When you think about what to pack for a beach vacation, you’re probably already reaching for your swimsuits, flip-flops, and tropical attire. And while all those are beach must-haves, we're here to remind you of those easily forgotten packing items that can make or break your vacation. Plus, remember that most beach destinations are marketed to tourists, so many of these items are heavily marked up if you do forget to throw them in your carry-on. Save yourself the stress, time, and money by grabbing these items before you go:
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: The chemicals in many of the mainstream sunscreen brands are polluting our oceans and killing precious coral reef ecosystems, so if you plan on swimming in the ocean, do your part and check if your sunscreen is reef-safe.
SPF Lip Balm: Trust us on this one. You don’t want to have to literally smile through the pain while on vacation.
Aloe Vera: Too much fun in the sun often leaves a not-so-fun sunburn. Pack some aloe vera or after-sun cream to relieve a nasty sunburn. Pro-tip: keep it in the mini-fridge or ice bucket for soothing, cool relief.
Bug Spray: We all love the tropics, but so do the bugs. Come prepared with some bug spray to fight off any relentless bugs.
Anti-Itch Cream: But if the bugs do get the best of you, bring some anti-itch cream to ease any unwanted bug bites.
Anti-Seasickness Medication: If you’re planning on doing any at-sea activities, you may want to have some medication handy in case you start to feel a little woozy. You never know what the conditions may be like, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry in our book.
Pain Relief: Whether you have one too many piña coladas or something just doesn’t sit right with your stomach, you’ll want to bring some over-the-counter pain relief or antiacid tablets to ease any discomfort.
Power Adapters & Converters: Check if your island destination requires a power adaptor or converter. Note that a power adaptor is what is needed to physically plug your appliance (i.e. hair dryer) into the wall while a converter changes the voltage of the appliance to be compliant with the destination’s standard voltage.
Portable Charger: If you plan on going on any excursions or day trips, it’s always handy to have a portable charger just in case of low battery. You don’t want to miss out on any photo ops!
Card Games: Cards are the perfect entertainment for long travel days or downtime at the beach. Bonus points if you have a waterproof deck for spill-proof and poolside fun.
All this packing talk has us in the vacation state of mind. Before we grab our suitcases, let’s find your next vacation destination.
