There is no one perfect packing list but this is what I tend to pack when heading to a beach destination. With summer you have the luxury of less bulkier clothing and more packing space. Trading your winter boots for flip-flops can make a huge difference in what type of bag you need to bring. Also it is important to reference where you are going and the ease of buying things you find necessary in the place you are heading such as can you buy a big bottle of sunscreen when you arrive? Does your accommodation give you access to beach towels, umbrellas, beach chairs? Do you need to bring beach games or sand toys? Another big factor that plays a role in my packing conditions is my baggage allowance. A great tip is always to verify the baggage sizes and weights allowed for the airline you are flying before packing. Of note, a lot of budget airlines make you pay for carry on sized luggage and only allow a personal item and even some have weight restrictions – the cost of the bags will be significantly more at the airport so it is much better to book ahead of time. It is possible to do carry on only with beach destinations since typically the clothing is lighter. You can bring more and save on space by wearing layers on the plane. Once on the plane you can remove layers at your seat to be comfortable for the plane ride! Also I strongly encourage you to check out the TSA carry on policy so you are sure which items can be allowed on a carry on or not (for example tripods are allowed on in carry on while hiking poles are not and must be in checked baggage only). If you are bringing certain beach equipment be prepared to pay the sports check for both ways on your flight. If you are packing for a beach you can drive to even better! You can throw in all your beach equipment into your car!
Beach specific vacation
- Swimwear
- Cover-up
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Collapsible beach tote
- Snorkel and Fins
- Underwater camera/Go-Pro
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Beach toys/games
- Beach chairs
- Beach umbrella
- Water shoes
- Cooler with your favorite snacks and drinks
- Book/Magazine/Something to read
Clothing
- Underwear
- Undershirts/bras
- Socks/stockings
- Shirts
- Pants/Jeans/leggings
- Dress/skirt
- Swimsuit/cover-up
- Hat
- Belt
- PJs/sleepwear
- Formalwear if needed (dress/suit/tie)
- Collapsible day bag or tote
- Laundry bag
Shoes
- Causal/walking shoes
- Hiking/athletic shoes
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Dress shoes/Heels
- Water shoes
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Hair Brush/Comb
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Body lotion
- Shaving supplies/razor
- Contact lens/solution
- Feminine hygiene products
- Nail clippers/nail file
- Tweezers
- Hand sanitizer
- Band-Aids/bandages/moleskin
- Make up/make up remover
- First aid kit
Health and Medications
- Any prescription medications
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Vitamins
- Motion sickness prevention medication
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Electrolyte packets
- Anti acid medications
- Birth Control
- First Aid Medications/lotion
- Tissues
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellant
- List of medications
Carry- On Checklist
- Cell phone
- Laptop/tablet
- Electronic chargers
- International adapter
- Wallet (money/credit cards/ID)
- Passport
- Empty water bottle
- Headphones/ear buds
- Snacks
- Pen and Paper
- Sleep accessories (travel pillow/blanket/eye mask/earplugs)
- Hand sanitizer
- Change of clothes
- Medications
- Camera
- Copies of credit cards/insurance cards/passport/IDs
- Book or E-books.
- Itinerary and lodging address
Hiking specific
- Hiking shoes
- Quick dry clothing in layers
- Raincoat
- Waterproof pants
- Hiking poles (must be checked)
- Hat
- Gloves
- Camel-back or other water carry backpack
- First Aid Kit
- Headlamp or torch
- Snacks
- Charging bank
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