Sand, sun, and surf are calling. From flattering swimwear to beach-ready beauty essentials, here are all the beach holiday essentials and extras to stash in your bag for a seaside getaway.
Envious of those who seem to have a knack for effortlessly streamlining their packing? Wondering how to make your next beach holiday a luggage dream? You’re in luck. Become a professional in holiday packing with our 2023 guide to beach holiday essentials you need in your rotation.
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The Essential Beach Holiday Packing List
Luggage to love
Let’s start with the basics: a sturdy, stylish suitcase. A durable suitcase will be your saving grace when travelling to your destination, whether it be through an airport or on the road. Look to every traveller’s favourite suitcase brand, Samsonite, for a suitcase you’ll love for years to come.
Optimise your luggage space with a mini travel case from Lapoche. Water-resistant and ever-so-cute, these travel-sized toiletry bags will be your best friend over the holiday break.
Of-the-moment summer swimwear
First things first: a fabulous swimsuit. This season’s swimwear trends are all about classic cuts, comfort, and colour. Look to the stunning Calliope collection from Sunseeker for a collection that hits all the marks. Featuring a classic approach to bright, delicate florals on a dark ink background, the Calliope range is part of Sunseeker’s “re:new” sustainable collection. Designed to minimise, support, and flatter larger busts, the materials used in this swim collection allow the skin to breathe while allowing moisture to escape.
For a tropical-inspired swimsuit, the Palme Plunge One Piece Swimsuit from Jets will be your go-to this summer. This daring swimsuit features a cross-back design for maximum support, and a removable belt for maximum style. You’ll feel right at home wearing this swimsuit, whether under a palm tree, or just lounging with a fruity drink (something with a cocktail umbrella works best).
An effortless kaftan, coverup, or sarong
A kaftans or coverup is a must-have for lounging by the pool, beach, bar, and more. Opt for a versatile piece that matches your swimsuit and accessories—a bright colour palette is always a good idea for your summer wardrobe.
Look to Seafolly’s Corsica Embroidery Outerwear Dress for a timeless yet trendy beach coverup. Add key accessories to this piece and watch your outfit transform from beach-chic to evening elegance.
Everyday essentials
Next up, your new go-to everyday essentials. A beach trip calls for effortless and easy-to-wear pieces which pair well with long summer days and balmy nights. Opt for hot-weather-friendly materials like cotton, linen, and silk, specifically in a resort-style or relaxed fit.
If you’re short on packing space, we recommend including a flowy skirt or pants with a matching top (Alémais designs wonderful sets) to mix and match with your swimsuit.
Stylish sunglasses
There’s nothing cooler than a fun pair of sunnies, except for a pair of must-have 90’s style sunglasses. Ride the wave of the 90’s fashion resurgence with a pair of Le Spec’s Oh Damn sunglasses. These sun-smart glasses are a versatile modern update to the classic 90’s inspired silhouette. Featuring a wider fit that allows for all face shapes and sizes, these frames are so stylish you won’t want to take them off once the sun goes down.
Fashionable beach-ready footwear
The secret to packing a beach holiday capsule wardrobe is to include shoes that can effortlessly transition from beach to bar. Leave the wobbly high-heels at home this summer and ditch the chunky sneakers; this season is all about comfort.
Whether it’s a day by the shore or an evening entertaining, the Carlia Mi Khaki sandal from Midas will slide right into your summer wardrobe rotation to pair with any and every outfit you pack.
Statement-making hats
This summer, embrace the fashionable bucket hat. More than just a way to protect your delicate skin from the sun, these stylish hats have quickly become a fashion statement.
Look to the Multi Braid Bucket Hat by Gregory Ladner for a design seated at the intersection of straw and bucket hat. As an added bonus, this hat travels well and won’t bend or warp when you tuck it into your beach bag.
A carry-all beach bag
Towel, sun protection, snacks, a water bottle, your phone, and your wallet—a trip to the beach calls for a dedicated beach bag that can hold all your essentials and handle the sun and sand.
We love the Terry Beach Tote from beach experts, Seafolly. Stylish and big enough to carry everything you need, this bag also comes with a matching beach pillow. Say hello to long summer days lying on the beach in comfort, armed with a good book or two.
A comfortable towel designed for lazing about
From drying off after a drip to a comfortable spot to laze about, a good beach towel will never lead you astray. When it comes to durable, comfortable, timeless beach towels, look to the incredible collection from Country Road. These towels come in various colours and designs, including this beloved towel sporting a hidden security pocket. Splash and sunbathe in peace, knowing your valuables are safely stowed away.
Sun-smart sunscreen
A beachside adventure will always require sunscreen. Look for a natural sunscreen with a matte finish, the Salt & Stone face stick is a great contender for SPF-50 water-resistant face tint. For ultimate protection, include their Sunscreen Lip Balm in your beauty beach essential list.
Overnight beauty essentials
For those lengthy, lazy beachside holidays, you’ll need to pack the best in beauty to keep your skin feeling fresh and hydrated through the hot days and balmy nights. Make the most of your luggage space with a beauty travel kit. Not only do these kits offer the best in skincare and self-care, but they also meet air travel liquid restrictions.
The Jo Malone Little Luxuries Travel Kit Wood Sage & Sea Salt will add a touch of elegant fragrance to your holiday space. The ultimate in skincare travel kits, Liberty Belle RX’s Essential Mini Starter Kit will keep your skin happy and hydrated after a day in the sun.
Travel in style and arrive as fresh as a daisy with our guide to The Beauty Buys for Long Haul Flights
The Perfect Housewarming Gift
When it comes to a housewarming gift, you can’t go past a highly-coveted home fragrance. Elevate their new space and add a little cosiness to their home with a scented candle, available in a variety of fragrances and personalities. Try to match the scent to the energy of the new home or the giftees—wanderlust personalities will love exotic fragrances and travel-inspired scents, while those with a green thumb might find inspiration in a fresh, floral-scent candle. Why not also include a matching room spray, diffuser or essential oil to help take the aromatic experience to another level?
