In a couple weeks, I’ll be heading down to Virginia Beach for a weekend away with the girls. I have a love/hate relationship with packing for a trip. I love making a list and buying new things for my trip but when it comes down to only bringing what I need – I suck. The night before, I frantically start adding every piece of clothing I haven’t worn in the last 3 years because I might (but definitely wont) wear it on vacation! This beach vacation checklist won’t help you with that, but it will make sure you have everything you need on your next beach vacation.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. Clicking on these links won’t cost you any extra money.
Beach Vacation Checklist
Before I start adding everything from my high school wardrobe, I make sure I have the essentials for the beach. That’s why I put together this beach vacation checklist for your next trip to the sand and sea. Now of course, you’re going to pack all the clothing you need – shorts, tanks, dresses, etc. but here’s everything else that you will want to add to your beach vacation checklist!
Swimsuits
I can’t be the only one, but if I had the choice I would bring every swimsuit I own. I usually try to pack one swimsuit per day of vacation. It’s not like they take up too much room anyways!
Sunscreen
Make sure you bring enough for your entire trip, however much that might be. I usually always bring sunscreen, face sunscreen and even some lip balm with sunscreen too. If I'm going on a long trip, I'll bring a higher SPF to use the first couple days and switch to a lower SPF once I have started to get a tan.
Sunburn Relief
Even with all that applying and reapplying, someone usually (Hi Kelly!) ends up with a sunburn. Don't ruin the rest of your trip by needing to stay in the hotel to keep cool or looking like a lobster! Keep your skin hydrated and cool after a day of fun in the sun.
Beach Towel
If you're staying at a hotel, the last thing you want to do is take one of those tiny little white towels and try to fit on it while laying on the sand. Bring a big beach towel from home! I have the personalized beach towels from Pottery Barn and I'm obsessed with how big they are!
Beach Tote
Again, unless you want to fill your carry on bag full of sand - I suggest bringing a beach tote. These TJ Maxx bags are perfect and only $0.99! They don't take up much space but are large enough for everything you will need for a day at the beach.
Sunhat
I don't care if it's a cute floppy beach hat or a baseball cap, bring one. If you're going to spend all day on the beach, you are going to want to shade your face at times. Of course, you could wait and purchase a sunhat at the beach with a big "I LOVE (insert location)" on the side.
Sunglasses
Duh! Grab your cute shades and get ready to hit the beach! I feel like this is pretty obvious but also thought about the people who leave their sunglasses in their car and might forget to grab them before vacation.
Water Bottle
Unless you want to pay for water each day, I highly suggest bringing an insulated water bottle to reuse. Try to find one that keeps your water cold for hours at a time, like these insulated water bottles.
Beach Cover Up
A cover up makes walking from your hotel to the beach or back to the boardwalk easy! Don't worry about needing an entire outfit for the beach when you can pack one of these super cute cover ups! More space for bathing suits in your suitcase!
Wireless Speaker
We've all had those times when we have been jealous of that group on the beach jammin' out to some good tunes. If you already have a wireless speaker, I would definitely add it to your bag! Just don't forget to grab the charger too!
high tides and good vibes
Leave a Reply