The Ultimate Pool or Beach Vacation Packing List (2024)

It’s funny, I somehow accidentally didn’t take a real vacation (vs. a “trip”…long story, not the same thing) for about three or four years. Then, over the past year I’ve taken three separate beach vacays. So all of the sudden I had to create a standard beach packing list and get myself a bunch of beach essentials—stat!

It took a little trial and error, but I’ve now developed a bunch of critical beach, pool, and tropical vacation go-to items that I can throw in a bag at a moment’s notice.

Which is how I tend to pack…

So from swimsuits, cover-ups, and shoes, to what bag to throw it all in, I’ve got you covered!

Just a note before we dive in—I don’t work directly with any of these brands, but I may make a small affiliate commission from any Amazon sales that come through clicks from my links (which I greatly appreciate, and at no extra cost to you). All opinions are, as always,completelymy own!

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What to put on your beach packing list…

A super cute beach bag

It’s not a beach packing list without the best beach bag ever. I have this one (I think there are a couple styles) and it’s washable, super roomy, zips closed if you need it, and has several pockets for making sure you can find your chapstick, or keep your phone separate from the sandy towel.

The straps are pretty long, which makes it easier to throw over your shoulder. My only complaint is that the straps are…well, strap material, which can rub a little when you’re a tiny bit sunburnt. But that was a necessary evil to make sure it was durable and washable.

I use this as my personal item for flights when I travel to a beach destination…I can fit my computer and a bunch of other stuff in there, and then have my small rolling suitcase as my carry-on.

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Look great, be comfy

Cute hat to protect yourself from the sun:

Mine says “Resting Beach Face” and I loooove it. It’s foldable and packs up easily. Aesthetically I think I actually like these ones without the wording better though.

Comfy walking sandals:

These Rockport ones are the bomb, so comfy and can be walked in all day. I wear these on any warm-weather city trip as well, if it requires me to walk around on cobblestones all day (and tramped all around Israel in them).

Cute sandals:

I’m a big fan of Aerosoles, because they’re affordable, cute, and still comfy. I don’t know if I’d walk around all day on cobblestones (see the Rockport ones above), but for just walking around and not getting blisters and having some cushioning, these are amazing.

You can find them on Amazon but the styles have somewhat limited availability—they come and go. I’ve linked to a couple that I love, but also maybe try Zappo’s. And if you find a style you love, go back and buy a couple more pairs!

Theseare cute and can be dressy, like at an all-inclusive resort restaurant.Honestly Aerosoles in general are great, I just get annoyed that the styles available change so frequently. I strongly prefer a back strap on my sandals for plantar issue reasons. They do change/discontinue styles a lot though, which is annoying.

Other great brands I’ve found are Naturalizers (like these) and Vionics (liketheseorthese), and theseAerothoticsare a really good and very affordable option.

Simple comfy flip flops:

I’ve worn Havianas for years and love them. The top of the flip flop sometimes rubs a little blister on me when sand gets stuck under there, but that’s true of literally every sandal I’ve ever worn so I can’t fault them for that.

They’re affordable and last FOREVER, and provide really good cushioning and traction/grip. They come in a billion colors and styles too, if that’s your thing (I’m a basic black girl).

Sun dresses / swimsuit cover-ups:

Back when i actually went to stores, I generally had good luck finding cheap, cute swimsuit cover-ups at TJ Maxx, so I recommend giving that a try. I also usually get lazy and use comfy sundresses as swimsuit cover-ups. I feel a little more put-together, so if I decide to duck into a decent restaurant and have a meal I don’t have to run back and change.

This one has been a go-to for years, I tend to wear it the entire trip. This one has gone on every beach trip for 5 or 6 years, and I get so many compliments on it!

Then there are just cute sundresses overall (of the not-swimsuit-coverup variety). I’ve had excellent luck withStitchFixin the past few years, though prefer to pick my own out vs. use the personal shopper option.

Amazon is a great option for all sorts of styles, and a really good return process (which is KEY!). Some good styles I’ve worn (for walking around a town, going to dinner, etc.) are a t-shirt dress, afitted tank dress, or somethingflowy with fluttery cap sleeves (honestly I’ve been living in this dress lately).

I always have at least one long flowy dresses as well, this,thisandthis) are perfect as well.

Swimsuits galore:

Ever since Victoria’s Secret discontinued their swimline, I’ve had trouble finding good bikini tops (given my particular proportions). Overall I’ve had good luck with Athleta swimwear, both individual bikini elements and one-pieces.

I have the Notsostring Bottoms (they don’t always offer the same styles) in a couple colors and the Aqualuxe Twist Bikini Top in a couple sizes. It’s a more intense bra top (I’m a D+ so need more support), and their styles definitely trend more toward support and helping you do active things (e.g. snorkeling) while wearing a swimsuit.

I also have a cute golden-colored tankini top (great for things like paddleboard yoga, or snorkeling) and a more functional one-piece for when needed. Keep an eye on Athleta’s clearance deals, nice to pick up things on sale.

I’m also a big fan of Soma swimwear, and if you don’t have the same fit issues I do, Old Navy’s is a great cheaper option.

I recently got this super cute one-piece for my trip to Belize, to help provide a bit of extra coverage since I’m not at my svelte-est. I obviously didn’t wear it when I was going to be laying out and tanning, but it was perfect for the snorkel sailing trip I took. And I got to look retro bombshell.

