There’s nowhere better to enjoy summer than at the beach. The open skies, sandy beaches, and big ocean make a wonderful escape from your daily routine. And the warm weather coaxes us all into a lazy, summer haze. Time seems to always slow down by the beach, allowing visitors to move leisurely and to explore and dress comfortably.
Here’s what I recommend packing for your next beach getaway:
1. Bottoms
Since you’ll be headed for warmer weather, I’d recommend shorts and skirts. Perhaps a couple pairs of denim and linen shorts and a breezy skirt.
2. Tops
To show off your sun-kissed glow, I’d recommend packing a couple shoulder-baring tops like this off-the-shoulder one or this halter top. Don’t forget to protect your skin with this airy long-sleeve.
3. Dresses
Dresses are perfect for the beach, as they’re easy to throw over swimsuits. I’d recommend a few casual dresses, as well as something like this that can easily be worn from day to night.
4. Swimsuits
It’s always fun to see what new colors and patterns are featured each summer. A bikini is perfect for lounging under the sun, while a one-piece gives a little more security for an active beach outing.
5. Shoes
If you have to wear shoes on your beach getaway, I’d recommend sticking to sandals. This festive pair and these summery espadrilles are perfect for sandy terrain.
6. Accessories
Since you’ll likely be outside in the sun most of your trip, I’d recommend bringing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to block out a few rays. You’ll also need a beach bag to carry all your belongings.
7. The Essentials
- Sunscreen
- A beach towel
- A water bottle
- A good book (check out some of these reads)
- Aloe vera for any burns
8. Tech
9. Travel Insurance
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
2 Comments
So glad you posted this in time for my Puerto Rico trip next month! I don’t go on beach trips too often, so this is very helpful!
Ah enjoy, was just in PR!