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Where you are going · Sun, sand and the sea

Beach holiday: what to pack

A beach holiday is mostly about what you leave behind. Pack light, keep valuables dry and out of sight, and you can spend the day by the water instead of guarding a bag.

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The kit list

Most beach trips go wrong in small ways: a phone full of sand, a wallet left on a towel, a water bottle that runs out at midday. The kit below fixes those. It is small, cheap to replace and easy to carry, and most of it fits in one dry bag.

If you are flying a budget airline, start with a bag that fits under the seat. Swimwear, light clothes and sandals pack small, so a beach week in one under-seat bag is realistic, and it saves a paid cabin bag each way.

Getting there

Packing cubes
Cubes keep each type of clothing together, so you find things without emptying the bag.
Wash bag
One hanging or wide-opening bag keeps toiletries together and away from your clothes.
Passport and card holder
Keeps passport, boarding pass and cards in one place, with RFID blocking on the card slots.

Beachwear

Cover-up
Something light for the walk from the beach to lunch.
Sandals and flip-flops
Easy on, easy off for sand, pool and hot streets.
Sun hat
A wide brim shades face and neck better than a cap.

On the beach

Beach and travel towel
Microfibre dries fast, sheds sand and weighs far less than cotton.
Dry bag
Keeps phone, keys and a change of clothes dry on boats, beaches and in the rain.
Reusable water bottle
Refill it after security and on the go instead of buying bottled water.
Cooling towel
Wet it and snap it for instant cool on hot days, runs and beach walks.

Evenings and day trips

Crossbody bag
A small bag that zips shut and sits in front of you in busy places.
Pocket torch
A small torch on your keys or bag is always there when you need it.
Foldaway bag
Packs flat on the way out and takes the extra shopping on the way home.

Tips for the trip

  • Put phone, keys and cards in a dry bag before you leave the hotel, not on the beach.
  • Take one card and some cash to the beach and leave the rest in the room safe.
  • Refill a water bottle at breakfast; beach kiosks charge the most when it is hottest.
  • Rinse sand out of zips with fresh water so they keep working.

Flying? Check your airline's free bag size with our cabin bag checker before you pack.

Questions

How do I keep my phone safe at the beach?

Keep it in a sealed dry bag inside your beach bag, out of direct sun. Heat is as much of a risk as water and sand.

Can I fit a beach holiday in an under-seat bag?

Yes for most people. Swimwear and summer clothes pack small, and packing cubes compress them further. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane.

How long does delivery take?

Each product page shows the delivery time to your country before you pay, and tracking is emailed when it ships. Order a couple of weeks before you travel.

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