Beach Trip Checklist

The beach beckons... here's your vacation checklist!

The Beach Trip Checklist for tropical travelers. If you're lucky enough to be going on a beach vacation our packing list will get you there in style.


Tips, Lists and Links to make your vacation
just beachy

palapa trio


A beach vacation? ~ oooh la la. A sun and surf and sand vacation. Make sure you have everything you need with our beach packing list.


All vacations begin with our Vacation Packing Checklists. Essentials that apply to every journey are included on this list. From there, each vacation is individual.

This page is all about Beach Trip Checklist items especially for shoreside, island and other tropical vacations.

Check out our Beach Vacation Tips



  • ~ Sandals or Flip flops ~

    Apparently we aren't supposed to call them thongs anymore. A pair of "easy to slip on and off" shoes like flip flops, sandals or crocs are an absolute must. Something you don't mind getting wet or that are easy to kick off during beach walks.
  • ~ Hat ~

    Take your shade along. A big, wide brimmed hat protects your face, neck and shoulders from the tropical sun. If you'd seen some of the people I've known who have spent too much time in the tropical sun, you would run to the hat store.
  • ~ Sunglasses ~

    Polarized sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection are a good barrier between your eyes and the sun. Remember that the sun reflects off the water and intensifies the effects. You'll also find that good sunglasses make the scenery more crisp looking.
  • ~ Sarong or Pareo ~

    These brightly patterned lengths of fabric are around 3 feet X 6 feet (size varies) . The lowly sarong scores super high in our double duty category.

    You can often buy these on the beach and if you've been on a beach vacation before, chances are pretty good that there's one in your closet. If you have one (or two) pack them.

    They'll come in handy as a swimsuit coverup, skirt, dress, beach blanket, table cloth, privacy curtain, sun shade, light blanket, etc.....and they'll ask for very little space in your luggage in return.

  • ~ Dry Bag ~

    Dry bags are designed to float and keep water out. A small dry bag keeps cameras, paperbacks, smoking materials, etc. dry if you'll be sailing or boating.

    Medium holds a pareo, a towel, sunscreen, water bottle, camera etc. if it's big enough it can double as the beach bag. It even doubles as an ice chest in a pinch.

  • ~ Beach Bag ~

    Beach Bags are flaunting some serious funk these days. A roomy bag to carry all your beach essentials in is a must. Pockets inside (or out) help keep small things organized and handles that are big enough to put over your shoulder make it a breeze to carry.
  • ~ Zip Lock Bags ~

    I can't resist picking up shoreside treasures whenever we walk on the beach. Zip Lock bags hold shells, sea glass and wave worn rocks.
  • ~ Hair Accessories (for the girls) ~

    You'll probably want to put your hair up on hot days and sultry nights. Speaking of hair, check out this Fabulous Hair Site and pick up some great new ideas to try while you're on vacation.



Here's a  Printable Version   of our Beach Trip Checklist.

Just the facts ~ no fluff




Share Your Favorite Beach With Other Beach Lovers

Of all the beaches you've visited which do you think is the Best Beach in the World? Tell us where it is and what you love about it.

Is it a great walking or tanning beach

Has something special happened to you on YOUR beach? A proposal, a wedding, maybe you met a special person.

Everyone love to look at beach photos. Include a picture of your beach if you have one!

Enter Your Title

Tell Us Your Story! [ ? ]

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional) [ ? ]

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional) 

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name

(first or full name)

Your Location

(ex. City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.


(You can preview and edit on the next page)

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

REAL ESTATE SALES PROFESSIONAL  Not rated yet
Living in Baja California Sur on the East Cape, Sea of Cortez side.

Our local beach is an outstanding stretch of pristine sand, white with gold pyrite ...

Surfin USA  Not rated yet
We traveled down the California coast to see the 13 beaches mentioned in the song Surfin' USA by the Beach Boys.

Most are state beaches or parks ...

My New Favorite  Not rated yet
This season I discovered a new favorite beach.

It's Matanchen Bay, Mexico. Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico just a couple of miles south of San ...

Hugonaut Beach, Jacksonville Florida /Jekyll Island, Georgia  Not rated yet
Its beautiful there :) and camping is available. I work on the other island. Its quiet with a lot of bike trails, good food, a water park, historic sites ...

Me, the Jersey Shore, and Two Cute Guys  Not rated yet
Last year when I was thirteen I went to the beach (Sea Isle City, NJ) with my mom, my sister, my aunt and uncle, and my two younger cousins.

My mom ...

aruba  Not rated yet
The waters there are crystal blue! The sand is fine, clean and safe. The whole beach experience is absolutely amazing... including the sun, for those tanning ...

Paradise Beach - Nassau Bahamas  Not rated yet
They have the most beautiful white sand beaches. You will love this vacation if you go island hopping, you will see all the beautiful water and exotic ...

Tenacatita  Not rated yet
My Favourite Beach is at the Aquarium in Tenacatita Bay, Mexico. It's on the Pacific side of Mexico and offers everything I love in a beach.

Wide expanses ...








Visitors to our Beach Trip Checklist page may also be interested in the following pages

General Vacation Packing List
Her Vacation Packing List
His Vacation Packing List
Sea Glass
Printable Beach Vacation & Beach Bag
Beach Tips for Fun and Safety


vacation lists compass








Arnette Sunglasses



We LOVE Mexicana Airlines. Whenever possible we fly with this airline.

Hot Deals for Hot Destinations.