet
- Soft cooler
- Water bottles
- Beach toys, balls, frisbee
- Goggles, swim floats/vests
- Water shoes
- Swim diaper(s) (or consider buying a pack when you get there)
- Dry / drawstring bag
- Baby powder (to remove sand from skin)
- Plastic bags for trash and wet suits and towels
- Read over my full list for what to bring to beach.
TECHNOLOGY PACKING LIST
- Tablets
- Laptop
- Camera (consider a water-proof camera as well for some awesome pics!)
- Chargers for all
- Portable speakers (I love putting on music while I’m cooking or getting ready!)
TRAVEL BAG PACKING LIST
- Wallet – cash, credit card, insurance cards, ID, etc.
- Cell phone, charger
- Tablet, charger
- Headphones/ear buds
- Travel pillow, blanket
- Snacks
- Toys
- Medicine bag
- Diapers and wipes
- Extra outfit and socks
- Pacifier or drinks for takeoff and landing
- An extra bottle just in case (and a portable pump if you have one)
- Clear / ziplock bags
IF YOU’RE TAKING A ROAD TRIP, PACK THESE:
- Chairs
- Large umbrella / canopy
- Wagon / beach cart
- Large cooler (with wheels)
BUY THERE
- Landry detergent
- Dryer sheets
- Food and drinks to stock the fridge (dry items if in a hotel with no kitchen)
- Paper towels
LASTLY
- Your patience! You might forget something. Guess what? They have stores there too. You can buy anything you need and buy it online and get it shipped. And it it’s baby related, you can rent it. I actually like buying and renting at the destination more than bringing everything with me.
WAYS TO SAVE SPACE IN YOUR LUGGAGE
- Bring travel sized toiletry items. Call where you’re staying to check what they offer so you don’t have to bring those items.
- Plan to buy diapers and wipes when you get there. If kids live in the city that you’re visiting, then they sell diapers and wipes there.
- While it’s fun to bring all of your favorite outfits and every adorable outfit your kid owns, bring items that you can mix and match. And staying somewhere with access to a washer and dryer makes it easier to not have to bring a different outfit for every day.
- Perfect your packing technique- I use the rolling method and it really is more efficient.
- Get packing cubes! They really do save a ton of space.
