We are a few weeks away from rising temperatures, long days of sunshine, and switching to tank tops and cotton T-shirts. Then, what is the ultimate thing to do in summer? You guessed it right – going to the beach! Get your stock of vitamin D by soaking up the sun and dipping your toes into the warm sand. Whether you are heading to a one-hour drive away beach or flying to the sunny coasts of Thailand, packing the right things makes your vacation seamless. So, let’s talk about the ultimate beach packing list to say hello to summer. We are also including effective packing tips for our community of travelers!
Tip for Beach Packing List: Categorize
Before shoving stuff into a suitcase, divide the things you need to bring into several categories. It allows you to pick out which essentials should you take on your trip. Usually, we divide them into:
- Clothes
- Beach Gears
- Toiletries
- Documents and Travel Essentials
- Miscellaneous
Another tip: Buy a travel organizer and pack your things based on categories. It will make your life easier when it comes to unpacking. You can identify which bag or pouch with a sunscreen or beach blanket in it.
Beach Packing List: Essentials
After selecting the categories you need for your beach trip, let’s start picking out things! Here are some of our recommendations based on the category we have curated.
Clothes
Tops
Beach vacation means salty hair, sweaty skin, and sand sticking on your elbows. You want to wear something comfortable and suitable for a hot day. Then, we recommend packing some tank tops and T-shirts with lightweight and airy materials. As someone from a tropical country, cotton, genuine linen, and nylon help to fight humid weather and absorb moisture.
Bottoms
Same as your tops, your bottoms should be lightweight, airy, and preferably dry quickly. Bermuda shorts, knee-length cargo pants, and rayon shorts are our travelers’ favorites to pack.
I travel a lot to beach destinations, including Bali and Thailand, and always ensure jeans are not on my packing list. Although jeans can be worn multiple times and are easy to pair with anything, it is heavy and restrictive. Instead, I bought a few pairs of linen pants. They are lightweight, comfortable, and dry easily under the sun.
Cover-Up
You have decided to grab a cocktail in a nearby beach club after half an hour-long swim session. Showering is not yet an option as you’re thinking of splashing into the sea again after a drink. Then, here is where cover-ups play a role!
Cover-ups keep you warm, break the wind, protect your skin from sun damage, and are easy to wear. It comes in different models, from knit dresses to lightweight sarongs. I love throwing a sarong over my swimwear for a fast and convenient cover-up. But for the sake of cuteness, I choose flowy cardigans or sheer dresses. Alternatively, you can throw in some long-length nylon or Hawaii-styled shirts.
Flip-Flops or Sandals
Having a pair of flip-flops or flat sandals on maximizes the feeling of relaxation and vacation. Oh, wait until you finally step into the sand and it gets between your toes! Simply put, flip-flops are a must-have for a beach packing list. It is easy to slip on, comfortable and protects your feet when the sand is too hot.
Moreover, we recommend wearing your sandals or flip-flops if you are visiting a rocky or coral-filled beach. You can still be comfortable walking through the water while protecting your feet from hazards like sharp rocks or dangerous marine creatures.
Hats
Checking off hats from your beach packing list is a must. Lengthy sun exposure might cause headaches, nausea, or excessive sweating. For that reason, hats give your face and head protection from the sun. You can choose whatever hats work best for you, ranging from baseball caps to a wide sun hat.
Beach Bag
You plan on spending the entire day on a public beach – sandy, hot, crowded, and ‘hazardous’ (yes, such as getting your electronics soaked in the seawater or a beach ball hitting your head). So, we highly recommend carrying a lightweight, waterproof, easy-to-clean, and spacious bag. Those categories include knit tote bags, canvas tote bags and backpacks, and light duffel bags.
Personally, I refrain from wearing anything branded or fancy, especially if I’m heading to a public beach. I leave my handbags and crossbody bags at home and pack a corduroy tote bag instead. Besides that, foldable tote bags are also great. They are usually made out of nylon, don’t include zippers, and are easy to throw things into. Additionally, you can easily find them in souvenir shops, especially if you are traveling to Southeast Asia.
Toiletries and Sun Protection
Toiletries help you to stay clean and refreshed after a long day at the beach. Make sure to bring basic toiletries – shampoo, soap, and a set of toothbrushes and toothpaste. Other than that, here are some items we recommend packing:
Face Sunscreen
Facial and body sunscreen is slightly different. Your facial skin is more sensitive than the body, so choose a product specifically designed for it. Face sunscreen combats the damaging effects of UV rays, such as aging and dark spots. We need sunscreen daily, but heading to a beach destination means doubling the power! Make sure to choose a sunscreen that has at least SPF 50 in it.
Sunscreen or Sun Lotion
You want to fly back home with a gorgeous tan – we get it! However, applying sunscreen on your exposed skin is also important. This is where sunscreen or sun lotion plays a role. It protects your skin from sun damage and burns, as well as long-term skin rashes. Then, choose a lower SPF like SPF 20 or SPF 30 to ensure a nice tan.
