At long last, Spring Break 2022 is upon us, and it’s time to pack your bags, but what to bring? One thing that makes a Spring Break beach vacation relaxing is having everything you need on-hand. So, what should you pack for Spring Break 2022?
Pack Your Spring Break Swimwear
Obviously, you need swimwear. Your Spring Break 2022 packing list demands multiple swimsuits (two or three at minimum) because there will be days where you sunbathe, roll in the sand, splash in the ocean, dip in the pool, and hit the water more than once. Since there will be a few wardrobe changes, you’ll need a clean, dry swimwear option while the other suit dries.
Pop Flip Flops in Your Luggage
The rigueur de attire at the beach is comfy and casual, which means flips flops are the designer footwear you can’t live without. As with swimwear, it never hurts to have more than one pair…a pair for hitting the beach and the pool and a pair for shopping and dining and riding the beach cruiser in. Stylin’.
Throw in a Swimwear Cover, Too
If you’re approaching your spring break vacation correctly, then laid-back is the name of your game, which means that it shouldn’t be unheard of that your first outfit of the day is a swimsuit, but first…coffee. You’ll need a cover up to stroll over to the coffee shop. You’ll also want a cover up the jaunt between where you’re staying and the pool or the beach.
Bring Sunblock
Even if your aim is to get a few shades darker during your week in paradise, you need to protect your skin. Your skin still absorbs sun rays and darkens with sunblock…sunblock just helps prevent dangers and discomforts like sunspots, skin cancer, wrinkles, and burning. If you’ve ever gotten roasted on the first day of Spring Break, then you know what a buzzkill sun-broiled skin is for the rest of your week (goodbye sunbathing, hello lonely cable TV marathon). Sunblock saves fun.
Grab a Hat
In addition to sunblock, your Spring Break 2022 packing list needs a hat. It doesn’t matter if you don a ball cap, a floppy hat, or a straw hat…you just need protection for the delicate skin on and around your melon.
Plan to Sport Sunglasses
Sunglasses, in addition to being the ultimate beach vibe harbingers, protect your beautiful eyes from the sun’s rays. Also, when you’re on the sugar white sand, the sun light can make things pretty bright as it bounces off the quartz crystals that comprise the beaches of the Emerald Coast (that’s right, the “sand” is actually powdered gemstone from the Appalachian Mountains. Now that’s a vibe.).
Get a Dry Bag for Your Beach Days
Kayakers and paddle boarders already have a few of these laying around, but spring breakers would do well to snag a drybag before heading to the beach. Dry bags are folded and rolled to keep the elements away from whatever you want to protect.
We all know the beach bag can get messy once sand and wet hands get around it (or if it starts to rain while you’re on the beach), and it’s likely that you don’t want your headphones, speakers, beach read, magazine, phone, etc. to get wet or sandy. A dry bag keeps those things safe but accessible.
Pack Your Drink Cooling Cup
We’re not going to ask you to tell us what’s in your cup, but a drink cooling cup (there are tons of options out there) will keep that “ice-tea” icy all day while you hang out and play.
Bring Beach Wagon for Toting Stuff to and from the Beach
While solo spring breakers may not need a beach wagon, everyone else will. If you’re traveling in a group or with kids, then you know for a fact that without a beach wagon, you’ll be trekking through the sand like a Sherpa, laden with beach bags, towels, ice-chests, boom boxes, a kid or two, and heaven only knows what else. Bring the wagon.
Make Sure to Have a Cooler or Ice Chest
It doesn’t matter if your plan is to break up the beach day by eating back at your place or at a restaurant, someone will get hungry or thirsty and will demand a snack. If you do not have a drink or a snack, you will regret it because there’s no hanger like beach hanger. Coolers and their delicious contents keep everyone cool on the beach.
Pack Clothes You Can Layer and Un-layer
While we know that you’re fastidiously checking the forecast ahead of your Spring Break 2022 vacation, we also know that unpredictable weather happens. Here are the essentials:
A hoodie or zippered sweatshirt. Unless you want to make a merch purch the day it’s a little cloudy or the temperatures dip below 75 or when you are standing outside of the restaurant waiting for your reservation in the evening when the sun goes down. Trust us. Bring a universally cute sweatshirt, hoodie, or sweater that matches everything in your arsenal of clothing.
A couple of pairs of longer pants. It doesn’t matter if it’s denim, linen, athleisure, or one of each…you want to have at least one pair of long pants for going out in the evenings in case the temperatures drop.
One pair of close-toed shoes for obvious reasons
A linen dress, pair of shorts, pants, or a button-down shirt because linen is so Spring Break 2022 beach chic. Also, linen is light enough for warm days, but it also works with a sweater or cardigan if need be.
A raincoat or anorak or umbrella because rain happens sometimes
Don’t Forget Band-Aids and First Aid
Finally, you need to pack Band-Aids and first-aid essentials. Here’s a list of must-haves:
Band-Aids and bandages in a variety of sizes (if you’re a parent with kids, this needs no further explanation)
Wound ointment (like Neosporin or Polysporin)
Wipes
Hand sanitizer
Aloe lotion for sun-warmed skin
Anti-inflammatories (Aspirin or Aleve, whatever you prefer)
Tylenol in case of fever
Benadryl or some other antihistamine in case of an allergic reaction
Ideally, you won’t need to crack into your first aid kit, but we all know how that works. If you have it, you probably won’t need it…but if you don’t have it, you’ll definitely need it.
Having all of the essentials for your spring break vacation means you get to focus on fun. So, trust us on what to pack for Spring Break 2022. See you soon! (Don’t forget your chargers!)
Spring Break 2022 is one of our favorite times of year. We love watching the Emerald Coast come alive with appreciative visitors, and we want you to have a great time, which is why we created this list and is why all of our My Vacation Haven properties come equipped with a super fun beach closet. The My Vacation Beach closet features chairs, an umbrella, sand toys, and more for your fun and convenience!