Beach holiday packing list
From swimming trunks to travel insurance: the list for sun, sand and sea, sorted by what goes into the bag together.
Beach holiday
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What gets forgotten on a beach holiday
On a beach holiday it is rarely the swimwear that gets left behind, but the small things around it. At the top of the list are mosquito repellent, water shoes and a washing line: mosquitoes bite on the terrace in the evening, there are stones and sea urchins in the water, and wet swimwear dries slowly in a room with nowhere to hang it.
Just as often, something for the evening is missing. After a day in the sun it cools down faster than you expect while packing. A jumper or the light jacket belongs in the summer suitcase too, along with a pair of shoes you are happy to walk more than a hundred metres in.
Sun protection for a whole week
A small tube of sunscreen rarely lasts a week on the beach. If you put it on properly and again after swimming, you need far more than most people pack. Take a large bottle, or plan to buy more when you get there. Water-resistant sunscreen lasts longer in the sea, but it does not replace putting more on.
Head, eyes and lips are easier to forget than shoulders. That is why a sun hat or cap, sunglasses and lip balm are on the list, along with a rash vest for long hours in the water. After-sun lotion and moisturiser are kind to skin that has had a lot of sun during the day.
What goes in your hand luggage
Your hand luggage should hold everything you need on the first day or cannot afford to lose: passport or ID card, credit card, medication, charging cable and power bank. Add swimwear and travel-size sunscreen in case your suitcase arrives later than you do. A clear bag for liquids and a pen for the arrival form fit in the same pocket.
Many airports limit the size of liquid containers in hand luggage, and the containers have to go in a clear bag. Power banks usually belong in your hand luggage rather than the hold, too. These rules change, so check them with your airline and departure airport before you fly.
A beach holiday with children
With children, a beach packing list grows in two places above all: the beach and the first aid kit. A bucket and spade, a beach shelter for shade, and enough water and snacks make a day by the sea easier, and for the journey, snacks, water and something to play with, such as a pack of cards, help. Plasters, antiseptic spray and a thermometer should be within reach before anyone needs them.
The list is a starting point, not a rule. Strike out what you do not need, add what belongs to your family, and save the finished list as a template after the holiday. Next time you start from your own list instead of this one.
How it works
“Start with this list” opens the template – once you have signed in with your email address.
Add more templates, such as “Before leaving” for the water, the heating and the plants. Nothing appears twice.
Create the list, tick it off, archive it after the trip – and pack it again next time.
Good to know
- Can I change the list?
- Yes. Your list is yours: add, rename, move and delete items. The template stays as it is.
- Does it cost anything?
- No. No subscription, no ads. All you need is an email address, no password.