There’s one thing a few stress-free seashore journey in the summertime that at all times lifts my spirits. I’m just a little bit unhappy that my household and I didn’t get again to Cape Cod this summer time, however I’m fortunate to reside in Charleston with lovely seashores close by. That feeling of nothing to do and nowhere to be is the right escape from actuality. Apart from the Cape (the place I grew up), Tulum, Holbox, Harbour Island, Montauk are a few of my favourite journeys. Toes within the sand with a very good e book in hand; nothing is healthier! That mentioned, packing for a seashore journey positively takes just a little planning.
Over time of touring, I really feel like I’ve actually been capable of fine-tune my packing methodology. Take it from me: packing the fitting stuff doesn’t simply prevent time, it additionally saves you stress and cash in the long term.
I’ve had my justifiable share of these “I can’t consider I forgot that” moments as quickly as I attain my vacation spot. That’s why at the moment I’m sharing my final seashore trip packing record. It has every little thing you actually need for a snug, stress-free, fashionable week by the water.
Seaside Trip Packing Record: Necessities for Stress-free Getaways
Preparing for a seashore trip at all times appears like that closing push earlier than you’ll be able to totally chill out. I get it: it’s tempting to suppose all you want is a swimsuit, a towel, and sun shades. Nevertheless, there are a couple of extra issues that make the entire expertise really feel additional snug and just a little extra luxe.
At the moment, I’m going to share my necessities from my very own seashore journeys. That features every little thing from the must-have magnificence merchandise to the little extras that make a seashore day really feel easy. I’m sharing precisely what I packed and some favourite recs I swear by for a clean, stylish seashore getaway.
Easy methods to Put together for a Seaside Trip With out the Stress
Test the climate.
In fact, all of us hope for nothing however sunshine and that excellent salty breeze on a seashore journey. However let’s be trustworthy, the climate doesn’t at all times cooperate. A couple of days earlier than you permit, take a minute to verify the forecast. Although it might change from day after day, it’ll provide help to get an thought of what to pack. I keep in mind one journey to Cape Cod the place it rained the entire time. A bummer, however fortunately I had packed a great deal of cozy sweats. I’m so glad I deliberate forward!
This could additionally assist decide whether or not you pack mild layers for the solar or one thing cozy for breezy, wet afternoons. The purpose is to really feel prepped, not overpacked. A bit of planning makes all of the distinction in serving to you keep away from scrambling on the final minute.
Plan your outfits.
If you wish to keep away from overpacking (responsible!), my greatest tip is to plan your outfits forward of time. Combine and match the place you’ll be able to to save lots of suitcase house. If there’s a particular look—like one among these tropical print attire for dinner—be sure to put aside the footwear, jewellery, and bag with it.
My go-to trick? Strive every little thing on earlier than you pack and snap a fast picture of every outfit. That approach, you’ll know precisely what goes collectively when you’re there. No standing round debating what to put on when you may be stress-free.
Create a relaxed itinerary.
I completely get it—you wish to take advantage of out of your seashore journey. However in the case of seashore holidays, much less actually is extra. Strive to not overschedule, particularly in case you’re touring with youngsters. The entire level is to chill out and recharge! I wish to plan one principal exercise or outing per day and hold the remaining versatile. Jot down a couple of eating places to strive or e book these stress-free baybeds forward of time. (Particularly as a result of they get booked out quick throughout the summer time!).
Bonus: Having a unfastened itinerary helps with packing since you’ll be able to plan outfits round every exercise. Simple, breezy, and no last-minute outfit stress when you’re there.


What to Pack for a Seaside Trip
Swimsuits
Swimsuits are clearly, non-negotiable. I’ll be trustworthy right here, although, I sort of hate purchasing for swim put on! I keep on with my tried and true favorites, it saves me time, vitality, and stress. Whether or not you’re into bikinis or one-pieces, the bottom line is feeling assured and cozy. I’ve a set on my ShopMy web page with all of my favorites.
Proper now, I’m actually loving Stylest swimsuits, notably the DreamSculpt Sq. Neck model (use GRACE20). It has this good shapewear impact that doesn’t really feel uncomfortable or suffocating. I additionally suppose this Positano One-Piece is tremendous cute in case you like swimsuits with a design. Simple, stylish, and ideal for every little thing from lounging within the solar to grabbing a seaside cocktail.
For much more choices, verify this publish: “Let’s Speak Swimwear!” Carly and I every share our faves.
Coverups
One among my favourite methods to make a swimsuit really feel additional pulled collectively? An awesome coverup. It’s that little layer that takes you from seashore chair to boardwalk ice cream run with out lacking a beat. I at all times pack a couple of choices—one thing simple to throw on, however nonetheless cute and intentional.
Proper now, I’m loving this breezy maxi costume coverup and this outsized kaftan. Each really feel easy however stylish. If you would like extra concepts, positively try my full roundup of the most effective swim coverups. There are some cute fits included there as effectively.
Seaside Towels
An enormous, plush seashore towel is at all times on the high of my packing record. It’s a kind of little issues that make your seashore setup really feel additional cozy and pulled collectively. I completely love this Cabana Stripe Seaside Towel—so delicate and outsized. It’s excellent for stretching out, whether or not I’m poolside or on the sand. Should you’re after one thing lighter, a Turkish towel is a superb choice too. I really like the Vine Floral Seaside Towel for its breezy really feel and easy-to-pack dimension. Each really feel stylish and useful, which is precisely what I need in my seashore bag!


Solar Lotion
Sunscreen is a must have for any seashore journey. You possibly can completely get that golden glow with out skipping solar safety! My go-to is Coola’s Natural Sunscreen Spray. It goes on easily, feels extremely light-weight, and is available in SPF 50. For my face, I’m loyal to Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. It’s water- and sweat-resistant and feels such as you’re carrying nothing in any respect. No greasiness, no white solid.
