12 Things to Add to Your Beach Packing List

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In just under three weeks from now, I’ll be sunning myself on a beach in Grenada, sipping on rum punch as I watch the glistening emerald sea hug the white sand shores. As I’m hoping to work my way around at least ten of the island’s beaches while I’m there – including the award-winning Grand Anse and the affectionately named Pink Gin Beach – I’m packing just about everything you could possibly want to take on a beach holiday. So, without further ado, here are my recommendations on what to add to your beach packing list. See you on the beach!

A flattering bikini or swimsuit

A bikini or swimsuit will often be the first thing that springs to your mind when writing a beach packing list. Give yourself plenty of time to try on your swimwear and decide whether to splash out (excuse the pun!) on something new. This year, I started thinking about my beach packing list around two months before I planned to depart for Grenada and I feel much calmer about packing for my trip as a result.

I ordered a couple of bikinis from Hunkemoller in order to find one that fitted me properly and also complimented my figure. Although the first bikini I ordered was a little too tight on my chest, I was really impressed with how smooth and hassle-free the delivery and returns process was. In no time at all, I was trying on another bikini. A black embellished number from the Jewell Goddess range, the second bikini could’ve been made to fit me and I’m feeling much more confident about walking down the beach in this than I would’ve been in my five-year-old, washed-out coral bikini.

Cover-up

As well as packing your favourite bikini, you might want to bring a sarong or kaftan to cover up as you walk along the beach. No matter how confident you are, you probably won’t want to be on show all the time.

Personally, I always feel much better when I’ve got a cover-up of some description wrapped around me. It doesn’t have to be anything too pricey – I normally opt for something cheap from Primark as I know I won’t be getting a great deal of wear out of it. Above all, just pick something you feel happy in!

Sunscreen

Suncream will no doubt be at the top of your beach packing list – especially if you’re British. As soon as the sun comes out, us Brits have a tendency to panic buy suncream as though the sun’s never going down.

If, like me, you’re fair-skinned and burn easily, don’t skimp on the SPF rating of your suncream; opt for a minimum of SPF30, or SP50 if you’re particularly partial to sun damage. Don’t forget to re-apply your suncream every few hours, or when you’ve been for a dip in the sea or the pool.

There are lots of brands on the market claiming to offer different benefits, from being water-resistant and repelling insects, to supporting your skin’s natural tanning ability and enabling you to tan quicker. Regardless of which brand or kind of product you opt for, however, remember to check the SPF rating and the UVA logo on the sunscreen label. It’s also wise to check the expiry date, particularly if you’re using an old bottle of suncream.

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Sunglasses

Besides protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, you’ll also want to ensure you shield your eyes from UVA and UVB damage – as well as looking sleek and cool while at the beach! With this in mind, be sure to pack your sunglasses for a beach holiday – or any holiday, for that matter!

If you can afford it, it pays to invest in quality sunglasses to in order to be confident you’re giving your eyes the full protection they deserve. I’m hoping to treat myself to a pair of prescription sunglasses for my upcoming trip to Grenada.

Spend time trying on different styles to find a pair of sunglasses that compliment your face shape and feels comfortable during wear.

Making sure your glasses suit your personality is key, but they need to be affordable too. You can find a wide selection of fairly priced options at SmartBuyGlasses.co.uk, which sells all kinds of styles from different designers, all with a best price guarantee. They also stock hundreds of eyewear styles in their cheap glasses collection, with frames from as little as £6.

Beach towels or chairs

We’ve all tried sneaking towels out from our hotel rooms to the beach before – especially if we’ve had a limited luggage allowance (come on, tell me it’s not just me!)

If you’re serious about spending some time at the beach, however, do yourself a favour and bring a large beach towel so you can spread out and relax as you soak up the sun.

If you prefer to sit upright while on the beach, consider adding some folding portable chairs to your beach packing list.

Goggles

You might not think you need to bring a pair of goggles with you on a beach holiday, but you never know when they might come in handy. Swimming can be a lot more enjoyable if you’re not getting saltwater in your eyes every few minutes – especially if you’re a contact lens wearer.

Reading material

If you plan on spending a few hours at the beach, no doubt you’ll want to take something to read while you’re there. Do your research to find some interesting travel titles to get lost in, or stock up on glossy magazines to flick through as you soak up the sun.

I’ll be taking this guide to Grenada with me when I go on holiday in June. Although I’ve already planned out my itinerary based on the destinations I really want to visit, travel guides are also useful for discovering more about the culture and history of a place.

Power banks

Dependent on how long your phone battery tends to last for, you may wish to add a decent power bank to your beach packing list. Since I upgraded to the iPhone XR, I don’t tend to carry power banks with me often anymore, but previously, I always had to leave home with a fully charged power bank in my bag. This is even more important when you’re in an unfamiliar destination, as you might need to use your phone in the event of getting lost or running into any difficulties.

Flying long-haul? Check out this long haul flight essentials guide before you go anywhere!

Antibacterial hand gel or wet wipes

There’s nothing worse than ending up with sticky hands after you’ve treated yourself to an ice cream! Pop some antibacterial hand gel or wet wipes in your bag so you can clean up after eating any sweet treats – not to mention freshen up after a few hours in the hot sun!

Reusable water bottle

It’s essential to stay hydrated while relaxing in the sun on the beach, so be sure to add a reusable water bottle to your beach packing list. While you could rely on purchasing plastic bottles and re-filling them with water,it’s much more environmentally friendly and hygienic to use a reusable water bottle which can be cleaned thoroughly in between uses.

I treated myself to an aluminium water bottle a few months ago and I’ve never looked back. It cost me around £10 in TK Maxx and it probably paid for itself within a couple of weeks, as I save so much on buying bottles of water in shops now.

Hat

If you’re going to be spending a few hours sitting in the sun, protect your scalp from burning by wearing a hat. This will also help you to stay shaded, and keep cool while relaxing on the beach. A floppy straw hat is ideal, as it’s light enough to protect your skin and shade your face from the sun, without causing your head to overheat.

Similarly, a bucket hat makes for a stylish and practical look. Whether you’re lounging in the sun, enjoying beach sports, or simply strolling along the shoreline, the bucket hat is a favourite among beach-goers.

Blister plasters

After a few hours of wandering around in the sun, your feet might be feeling a little tired and worn out. Regardless of how comfy your sandals are, most of us tend to get a few blisters while on holiday.

Pop some blister plasters in your bag so you can stick one on if need be; I recommend buying a pack containing mixed sizes.

What are your essentials for a beach packing list? Share your thoughts with fellow readers below.

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If you found my beach packing list useful, you might want to take a look at these posts:

• How to Cut Costs on Excess Baggage
• 5 Ways to Keep in Touch While Travelling
• Work vs. Wanderlust: Balancing Work and Travel
• 7 Tips for an Unforgettable Food Travel Experience
• 10 Easy Ways to Save Money for Travel

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