Another tip: Buy a large bottle of sunscreen for your group. You are going to save a spot in your bag by packing only one sunscreen
Tanning Oil
Pack a tanning oil for a perfect sun-kissed look on your skin. Unlike sunscreen, tanning oil increases the production of melanin and allows your skin to absorb more sun rays. It has low SPF, ensuring your skin tan faster and effectively. However, make sure to apply sunscreen as a base for your tanning oil. It will make your skin tanned instead of burnt.
Aloe Vera Gel
The soothing and cooling properties of aloe vera make it an ideal after-sun lotion. It soothes the burning sensation on your skin after soaking up the sun. Moreover, applying aloe vera gel protects your skin from blisters, peeling, and redness.
A tip on buying an aloe vera gel? Go for the ones with no additional fragrance or color. It can cause irritation instead of a soothing effect. Then, my favorite includes Korean brands. They usually come in travel-size and have an instant repairing effect.
Hair Oil or Hair Serum
Saltwater strips natural oils from your hair, making it dry and breakable. For that reason, adding hair oil to your beach packing list can be essential. We are referring to oil or serum that you can apply after washing your hair. Pack a product that works for your hair – straight or curly, colored or natural, dry or greasy. Some serums work to smoothen your hair, while others prevent split edges.
Another tip if you are traveling to Asia: We have encapsulated hair serums that are perfect for traveling. They come in one small strip containing 6-8 pills. You just have to rip off the jelly-like capsule to squeeze out the product. Usually, I use only one capsule for a single hair wash. Some of the best-selling brands are Ellips and Makarizo.
Beach Gears
Towel
A good beach towel isn’t just about drying off—it’s your barrier from hot sand, a makeshift blanket, and even a quick shade if needed. Quick-dry towels are the real MVPs, especially when you’re hopping from the sea to the lounge area.
Beach Blanket/Sarong
Spread out and claim your space! A beach blanket or sarong gives your group a central hangout zone. Choose lightweight, sand-resistant fabric and go large enough to fit your crew.
Waterproof Bag
Wet swimsuits, sandy flip-flops, or damp towels? Toss them in a waterproof bag to keep the rest of your gear dry and stink-free. Bonus: It’s a lifesaver during the ride back to your hotel.
Waterproof Pouch
From phones and wallets to room keys, this little pouch does big work. You can even snap underwater pics with a clear phone-friendly version. Essential if you’re hitting the waves and still want access to your tech.
Ziplock Bags
Ziplocks might be small, but they’re mighty. Use them for snacks, sunscreen, or storing wet swimsuits. They’re light, resealable, and help you stay organized amidst the chaos of group beach gear.
Entertainment
Beach Toys
Group games like volleyball or beach pong keep the energy high and everyone engaged.
Books
There’s something magical about reading on the beach. Lightweight novels or travel guides work best. Pro tip: opt for waterproof e-readers or bring a plastic sleeve to protect your book.
Headphones
Perfect for those moments when you need a solo chill-out session. Noise-canceling ones can also help if your group gets a little too rowdy.
Portable Speakers
Turn your beach setup into a mini party! Choose waterproof and sand-resistant speakers with decent battery life. Keep the volume friendly so everyone enjoys the good vibes.
Camera
Phone cameras are great, but a dedicated waterproof or action camera can take things to the next level. Group selfies, underwater shots, candid dance parties—snap them all!
Refreshments
Snacks
Snacking smart is key for a long beach day. Think light, hydrating, and energizing. Avoid messy or overly salty foods.
Hydrating Snacks
- Watermelon slices (pre-cut!)
- Grapes
- Cucumber sticks
- Oranges (peeled and packed)
Energy-Boosting Options
- Mixed nuts or trail mix
- Granola bars
- Protein cookies
- Rice cakes with nut butter
Mineral Water
Always bring more than you think you’ll need! Staying hydrated under the sun is crucial. A reusable bottle with a built-in filter is a great eco-friendly option.
Sports Drinks
Sweating under the sun? Sports drinks help replenish lost electrolytes and keep your energy up. Go for low-sugar options and store them in a cooler bag to keep them chill.
Packing Tips for Group Travelers
- Divide and Conquer: Assign categories—snacks, games, towels—to different people to avoid duplication.
- Who Brings What?: Use a shared list app to track who’s bringing what.
- Pack Light, Pack Smart: Space is limited, especially if you’re carpooling. Stick to the essentials and share wherever possible.
Beach Packing List Done – Ready to Go!
Beach days are better with friends, and even better when everyone’s packed right! From sand toys to tasty snacks, your group will be set for a sunny, laughter-filled adventure. So, are you looking for a group beach vacation this summer? Don’t worry if your friends cannot go with you, JoinMyTrip kicks the gloom away! We have 90+ trips online for summer, traveling to fantastic beach destinations around the globe such as Malta and Zanzibar.
Can’t wait to have you on board! Check out these trips and find the ones that fit you