what to pack for a beach vacation

Friday, February 05, 2016

what to pack for a beach vacation


Tyler and I have a beach vacation coming up, and I am so excited to head to warmer weather sometime in the near future! We have been to the beach together twice. First we went to Mexico with friends and then went to Punta Cana for our honeymoon. Both were such great times and I know this next trip will be another trip to remember!

Since we've taken a couple beach vacations, I've got a quick system down for packing that I thought  I would share with you all. Fun fact, growing up I would always pack for a trip like a week in advance. We used to go to church camp for a week every summer and I would get so excited that I would pack the Sunday before we were supposed to leave haha! Although I am not that good of a planner anymore, I still do like to set items aside for a trip as I think of them. This is by no means comprehensive -- but below are some things that I always make sure to bring with me when I'm heading on a beach trip!

why you need to bring a beach bag to a resort

The most obvious thing you need for a beach trip is a swimsuit! I normally like to pack 2-3 suits depending on the number of days I am going on my trip. This year I picked up this one and I'm obsessed with the cut outs! For size reference, I needed a medium in both the top and bottom. (I also purchased this striped one.) To go with your swimsuit, you will also need a beach bag. The first time Tyler and I went on a beach vacation, I did not pack a beach bag. I just didn't think I would need one since we were staying at an all inclusive resort and our room would be steps away from the beach. (WRONG!) There were countless times I wished I had one to throw in my towel, my phone, a book, a water bottle, you name it. Now I don't forget it. You can shop my yellow beach bag here, but it also comes in pink, red, black, and blue!

how many hats to take to the beach


When I go to the beach I like to pack two hats-- one baseball cap and then a sun hat. I like having the variety. It is great to have the beach/floppy hat for when I'm lounging in a chair reading a good book. (I have this one and love it!) However, I like the ball cap for if we are doing something more active like taking a walk down the beach, for example. (Of course I have to support my Royals!)

kendra scott and jack rogers

For accessories and shoes, I only pack a few things. After all, I'm at the beach so I'm only really getting dressed up for dinner. I always pack my Jack Rogers and throw in some fun colorful jewelry. I will always throw in a pair of flip flops to wear to the beach or pool and some wedges for when I need to be fancier.

cute and simple outfit for the beach

For outfits, I like to mix and match. I will normally bring 2-3 bottoms with me for my beach trip. I will always pack denim shorts, patterned shorts, and then depending on the weather I may throw in white jeans. From there, I like to bring simple tops that can go with all the different bottoms. (This scalloped tee pictured above is one of my absolute favorites.) I will also throw in some dresses for dinners. Last weekend I picked up this dress and I can't wait to wear it out to dinner one night!

For toiletries, I will bring the basics. If you want to see how I pack my makeup bag for traveling, check out my recent YouTube video! I would appreciate it if you would click in and give it a thumbs up. It really helps with my search results. Also,  I would love if you subscribed to me via YouTube if you have not already : ).




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46 thoughts

  1. Love that swimsuit! A beach vacation sounds so amazing. I haven't been to the beach in a few years and I am ready to go!

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  2. I totally want a beach vacation right now, although my body is definitely not ready for the beach!

    The Adored Life

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  3. Ugh, I want a beach vacation so badly!! I'm totally jealous that you guys have one coming up. You're going to have the best time!

    Jackie
    Something About That

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  4. These are great beach packing tips, and making me excited for our trip to Turks and Caicos! Not till November, but still haha.

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  5. Great tips! I love that swimsuit. I need to plan a beach vacation ASAP. :)

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  6. Beach vacations are seriously the best!! A great book and a swimsuit is really all you need! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  7. woohoo, so fun!! and love the make-up bag tips!! Hello hot swimsuit!!! It is so stinking cute!! Of course it is because look at the cute gal who'll be wearing it!! Excited for you guys!! Have a great weekend!!

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  8. Great tips! I always make sure to pack several pairs of flip flops. :)

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  9. Oh I wish I was packing up for a beach getaway! Love that KC hat girl...TGIF!
    charity
    lifeafterbaseball.net

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  10. I love that bathing suit. I can never find one that I like, it's the most difficult clothing idea that I shop for!
    Christina :: Simple and Delish

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  11. I am in desperate need of a beach vacation! LOVE that swimsuit!

    www.rosyoutlookblog.com

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  12. What a cute suit! That book is soooo good too!

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  13. i almost bought that cutout suit! so super cute! i have to hold back on buying more suits for now haha. damn you target. anyway, great round up of items!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  14. Oh I think I need to read that book. Great tips on what to pack for a beach vacation. So jealous. No beach vacation for me anytime soon.

