Road trips and beach vacations are the most popular type of breaks right now. If you’re planning on hitting up the beach this year, get prepared with a beach checklist!
Beach trips can be so much fun. But if you don’t bring any activities, enough water, or get sunburned, it’s a different story. And for those with kids, it’s extra important to pack the right beach trip items.
And if you remember to bring the essentials, you’ll have an awesome day at the beach or on your beach vacation!
This beach checklist will help you remember everything you need when packing for the beach.
Beach Tote Bag or Luggage
Whether you are traveling to a faraway destination or driving a few miles down the road, you’ll need a bag. For one person, a stylish beach tote bag made of canvas works well.
If you’re packing for the family, get everyone their own little bag. Even small children should be able to carry their own towels and bathing suits.
And for those lucky enough to be jetting off to white sands and palm trees, you’ll need luggage for the plane and a beach bag. Tote bags pack up small and they can double as a dirty laundry bag when not in use.
Bathing Suits
One-piece or two-piece bathing suit? It doesn’t matter, just remember to pack one! Underwear is not a good substitute at a public beach.
Even if you don’t plan on splashing around in the sea, you will want to avoid tan lines when sunbathing.
Keep your wet bathing suit separate from your other belongings by using a wet bag. Or even a simple plastic bag! Anything waterproof will work great.
Beach Towels
Next, be sure to pack beach towels. If you’re packing the beach essentials for your entire family, bring enough towels for everyone. Because if some want to swim and some want to sunbathe, you will soon run out of clean towels.
Many classic beach towels are bulky. No matter how many different ways you try rolling them, they’re still huge. Especially if you are going on vacation to the beach and need to pack many towels in one suitcase.
Choose pretty, quick-drying, and compact towels that fold up small. If you’re in the market for some new beach towels and like the sound of fast-drying, durable towels, check them out here.
Sun and Health Protection
The most important items on any beach checklist are anything that protects from the sun and heat. Beach vacations are so much fun but they can quickly turn sour if the proper precautions are not taken.
Add the following essential items to your beach checklist:
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Sun hats
- Chapstick
- Umbrella, beach tent, or sunshade
- Hand sanitizer or wipes
- Simple First Aid Kit – Antiseptic cream and band-aids
These items are non-negotiable if you’re wondering what to take on vacation at the beach. Choose a sunblock with a high SPF and UV rating for your kid’s sunblock and make sure it’s water-resistant and reef safe.
Sunblock can be expensive but it’s worth it.
As for sunglasses and sun hats, choose accessories that you love wearing! Who says you can’t be stylish while protecting yourself from UV rays?
Beach Clothes
Pack beach-friendly clothes. Choose shorts, dresses, and tank tops made of light, natural materials such as linen and cotton. And on your feet, wear flip-flops or sandals so you can slide them on and off.
It’s important to bring a light covering in case you want to shield your skin from the sun. A sarong, t-shirt, or even a very light jacket should do the trick.
A back-up outfit or change of clothes for kids is a good idea, too.
Activities
Who gets bored at the beach?! Well, if the tide is out or the water is a little cold, you might find lying around for an entire afternoon to be a bit tedious.
Bring some toys and games to keep everyone occupied. Here are a few ideas:
- Bucket and spaces
- Snorkel gear
- Surfboard
- Floatation devices
- Goggles
- Book
You can add whatever you like to do at the beach to your beach checklist!
Some kids love nothing more than digging a hole for hours. And even some adults too. In which case, a simple spade might be all you need.
Gadgets
Kick your beach vacation up a notch and bring your favorite (but well-sealed and waterproof) gadgets. If you have a portable speaker, you could bring that along to play tunes. But if you’re at a public beach, be mindful of the other people around you.
There aren’t many electrical outlets on the beach, so keep your phone charged by bringing a portable battery pack. You could also bring an instant or polaroid camera to take fun, candid shots.
Gadgets on the beach need protecting. Slot your phone into a plastic pouch to use in the water and keep your valuables protected in a dry sack.
Food and Water
Your local beach might have food trucks and ice cream counters. But it’s still important to pack some snacks and water.
Grab a cool bag and pack fill a reusable travel water bottle for every person. Those insulated ones that can keep water cool for up to 12 hours are perfect.
If you want to pack a few adult beverages, then go for it! But remember, alcohol is dehydrating so pace yourself. Fruit juice and soda are tasty, too.
Cut up some juicy fruits like pineapple, mango, and watermelon to pack in the cooler, too.
Use This Beach Checklist for Your Next Trip
This beach checklist includes all the essentials to have an amazing time (and stay safe!) at the beach. No one is going to get sunburned, dehydrated, or bored if you bring these items.
All that’s left to do is to pack them in your beach bag or suitcase, work on your tan, and have fun.
Check out more travel posts for great tips and advice!