Polarized sunglasses

When going to a high-sun place, make sure you protect yourself from eye strain and headaches with polarized sunglasses (ideally with UV blocking glass). I use prescription ones myself since I’m blind as can be, but these are cheap and should do a pretty good job.

Headbands (quick-drying)

There is little I like less than all my fuzzy hairline hairs stabbing me in the eye or getting caught in my chapstick. Headbands FTW.

Other items to including in your bag

Anti-Chafe glide to prevent heat rash

Thigh rub is real!! I’ve tried both BodyGlide’s and Gold Bond’s, and I’m perfectly happy with both/either (though tend to use the Gold Bond’s more). This works great not only for your inner thighs, but also for under-boob, underarm, feet, and more.

Metal reusable straws:

Many resorts (and destinations overall) have either completely eliminated straws or switched to paper ones. I’ve started traveling with a couple of these metal straws in my purse and suitcase so I can sip on drinks conveniently at the pool or beach without my straw getting all sog-ified.

They clean really easily and are super convenient. (hint, pack a few because you will 100% forget one or two when the server takes your drink).

Here’s the thing though…I have a terrible habit of accidentally leaving my metal straws in the glass and then the server picks them up. I’ve lost so many this way, that my new other favorite thing is these disposable, sustainable bamboo straws.

Cross-body purse for adventuring:

You’re not always going to want or need to haul your beach bag around. I’ve used this cross-body purse for years and it always does exactly what I need it to do. It packs flat, so I can throw it in my suitcase and then pull it out as needed. It’s super roomy, water-resistant, cleans up easily, and the strap is really comfy. I’ve taken it hiking, all around cities, to the beach—literally everywhere.

I wrote a whole post about how much I love it, if you want to know more. The link above is from eBags (it’s an eBags brand purse), but you can also get it here on Amazon (and know that the price fluctuates so you can snag it for like $35 there if you keep an eye on it).

Loooots of sunscreen:

I’ve written an entire post about the 9 sunscreens I love most for travel. I hate having to wear sunscreen, but it is an absolute must. So I’ve tested out a ton of different ones and these are what I use every time. I often actually check my carry-on suitcase when going to a beach destination just so I can bring gobs of sunscreen and make sure I have enough.

Also, if you’re a solo traveler, SPRAY SUNSCREEN IS YOUR FRIEND!!! Learned that one the hard way…

That post has your covered, including best high and lower SPF face sunscreens, my favorite sprays, lotions, reef/coral-safe ones, and even for lips (my lips are the one part of me that burns sooo easily).

I’ve also more recently fallen in love with Korean face sunscreens and moisturizers. I wrote a whole post about some of my favorites and why I love them so much!

A few other items that are necessary for your beach packing list in my opinion:

Shorts & a tank top for heat rash, or to protect your back while snorkeling
Towel clips…it’s so frustrating to keep your towel on the pool chair sometimes!
A microfiber towel for easy drying off (it doesn’t hold water, dries quickly); I never travel anywhere remotely beach/pool-like without this!
It can pay to bring your own water bottle and just refill it. You can go collapsible, Camelbak, whatever floats your boat.
In a similar vein, I like to bring an insulated cup or two…one to keep my water cold when laying out at the pool, and one to keep my cocktails cold! No watered-down drinks here! These are super popular right now, but I like ones that fully close (like a Yeti).
Band-aids, for blisters (or any other mishaps). I always find that the amount of sand and moisture you deal with on a tropical vacation is a recipe for lots of rubbing, so band-aids are your friend.
Hydrocortisone cream, for rashes and such (my skin is sensitive and heat rash or similar is common).

Things that will make sure you have fun

Waterproof phone case:

Duuuude, protect that phone.You can go a little more low-fi with the Joto case if you don’t want to remove your normal case (I don’t). Only downside is it’s a little more cumbersome to use sometimes in the water, see the buttons as easily, etc. Does the trick though.

GoPro-like camera for snorkeling, hiking, etc.:

The great thing about a tropical destination is that you’re around water. The bad thing about a tropical destination—from an electronics standpoint—is that you’re around water. You can go a step beyond just a waterproof case and get a camera meant to take in the pool, take snorkeling, and under waterfalls.

Paul from TraveliIsLife.org has also done some great research and testing to provide good, cheaper alternatives to the GoPro, so check out his post!

I recently got a cheaper underwater/adventure camera for some tropical trips and have been really happy with it! It’s much more affordable than GoPro but I haven’t felt like I’m missing anything.To me it’s a must on my beach packing list if there’s even the tiniest chance I’ll want to do snorkeling or even get cool pics in the pool.

Selfie stick / iPhone tripod

Protect the phone! A selfie stick is super helpful for pool or beach time, to make sure you don’t accidentally drop your phone. Plus, as a solo traveler, this is the main way I get good pics of myself (you can see how I used the tripod function on my Greek islands adventure last year).

Kindle Paperwhite:

I literally don’t go anywhere without it (like, even the dentist’s office…), but it’s especially perfect for the beach because 1) it’s not backlit so the sun isn’t your enemy, 2) it holds hundreds of books and weighs almost nothing (if you’re a romance or urban fantasy/romance fan, these are some of my faves), and 3) you won’t be dealing with soggy pages.

So there you have it—the ultimate beach packing list, everything you need for your next beach, pool, rainforest, or other tropical vacation! If you’re planning a more active trip (including Central America during rainy season), I have a modified packing list for that too!

Looking for more travel tips & tricks? Here’s a link to all my best tips!