Beach vacation packing

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• Traveling with kids? NoYes

Items on the list: 21 of 21 · Show all

Work through the list in order. Hide the notes when you know what to do.

1. Documents and insurance

   Passports, tickets, bookings and medical insurance. Check the policy covers swimming, excursions and water activities.

2. Make copies of your documents

   Photos of passport and insurance go to the cloud; paper copies travel separately from the originals.

3. Split your money into two places

   Keep cash and cards in different bags: losing one won't leave you stranded. Small bills are handy for tips.

4. Two swimsuits

   One dries while you wear the other. A wet swimsuit in your bag by evening is guaranteed misery.

5. SPF 30–50 and after-sun care

   Sunscreen costs 2–3x more at the resort. Panthenol or aloe will save the evening if you burn anyway.

6. Hat and sunglasses

   A sun hat or cap for everyone. Pick sunglasses with real UV protection, not just dark lenses.

7. Beach bag and waterproof phone pouch

   The pouch protects your phone from sand and splashes — and you can shoot right in the water.

8. Beach footwear

   Flip-flops for sand; water shoes if the beach is pebbly or rocky at the waterline.

9. A light layer for evenings

   Sea evenings get chilly, and restaurants and buses often run icy air conditioning.

10. First aid kit: sorbent and rehydration salts

    Stomach bugs are the most common holiday problem. Add fever reducer, painkiller, plasters and antiseptic.

11. Your regular meds with a buffer

    Pack a few days more than the trip length and keep them in your carry-on — checked bags do get lost.

12. Chargers and a power bank

    Check if you need a plug adapter for your destination. Power banks go in carry-on only.

13. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer

    Sand, ice cream, fruit on the beach — you'll reach for wipes every day.

14. A book or beach entertainment

    Download books, podcasts and playlists ahead — beach internet can be wishful thinking.

15. Check in online for your flight

    Usually opens 24–36 hours before departure. Seats together go fastest right at opening.

16. Prep your home before leaving

    Take out trash, clear the fridge, shut off water, unplug appliances. There's a separate 'Home before vacation' checklist.

17. UV swim shirt and sun hat for the kid Yes

    Kids' skin burns in 15 minutes. A UPF swim shirt protects better than any sunscreen.

18. Floaties or a swim vest Yes

    Sized for your child's age and weight. Check for leaks before the trip.

19. Beach toys Yes

    A bucket, spade and molds buy you an hour of peace. The same sets cost noticeably more at the resort.

20. Kids' first aid kit Yes

    Child-dose fever reducer, tummy remedies, a thermometer and cartoon plasters.

21. Snacks and entertainment for the road Yes

    Familiar snacks, water, offline cartoons and a couple of small new toys for the flight and transfer.