When heading to the coast with your family, a beach vacation packing list will mean you leave nothing to chance. You’ll want to check the weather forecast before you hit the sand and have a think on the family activities you’ll be looking to enjoy. Read on for the ultimate checklist for your family beach vacation!
Beach vacation clothes to pack
- Beach swimsuits, bikinis or swim shorts
- A pair of flip flops or sandals
- Water shoes (in case you encounter rocks or sea urchins)
- Beach cover ups (such as a long linen shirt, floaty tunic or t-shirt)
- Fresh underwear
- Vacation clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts and dresses for exploring
- A linen pashmina or large scarf – perfect as a towel, sarong, blanket, bag, etc
- Light waterproof anoraks
- A light jumper/hoody – it can get nippy when the wind changes direction, or the sun goes down
Sun protection
- A peaked or wide brimmed hat
- UV-coated or UV-protective sunglasses
- UV rash vests to keep from burning in the water
- A high factor, waterproof sunscreen or sunblock for the face and body
- SPF lip balm
- A bottle of After Sun — in the event of accidental sunburn
Packing list for a toddler or baby beach vacation
- A sunproof UV-protected pop up tent will help keep your tots sheltered and safe
- Child’s hooded towel
- Selection of family beach games (such as frisbee and inflatable beach ball)
- Bucket and spade
- Selection of snacks and bottle water in a cool bag
- Baby wipes (they also come in handy when there’s a melting ice cream drama!)
- Baby changing and feeding items (if necessary)
- Plastic bags (to store your wet clothing and towels)
- High SPF sunscreen for children
Other beach vacation items for your packing list
- Beach towels
- Microfibre hair towels
- Fishing/crabbing nets
- Full face snorkelling masks
- Boogie boards
- Buoyancy aids
- A good book
- Money in the local currency (in case card machines are unavailable)
- Portable Bluetooth speaker and mobile charger
- Battery-operated handheld fan
- Travel first aid kit
- Travel sickness tablets (for boat trips)
- Mosquito and bug repellent spray (use a high deet spray if you’re somewhere tropical)
- Health insurance cards
- Toiletries
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush and hairbands
- Dry shampoo (to avoid those ‘hat hair’ dilemmas)
- Foldable camping chairs with cup holders
- Small gazebo/sun parasol
- Windbreak (if the beach you’re heading to is exposed)
