Are you looking for a complete and an ultimate family beach vacation packing list to make your vacation exciting and hassle-free?
Pre-covid my husband and I used to plan for beach vacations frequently as we love beaches more than mountains or deserts.
The wide-open beaches, beautiful sunshine, ample spaces to walk around, laying and soaking in the heat feels relaxing.
When you are traveling solo, packing comes in handy as you don’t have to carry more. A suitcase or a backpack becomes our best friend while traveling alone.
When you are traveling to beaches with your partner, it becomes cool as you have a companion to enjoy the vacation in a more relaxing way.
Now, when you plan for a beach vacation with your family, it becomes even more enjoyable but gets tricky when it comes to packing.
You wouldn’t want to miss or spoil the enjoyment of the sunny beach day. You want to pack everything that is needed on a beach vacation. But the question is what all things to pack?
Even if you are too bad at packing, you get easily scared of messed up your packing. It doesn’t have to be like that.
Here is a pro tip: When you start packing, consider writing down all the necessary items that you feel you need on your beach vacation in a journal/diary.
While packing, start ticking those that you have packed already. This way you won’t feel the pressure of packing.
What to Pack on Beach vacation?
To simplify the packing list, let us first divide. The most basic thing that everyone needs while traveling is ‘clothes.’
You wouldn’t just want to pack anything on a beach vacation. You wouldn’t want to wear heavy clothes on the beaches. You want to stay relax, and wear lighter clothes, right?
What Clothes to Pack for a Family Beach Vacation Packing List?
Undergarments
Swimsuits
Waterproof t-shirt & pant
A good beach towel that soaks water
Shorts & cotton tees – for comfort
Light jacket – to protect from the heat if needed
Cotton pajamas
A good dinner outfit – for a candlelight dinner on the beach
Water shoes
A running shoe – for morning jogging on the beach
A good pair of sandals is always handy when you are on a beach vacation
Tank tops
Sleepwear for hotel nights
These are the essential clothing items that I always carry for myself and my family. You don’t need an expensive dress to wear when relaxing on the beach. Just wear something casual, light, and be comfortable.
Essential Toiletries for the Family Beach Vacation Packing List
Wherever you go, toiletries are one of the essential things to carry for yourself and your family. These are the items that protect your body, hair, and skin while traveling.
You don’t have to carry too many but only the essentials will help you have a comfortable journey and vacation.
Hair Shampoo & Conditioner
Body wash
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Sunscreen (important to carry on a beach vacation)
Lip balm (Again, a crucial item to carry as your lips might get dry and chapped due to heat)
Feminine emergency products (Read/click on the link for ‘tips & Hacks for Female Travelers )
Saving kit for men
What to Pack in Your Beach Bag?
First of all, make sure you have a nice big bag to carry all your essential items on the beach. It would be good for you to carry a nice handbag or beach tote along with your carry-on luggage.
So, what all things you can keep inside your beach bag depend on you. As everyone has preferences, but certain items are essentially important.
Sunglass (to protect your eyes from the heat)
Hair clips
Scarf
Basic medicines
An umbrella
Beach mat
Water bottle
Napkins
Hats
Hand sanitizer
Beach toys for toddlers
Snacks
Paper plates
Wet wipes
Bug Spray
Frisbee
A small medicine kit
These are the basic things you must carry with you in your beach bag.
Next comes the accessories part. Though I don’t prefer to carry much with me when going to a beach as too many accessories distract me.
Still, I would say, a few accessories make the stay on the beach enjoyable and more engaging.
Essential Digital Accessories for the Beach Vacation
Underwater Digital Camera
Waterproof Phone Case
Selfie Stick
Ipad
Kindle
Portable charger
Portable Bluetooth speaker
If you are a solo traveler and do not want to load yourself up with so much beach stuff, you can carry only what matters the most for you.
Minimalist Packing List for Beach Vacation
Here is a list of things for someone who wants to pack less for a beach vacation.
Undergarments
A pair of Waterproof cloths
One beach towel
One beach mat
Flipflop
Sunglass
Sunscreen
Bodywash, shampoo, Facial Cleanser & hairbrush
A pair of shorts, pajamas, and few t-shirts
Portable Charger & Bluetooth speaker
Camera & Selfie Stick
Water bottle
Laptop
Extra bag for keeping wet cloths
Books
Headphone
Tent (Optional)
2-3 Energy bars & a packet of nuts
Essential Travel Packing List for Covid
Alcohol content hand sanitizer
Wet Wipes
Napkins
Soap papers
N95 Mask
Basic Medicine Kit
You should pay more attention to travel safety tips during Covid times for whatever place you go.
Beach Safety Tips to Consider
Enjoying the beach during summer is probably the best vacation for everyone.
With the cool water, summer hues, white sand, you can relax for hours with your family and kids playing around.
But with enjoyment, safety is very crucial. You must follow and obey the beach rules and regulations for you and your family’s safety.
Listen/read the beach guidelines if you have any doubts feel free to ask the guards.
Look for red flags that indicate danger. Avoid going to that zone
Do not engage yourself in drinking alcohol if you are swimming or planning to involve yourself in water sports
Keep an eye on your kids. Do not let them go near the water alone
Look for signs like high and low tide
Ocean often takes unexpected changes, so be alert always and do not go far from the beach
Maintain social distancing while on the beach keeping, COVID in mind
Keep your kids protected from sunburn. Keep them under shade, wear them a hat and apply baby sunscreen or aloe vera.
Conclusion:
This is the complete packing list for my family when we plan for a beach vacation. The list might look a little terrifying, but if you plan properly it can make your journey and vacation so much fun.