Packing list
Beach vacation packing list
Set the number of nights, the weather and who is coming. Clothes are counted for your length of stay; sun and beach gear appears when it applies.
Documents and money
Clothes
Footwear
Sun and beach
Toiletries and health
Electronics
For the children
Tips for this list
- Pack for the number of nights up to about a week, then plan to wash or re-wear. Past a week extra tops add weight but little comfort.
- Roll tops and keep swimwear in a separate wet bag so a damp suit does not reach your clean clothes.
- Put one swimsuit, a towel and sunscreen in your hand luggage: if the case is delayed you can still go to the beach on day one.
- Check your airline's liquid limit before you pack the sun and hair products: most limit liquids in hand luggage to 100 ml containers.
Questions
How many swimsuits do I need for a week?
Two or three. The list works this out as one for every four nights plus a spare, between two and four, so one is always dry.
What do people most often forget for a beach holiday?
A phone charger and adapter, sunscreen they can actually reapply, and a bag for wet things. All three are on the list.
Should I pack towels?
Check first. Most hotels and many rentals provide beach towels, and a quick-dry travel towel is enough if they do not.