Beach Vacation Packing Checklist: What to Pack for the Best Vacation Yet
Your Florida beach vacation is planned, vacation rental is booked and the countdown is officially on! While the anticipation for your upcoming trip can be one of the best parts, packing for it is not as exciting. If you aren’t sure about what to pack for the beach, you’ve come to the right spot. Here is the ultimate checklist to make sure you have everything you need for the best vacation yet!
Decide on the Best Luggage for Your Needs
Before asking yourself what to pack for the beach, figure out how you’ll pack your vacation essentials. A carryon is great because you don’t have to worry about losing your luggage, paying for bags or waiting at baggage claim. However, sometimes more space is necessary and a checked suitcase is the best option. Either way, packing cubes can make a big difference when it comes to organization. These packing strategies will also help you make the most of your space.
Whether you plan on traveling often or just a family trip once per year, it’s important to have the right luggage and bags. This can vary depending on the person, length of stay and destination, but here are some helpful items that you’ll want to use when packing:
Carryon and/or large suitcase
Travel backpacks or daypacks
Packing cubes ( these ones are highly rated!)
Laundry bag to use during your trip and on your return home
Toiletry bag
TSA approved containers for liquids
Coastal Clothing & Accessories
When it comes to packing for your Florida beach vacation, keep in mind that beach towns along the Emerald Coast are pretty casual. Unless you plan on going to a fancy restaurant for dinner, you’ll probably spend most of your time in a swimsuit or comfortable shorts, T-shirt and sandals.
It’s also helpful to inquire about whether or not your vacation rental has a washing machine and dryer for you to use during your stay. This will help determine how much of everything you need to bring.
Here are the clothing items and accessories that you’ll want to pack:
Swimsuit – 2 is ideal so that you’ll always have a dry one
Swim cover ups
Tank tops
T-shirts
Shorts
Dinner outfit (like a dress or nice pants and top)
Pajamas
Underwear
Socks
Sandals or flip flops
Comfortable sneakers
Belt
Workout clothes
Sunglasses
Hat
Toiletries
In addition to your regular toiletries, the most important thing to pack for a beach trip is sunscreen! Looking like a lobster after one day in the sun is guaranteed to put a damper on your vacation. If you’re prone to sunburns, aloe vera gel is also a good item to pack.
Additional toiletries include:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Face wash and makeup remover
Shampoo and conditioner
Shower cap
Soap or body wash
Deodorant
Medications, prescriptions and/or vitamins
Contact lens solution, if needed
Chapstick with SPF (your lips need protection, too!)
Body lotion
Aloe vera gel
Razor and shaving cream
Hair brush, comb and styling tools
Hair products like mousse and gels
Makeup (foundation with SPF is always a good idea!)
Hand sanitizer
Antibacterial wipes
Insect Repellant
Travel-sized first aid kit
Beach Day Essentials
A trip to the beach isn’t as simple as putting on a swimsuit and finding a spot on the sand. If you plan on spending several hours by the water, you’ll want to be prepared with sunscreen, snacks, drinks and entertainment. For a relaxing, stress-free day by the beach don’t forget:
Tote bag to carry everything
Sunscreen (don’t forget to reapply!)
Beach towels
Beach chairs
Good book or magazine
Toys to play in the sand
Goggles
Snorkel equipment
Floats
Boogie Board
Beach umbrella or canopy/tent
Coolers (large and small)
Water bottle
Drinks and snacks
Frisbee or football
Technology
Unless you plan on taking a digital detox while you’re on your Florida beach vacation (which we highly recommend!), you’ll want to pack your electronics and their chargers, including:
Cell phone
Waterproof phone pouch for your cell phone
Camera with extra memory cards
GoPro
iPad
Kindle
Laptop (if planning to work, but hopefully not!)
Portable power pack for emergency situations
Headphones
Portable speakers
Games for the kids
Hopefully you now know exactly what to pack for the beach after reading through this checklist. At My Vacation Haven , we want you to pack less and play more! That’s why many of our vacation rentals offer Beach Closets, which are fully stocked with vacation essentials such as complimentary beach chairs, boogie boards and sand toys for use during your stay. We want you to have the ultimate Florida beach vacation when you stay with us! Click here to view all of our vacation rentals from Destin, Florida to 30A.