If you would like extra SPF favorites, I’ve received a full record in my publish, “Greatest SPF Merchandise, In response to Me.” Price bookmarking earlier than your subsequent journey!
SPF Lip Balm
Solar safety isn’t nearly your pores and skin—don’t neglect your lips! Should you’ve ever had sunburned lips, you already know it’s not one thing you wish to repeat. I at all times pack a lip balm with SPF for seashore days. Supergoop’s Glow Gloss with SPF 40 is my go-to, huge Supergoop fan over right here! It feels tremendous clean, doesn’t have that bizarre sunbalmy style, and retains your lips protected. I additionally love iNNBeauty’s tinted lip balm for just a little colour and further hydration. Each are tremendous simple to toss in your seashore bag and are positively value having available all summer time.
Flip Flops
You positively want a stable pair of flip flops for any seashore journey. One thing simple to slide on for sandy walks or grabbing an iced espresso on the town. I often go for the classics like Havaianas, or one thing with just a little additional cushion if I do know I’ll be strolling extra.
And in case you’re headed someplace with a rocky shoreline ( you, New England seashores), do your self a favor and seize water footwear. They won’t be the chicest, however belief me, they’re value it. It’s all about conserving issues sensible whereas nonetheless feeling pulled collectively.
Take a look at my publish, “Colourful Model Below $200,” for a few different beach-friendly shoe (and accent!) choices.
Sun shades
Sun shades present mandatory solar safety but additionally pull your entire look collectively whereas in your seashore trip. Whether or not you’re into outsized, traditional frames or one thing smaller and trendier, a very good pair immediately makes you’re feeling extra styled. I at all times say that the fitting sun shades can take a easy seashore outfit from easy to classy in seconds. I rounded up a couple of of my favourite sun shades in case you’re on the hunt for a brand new pair. From timeless to playful, there’s one thing for everybody.
Seaside Learn
You’ll by no means catch me on the seashore with no good e book in hand. There’s simply one thing about settling in a chair, absorbing the solar, and getting completely misplaced in a narrative. Whether or not I’m within the temper for a twisty thriller or an inspiring memoir, a seashore learn is at all times a part of my packing record.
Should you’re on the lookout for one thing new to dive into, I’ve rounded up some nice books to learn on the seashore. Or you’ll be able to peek at what’s on my summer time studying record this yr!
Seaside Chairs and Umbrella
Should you’re planning to spend a full day by the water, a seashore chair and umbrella are a should. I get, it’s loads to lug up and down the seashore. However belief me, you’ll be a lot extra snug than simply mendacity on a towel. Plus, having just a little shade makes all of the distinction when the solar will get intense.
I really like this retro-inspired chair and umbrella set. It feels tremendous stylish however nonetheless sensible. It additionally jogs my memory of the setup I’ve by my pool at house. Cozy, fashionable, and useful—every little thing you need for a soothing seashore day.
Seaside Cooler
Packing snacks and chilled drinks for the seashore? You’ll positively need a cooler to maintain every little thing chilly—it doesn’t matter what you’re bringing. Nothing’s worse than reaching for a cool water bottle after basking within the solar solely to seek out it heat. I’m obsessive about this one that appears like a woven picnic basket. It’s useful however nonetheless actually cute, which makes carrying a cooler up and down way more fulfilling.
Seaside Bag
No seashore packing record is full with no nice seashore bag to haul all of your necessities out of your trip rental to your spot within the sand. I at all times attain for my roomy raffia tote—one thing that holds every little thing with out feeling cumbersome. Suppose sunscreen, moveable speaker, your favourite seashore learn, snacks, sun shades… multi function place. I really like a Mary Poppins second in the case of seashore luggage!
Should you’re on the lookout for choices, I rounded up a few of my favourite seashore luggage in all totally different kinds and supplies. Test it out and discover one that matches your vibe completely.
Put up-Seaside Skincare
Spending hours within the solar and saltwater is sweet for the soul, however not at all times good to your pores and skin. That’s why I by no means skip packing a couple of skincare necessities after I head to the seashore. I at all times convey a mild exfoliating scrub for each my face and physique. (In case you have a sunburn, that is not for you—it’ll solely irritate it!). Sunburn or not, I at all times apply light-weight physique oil to lock in hydration. And for my face, a purifying masks is a should to detox and filter pores after a protracted seashore day.
For the complete routine and my go-to product picks, try my post-beach skincare breakdown.
First Assist Equipment
A seashore journey is all about stress-free, however I at all times wish to be just a bit ready. That is very true in the case of the sudden. Packing a small first help package is a kind of stuff you’ll be glad you may have in case you want it. This one is my favourite. It has all of the fundamentals—band-aids, tweezers, cotton swabs, and all these different little necessities. It takes up virtually no room in a seashore bag however is ideal for just a little additional peace of thoughts.
Seaside Trip Packing Guidelines
Should you’re on the point of pack to your subsequent seashore journey, don’t neglect to seize my free printable guidelines. It covers all of the necessities so you’ll be able to head out feeling organized. You’ll always remember your favourite sun shades midway to the seashore ever once more.
Keep stylish, fashionable, and prepared for something throughout your seashore trip!
Summer season actually is the most effective. It was my favourite season after I lived in New York however I nonetheless find it irresistible (even in sizzling, humid Charleston.) Between the outfits, the journeys, the slowed-down tempo, and all of the seashore days, it simply appears like the most effective sort of reset. Not solely do I really like creating stylish and simple trip outfits, however I’ve additionally discovered the fantastic thing about being ready. That’s precisely why I put this seashore trip packing record collectively.
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