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  15. You always look so relaxed on YouTube. .. I hope you and Tyler have an amazing and fun vacation ♡ xox

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  16. How does Target always manage to kill it in the bathing suit department?!

    I need to get on board with a good floppy, sun hat!

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  17. Have fun! I love The Husband's Secret! Read What Alice Forgot too!
    ~~Megan~~
    http://www.poshprime.com

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  18. I'm jealous! I'm in dire need of a beach vacation!!

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  19. I adore that swimsuit you got from Target...it's so pretty and I love the cutouts. The makeup bag is also pretty fabulous with all those compartments. Always fun counting down to a vacation!

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  20. Just take me to the beach please!! Haha. Great video too!! That makeup bag is fabulous. I have an organizer at home and a small one that I take with me on trips but that one is may be better one for me!! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful weekend! :-)

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  21. These posts are making me want to go on a tri. I need one desperately but can't go this year. I love Target swimsuits and they have such cute styles!

    http://mymonochromaticlife.com

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  22. Awesome list! So exciting that you have a beach trip coming up, where are you guys headed? Loving the suit you picked up! I always end up packing way too many suits for beach trips, but I like to make sure I'll have a dry one for each day and you never know if you'll hit up the hot tubs at night. Happy Friday gurlie <3
    Green Fashionista

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  23. That bikini is so adorable! Hope you have a blast on your vacation! And Liane Moriarty is one of my fave authors for beach/summer reads!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

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  24. Love Jack Rogers. I created a "custom" pair last summer and chose a turquoise and a gold and I adore them! :)
    Karen | GlamKaren.com

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  25. You cant go to the beach & NOT have a great book! (I just finished that one - loved it)

    I'm kinda in love with those gold sandals - perfect for EVERY outfit!

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  26. girl, i would LOVE to be at the beach right now. thank you!
    elle
    Southern Elle Style

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  27. I'm doing the exact same thing this weekend and I just can't wait! I so need the beach right now! But loving everything you've got packed! XO

    Anna
    A Lily Love Affair

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  28. Great tips! I love the beach! Now I really want to go!

    Sarah
    http://mybowsandclothes.blogspot.com/

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  29. You have me so ready for a beach trip! I love that bikini!

    Fizz and Frosting

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  30. I always pack 2-3 days a head of time for a trip, because I want to make sure that I don't forget anything. So jealous that you are going some place warm- I am ready to escape the cold weather.

    xx,
    Amanda || www.fortheloveofglitter.com

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  31. I ALWAYS over pack when it comes to beach trips. I really just need like a cover up dress, pair of shorts and bathing suit. I bring like 100 outfits and have all these grand ideas in my head of things I'll be doing, when in reality we do nothing haha. Have a great vacation!!

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  32. Lovely that you're heading to Mexico as we were just in that neighborhood ;) The Husband's Secret is a great book. Have such a great time & can't wait to see the pics! xx adaatude.com

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  33. The cut-out details on your bikini are lovely! :) I find beach trips the easiest to pack for as you don't need much :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  34. I don't think that I could live without a beach bag when we go somewhere tropical for vacation. Like you said, it's just so easy to throw everything in there and not worry about it. I also love packing colorful jewelry!

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  35. Oh man, sign me up for a beach vacation!! I'm always craving that this time of year.

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  36. Looks like you have all of the essentials! Now just add the pina coladas!

    www.dressed2dnines.com

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  37. I see you have a book in your bag. I always enjoyed swimming for a few, then reading with my feet in the water while my family stayed in the water a little bit longer. I can't do that now that I have a toddler out in the water. Maybe I should leave him at home with grandma so I can get in a little reading? Nah...


    I do need to remember to bring a hat to protect my scalp and ears.

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  38. That swimmie is so cute! Also love all of your tips. Packing is always so tricky! I want to fit everything in my bag, but it's just not possible!

    Cameron Proffitt

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  39. Great packing tips! I'm always looking for things to pack to try and pack in reason lol

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  40. That's a great list Darcy! Definitely a beach bag! It's so necessary to carry all your essentials.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  41. I love that Target bikini. I have been looking for one for my Mexico trip in April and it is perfect. Thank you!

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  42. I used to be an overpacker and I always packed way in advance too. But just like you, I have now gotten it down to a T so to speak, especially for Summer vacations. Our packing lists are similar. Except I like to pack 4-5 swimsuits for variety and no matter what I always throw in a dress (short dress) and a maxi dress. I need a beach vacation soon myself. LOL

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  43. Love this! I am craving for a vacation and I need that travel make-up bag in my life.

    Xo,

    Brittany

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  44. I am out for holidays and today going to see ocean beach in San Francisco. These are some awesome tips. I have booked a cab with private tours of san francisco andlooking forward to have amazing tour.

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