When it comes to a beach holiday, it can be fun as long as you have packed everything right. So, check this extensive beach holiday packing list and get ready to catch some tan without worrying about anything.

There are some for whom lying on a hammock by the beach, listening to the waves while the sun shines brightly with a pina colada in hand, equals a holiday.

Some of us ensure we have at least one of these annually, while others are lucky enough to head out more frequently.

While some locations are quite predictable, in Europe, depending on where you’re headed for your beach holiday, it can get quite complicated! You may be blessed with steady sunshine, or intermittent rains may play spoilsport.

Other than a swimsuit, there’s lots more you need to carry if you’re headed to the beach, to ensure you don’t need to buy it, if you’ve forgotten to carry it with you!

This is my go-to list that I use consistently and keep updating if required for a beach holiday packing. Feel free to take off items you don’t need if you want to get everything to fit in a carry-on.

So to help make packing a breeze, here’s a beach holiday packing list you could use to get it done in a jiffy!



Comprehensive beach holiday packing list


Top suggestions for beach holiday packing list

 

  • Carry more neutrals in your travel bag, which can be reused for different outfits.

  • However, do carry a few statement pieces to get that perfect pop of colour. You can also use scarves and jewellery if needed.

  • Opt for pieces that are versatile. A scarf can also be used as a cover-up!

  • Keep the outfits that require ironing or delicate care at home

  • Think of creative ways you could re-use outfits and try the look beforehand, if possible,e to ensure it looks fab and you don’t end up carrying more than you need



Beach Essentials

 

  • Swimsuits * 2

  • Sundress

  • Beach Bag/Tote

  • Towels

  • Sand Mat/Beach Blanket

  • Beach Umbrella/Canopy

  • Beach Toys (Frisbee, etc.)

  • Inflatable Toys

  • Collapsible Cooler

  • Kindle

  • Magazines

  • Books

  • Camera

  • GoPro Hero and accessories (Anti-Fog inserts, Flotation devices etc.)

  • Snacks

  • Water bottles (Collapsible refillable bottles)

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip Balm

  • Aloe Gel

  • Hair ties

  • Deodorant

  • Salt Spray

  • Disposable wipes

  • Tissues

  • Mini Barbecue stove (If needed)

  • Moisturiser

  • Flip Flops/Sandals

  • Waterproof Speakers

  • Headphones

  • Medications (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, etc.)

  • Plastic Bag (To put wet clothes away)

  • Hat/Cap

  • Wrap/Sarong/Cover-Up

  • Scarf

  • Sunglasses

  • Inner-wear

  • Salt Spray for hair (for some beachy waves!)

  • Mineral Water Spray

  • Swimwear for Him

  • Water Shoes

  • Diving Equipment if required (Fins, Regulators, Mask, Cylinders, BCD, Weight belt, Dry suit, Wetsuit, Hood, Gloves)

  • Insect Repellent

  • Floats

  • Picnic Box (if needed)

  • Beach chairs (if needed)

  • Snorkel

  • Power Bank

  • Portable Air Pump

  • Hand Sanitizer

  • Comb/Tangle Teezer

  • Waterproof Phone Case


Clothes

 

  • Dresses

  • Maxi-dresses

  • Inner Wear

  • Socks

  • Sleepwear/Lounge-wear

  • Socks

  • T-shirt Bra’s

  • Strapless Bra/Sticky Braf

  • Tees

  • Shirts

  • Evening Dresses

  • Denims

  • Trousers

  • Shorts

  • Skirts

  • Playsuits/Jumpsuits

  • Cardigans

  • Parka

  • Wellies

  • Light Jacket

  • Tank Tops

  • Blouses



Toiletries & Accessories

 

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Floss

  • Soap

  • Body Wash

  • Conditioner

  • Shampoo

  • Brush/Comb

  • Hair Styling Products

  • Contact lenses/Glasses

  • Saline Solution

  • Belt

  • Clutch

  • Hair Iron

  • Hair Dryer (if not available at your hotel)

  • Umbrella

  • Micro-fibre cloths

  • Shaving Supplies

  • Makeup Products

  • Makeup Remover

  • Feminine Hygiene Products

  • Sanitary Napkins

  • Band-aids

  • Vitamins

  • Eye Mask

  • Face masks

  • Ear Plugs

  • Wedges (Try not to carry more than 3 pairs as shoes do take up a lot of space & weight!)

  • Strappy Bag

  • Pen + Notepad

  • Safety pins

  • Bobby pins


Other Travel Essentials

 

  • Passport/Visa

  • ID Card

  • Chargers (Phone, Camera, GoPro etc.)

  • Memory Cards

  • Itinerary

  • Maps

  • Guidebook

  • Wallet

  • License

  • Copies of Itinerary, tickets etc.

  • Camera

  • Voltage Adaptors

  • Flashlights (if needed)



Additional details for the beach holiday packing list

 

  • If you’re looking for mineral sprays, Evian is a good buy

  • If you loved the products featured above, why not head to Simply Beach and check out their awesome collection?

  • If you’re looking for a good salt spray, Charles Worthington is a good buy

  • The Tangle Teezer is superb to get rid of messy hair, especially if it’s salty and wet!

  • GoPro 5 is your best bet if you’d like to avoid a waterproof case up to 10 metres


If you’re still worried you’ve missed out on something, why not check the Summer packing list?

If you’d rather not spend a lot of time packing, think of innovative ways to re-use a piece. Imagine swimsuit with a skirt or denims (the top-half as a blouse) a shift-dress as a cover up, a scarf as a headdress, a cover-up or even around your tote!

Once you head off, remember not to stress over what you’ve left behind!

If you’re headed to a place that’s cheaper, you might need to buy items you’ve forgotten, but they might end up being cheaper! I’d even suggest to stock up if so, for your next holiday (as long as you don’t need to buy an additional bag!)

Looking to head off to the islands to catch some sun and sea? Why not head to Mykonos? All details here!

Thanks to Simply Beach for providing some fabulous items!


Lavinia Dsouza

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.


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sunsets at sea that linger in memory long after the trip ends,
& spa days that help reset the mood – written by Lavinia, not a robot!

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Curated wellness escapes, honest beach guides, and real itineraries,
delivered thoughtfully. No spam, just good trips.

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Continent Hop pairs beautiful photography with honest guides that include meals you won’t want to rush,
sunsets at sea that linger in memory long after the trip ends,
& spa days that help reset the mood – written by Lavinia, not a robot!

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