Make RealSimple.com My Homepage|Simply Stated|Newsletters|Real Simple Rewards|Photo Galleries|
Destination Ideas

Beach Vacation Packing Checklist

Use this cheat sheet to remind yourself of what you need to pack (beyond clothes, of course!).

Accessories

  • Beach bag
  • Flip-flops
  • Glasses and/or contact lenses, if necessary (bring an extra pair, too)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat

Clothing

  • Swimsuit
  • Swimsuit cover-up

Equipment

  • Alarm clock
  • Batteries for small electronics and cameras
  • Beach blanket
  • Beach chairs
  • Beach towels
  • Beach toys
  • Beach umbrella
  • Camera (and film, if needed)
  • Cell phone
  • Chargers for your cell phone, camera, video camera, and laptop
  • Cooler
  • Fishing poles
  • Flotation devices
  • Goggles
  • Hair dryer
  • iPod and iPod dock
  • Snorkel and fins
  • Video camera

Health and Beauty Items

  • Aloe vera gel
  • Antibacterial wipes
  • Body lotion
  • Comb and brush
  • Contact lens solution, if needed
  • Deodorant
  • Face cleanser
  • First aid kit, including gas relief tablets, antacid, antidiarrheal medicine, antihistamine for allergies, bandages, candied ginger for motion sickness, mild laxative, non-aspirin pain reliever, thermometer in a hard case
  • Floss
  • Insect repellent
  • Lip balm (choose one with SPF 15)
  • Personal-hygiene items
  • Prescriptions
  • Razors
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shaving gel
  • Soap
  • Sunscreen (pack at least one all-purpose sunscreen with SPF 15)
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste

Miscellaneous

  • Addresses of friends and family for postcards
  • Books
  • Healthy snacks, such as chewy granola bars, dried fruit, mini bagels, nuts, and pretzels
  • Maps and directions (try randmcnally.com for maps, directions, and traffic information)
  • Money (cash, ATM cards, traveler’s checks)
  • Printouts of reservations, if applicable
  • Travel journal
  • Travel pillow and blanket
  • Travel-sized detergent

Related Content

The Best Way to Pack a Suitcase

Expert tricks to preventing wrinkles, spills, and―the most common problem―overpacking.

Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

View Earlier Comments