The Ultimate Beach Vacation Checklist
Image Credit:Beach Riot
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Beach days—or weeks, for that matter—are a lot more enjoyable when you come prepared. The right beachwear and accessories will allow your fun in the sun to last as long as possible.
There’s nothing quite like a beach trip, where your only job is to lounge and let your hair down. But before all that leisure, you’d be wise to compile a beach vacation checklist before jetting off to paradise.
Why?
Because you don’t want your sun time to be interrupted by a nasty burn, a bikini malfunction, or a janky pair of flip-flops. With the right goods in your beach bag, you’re free to lounge from sunrise to sunset and soak up every last ray.
The Head-to-Toe Checklist for Your Next Beach Trip
While it’s good to embrace a little spontaneity, being prepared for your vacation will help you roll with the waves when your lunch plans change or the sky starts to cloud over.
Clothing
It’s unlikely that you would forget to pack clothing on your beach vacation, whether it’s on your checklist or not, but there are some specifics that you might overlook.
Be prepared for weather changes, especially in the tropics, and have a rough idea of how formal your dining choices might be. You can’t go wrong with cover-ups, maxi skirts, sundresses, and sandals you can dress up or down.
Beach Riot - Cassidy Top Prism Pink Stripe
Image Credit:Beach Riot
Image Credit:Beach Riot
The perfect casual cover-up for a day of lounging, the Cassidy features buttons all the way down, pleated sweetheart detail, and vibrant pink stripes that will rival the sunset itself. Its oversized fit makes it perfect to throw on over your bikini for a walk along the shore or a poolside lunch.
Frankies Bikinis - Mae Off Shoulder Mini Dress
Image Credit:Frankies Bikinis
Image Credit:Frankies Bikinis
This flirty mini dress is full of romance, featuring a smocked neckband, a fitted bodice, and a flouncy miniskirt to flatter your figure with an extra feminine touch.
It’s perfect for dinner at the resort or worn as a day dress with flip-flops as you explore the local beach town.
Lspace - Sorine Sweater
Image Credit:Lspace
Image Credit:Lspace
When packing for a beach vacation, it’s easy to forget that coastal locales do get chilly sometimes, especially at night. Even if the forecast says sunny and 75, you’ll want to pack some layers just in case.
The Sorine Sweater is the perfect pullover because it goes with everything from jeans and gym shorts to—you guessed it—bikini bottoms. It features an open collar and ribbed detailing throughout, so you’ll be styling even when the beach breeze begins to blow.
Accessories
In addition to beachwear, there are a few extras you’ll want to remember to pack before you’re off in search of sunshine.
Fruity Booty - Backgammon Sarong
Image Credit:Fruity Booty
Image Credit:Fruity Booty
The sarong is one of the most versatile beach accessories: Wear it as a skirt, a scarf, a shawl, or even a blanket.
This colorful piece from Fruity Booty is made to be played in (if you couldn’t tell from the backgammon-themed pattern). Each one even comes with chips and dice in a Fruity Booty pouch. One hundred percent cotton and machine-washable, this piece combines fashion, function, and a whole lot of fun.
Ocean Bottle - 34-Ounce Water Bottle
Image Credit:Ocean Bottle
Image Credit:Ocean Bottle
A water bottle is a must-have on the beach—but don’t rely on those disposable plastic ones that will have your water boiling by the day’s end. The Ocean Bottle is built with double-wall insulation to guarantee Arctic-cold water for 18 hours. Plus, the leak-proof lid means it’s safe to throw in your beach tote without worrying about spillage.
Camilla - Where’s My Valet Sunglasses
Image Credit:Camilla
Image Credit:Camilla
For an added dose of luxury, indulge in these oversized Australian-designed shades in mint marble and solid ivory gold. Based on a cat eye but with an added flair of drama, these handcrafted sunglasses will stun other beachgoers with their swooping angles and elegant shape.
The mint shade adds a touch of playfulness to the otherwise sophisticated look—a one-of-a-kind accessory worthy of a special occasion trip.
Swimwear
And now for the main event: swimwear. After all, the whole point of your highly anticipated beach vacation is to surf, swim, and sunbathe, right? And since you may not know how many of these activities you’ll be participating in, it’s best to bring a couple of different options.
WeWoreWhat - Strapless One-Piece
Image Credit:Weworewhat
Image Credit:Weworewhat
This classic black suit with off-white piping features adjustable and detachable straps, unpadded cups, and a timeless silhouette. Throw on a sarong or a pair of denim cutoffs and it can even double as daywear. This suit is perfect for the more active beachgoer, as well as any self-proclaimed beach lounger.
Tropic of C - Equator Bikini Top and Praia Bikini Bottom
Image Credit:Tropic Of C
Image Credit:Tropic Of C
You can’t go wrong with a classic triangle-cut bikini—but not all of them are created equal. With something as delicate as swimwear, quality certainly counts.
Tropic of C’s bestselling Equator top gathers at the bust and can slide for more or less coverage. It pairs perfectly with the Praia bottom, which also features side ties for a custom fit. And don’t worry about finding your favorite color—Tropic of C gives you nearly two dozen trendy hues and patterns to choose from.
Sun Care
The biggest concern with beach vacations is the strength of the island sun. UV rays are strongest along the equator, so just because you can lounge worry-free at home doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy that same luxury in the Caribbean (though, of course, it offers luxuries of its own).
Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum
Image Credit:Kiehl's
Image Credit:Kiehl's
This lightweight sunscreen serum contains collagen peptides and SPF 50+ to effectively combat sun damage and even correct existing signs of it. It has an invisible finish, so it won’t leave you with a chalky residue, and it blends seamlessly into any skin tone.
Finally—a sunscreen you’ll actually look forward to slathering on.
The Perfect Trip to Paradise Starts in Your Suitcase
If you’re seeking sunshine this season, you’re probably already daydreaming about piña coladas on the beach and boat rides at sunset—as you should! Beach getaways are the perfect time to let your hair down, embrace spontaneity, and have your worries melt away.
With the right packing checklist for beach vacations, this dreamy vision can be your reality. And what better way to get excited for your adventure than to shop for cute cover-ups, boat-ready bikinis, and stylish sunnies?
Get into the vacationing spirit by perusing this packing checklist while preparing for the beach getaway of a lifetime.