You’ve been dreaming of a vacation by the beach for over a year now, and it’s finally time to pack your bags and get on the plane. You may think it’s simple to pack for the beach, since you basically live in a swimsuit and flip-flops the entire time. There’s a bit more planning involved, though. You don’t want to return home with a painful sunburn or wiry hair because you forgot conditioner, right? Make sure you have everything covered by prepping right so that you can enjoy every moment listening to the crashing waves.
What to Wear?!
The good news is that you can pack lightly when you’re heading to the beach, at least when it comes to clothing. The bad news is that if you forget the essentials, you’re either going to be out of luck or you’re going to have to spend a bundle at expensive shops in tourist towns. Make sure to have the following packed in your bags:
- At least two bathing suits. Chlorine and salt water makes suits smell yucky after just one wear. You’ll want to wash one and leave it out to dry as you wear your spare.
- Coverups for the beach and when strolling through town.
- Shorts and tees, since you’re not going to spend every second on the sand.
- Undergarments! Definitely don’t forget those!
- A couple of nice outfits for a fancy dinner out or shopping in a glamorous part of the city.
- A sweatshirt, since even the hottest destinations get chilly once the sun sets.
- Flip-flops and sandals, of course.
- Sneakers and socks – otherwise, your knees will hurt from walking barefoot or in unsupportive shoes the entire time.
The Essentials
Whatever you use on a regular basis should be packed away. Don’t have room for that huge bottle of gel you use on your hair after the show? Squeeze a travel-sized amount into a smaller bottle. Also, don’t forget the following:
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a miniature bottle of mouthwash.
• Facial cleanser and lotion. Don’t skip the lotion! Your face is going to be dry thanks to beach weather.
• Shampoo and moisturizing conditioner.
• Deodorant! Don’t get a scented one, though – it’ll just attract bugs.
• Any medications and vitamins that you’ll feel crummy without.
• Makeup, but a scaled down version of what you normally wear. Your skin’s going to be beautifully sun kissed, so you may just need some shiny lip gloss and black mascara.
Make sure that any liquids are packed securely in the luggage you’re checking. Airport security bans carrying large amounts of liquid items on an airplane. If all you’re bringing is a carry-on (good packing job!) then make sure to check with the airport to find out what sizes are legally allowed on the plane. Otherwise, they’ll throw out your stuff as you go through security.
Fun in the Sun Supplies
You can’t enjoy your time by the pool or ocean without these must-haves:
• Sunscreen, but not just the kind for your body. You also have to protect your lips and hair from sun damage.
• A big hat to keep your face shaded, especially after your nose gets a little red from your first jaunt in the sunshine.
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from too much bright light.
• Beach towels, unless your hotel is going to provide them.
• A beach umbrella, if you have room to pack it.
• Books or magazines that you want to flip through as you lay around.
• Unless you can totally disconnect from electronics and technology, you’re going to want to bring your cell phone and charger as well as your MP3 player and charger.
