Every woman needs a beach vacation packing list! Why? Because how many times have you gone on a beach vacation, but still have to think about what to pack? Use this beach vacation packing list for women and you’ll never have to worry about forgetting the basic necessities for your beach vacation ever again!

1. Swimwear

Don’t leave home without your swimsuit or bikini. You’ll be very mad at yourself if you do. Make sure you pack your beach wraps and/or cover-ups as well!

2. Beach Hat

Take your beach hat to protect your head from the sun.

3. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must at the beach. You need them to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. Try to use glasses that provide 100% UV protection.

4. Sunscreen

Ah sunscreen, another must-have for the beach because who wants to get burned? You’ll need to have a sunscreen that is at least 30 spf. There’s a lot of talk about sunscreen being harmful because of the chemicals it contains.

I go for sunscreens that are mineral-based and that do not contain harmful products or chemicals. Sun Bum is one of my faves. I also like Avon Skin-so-soft with bug repellent, because who wouldn’t love a sunscreen that protects you from the sun AND keeps the bugs away during the day (without using harsh chemicals)?

5. Lotion/Moisturizers

Any moisturizer with Aloe will be helpful after spending some time in the sun. Vaseline Intensive Care and Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother do wonders for the skin after serious sun time. Added bonus: for whatever reason, they both keep the mosquitoes away! My entire family uses both these lotions (separately) when we are on vacation.

6. Beach Towel

Take at least one beach towel (per person) with you, because you never want to rely on a hotel. They may run out or simply not offer beach towels.

7. Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap Bar and other hair products

Gotta take care of those tresses and have shampoo and conditioner to wash the sand, sea, and possibly chlorine out of your hair. If you can, take a travel-sized leave-in conditioner with you. If you are trying to cut down on packing liquids, try the conditioning shampoo bar (easy-peasy, especially if you’re trying to do carry-on only). Don’t forget your brush, wide-tooth comb, and lots of hair-ties!

8. Bug/Insect repellent

Warm climates usually mean bugs, and some times these bugs like to interfere with our vacation time. Avoid nasty bites and itching by wearing bug repellent. Again, I go for the ones that don’t contain harmful products (such as deet). Avon skin-so-soft is my fave! You remember my sunscreen with bug repellent? Well if you’re not feeling that or need something during the night time (when the bugs really come out) try Avon Skin-so-soft bug spray or towelettes. If you only swear by deet products for bug repellent, then OFF is for you. Make sure you get the travel-sized cans.

9. Beach Bag

Beach bags are a must for your beach vacay! They keep everything organized in one place. But which beach bag to choose? It depends on your preference and style. I think every beach bag should be waterproof and have compartments, including at least one inner zip area. Check out the bags above that have all of these, so all you need to do is select the one that goes with your style (and budget).

10. Wet Bags, Dry Bags, Ziploc Bags

You can use a wet bag to keep your wet swim suit or clothes separate from your dry stuff and electronics (phone, camera etc), or you can use a dry bag to keep your dry stuff and electronics away from your wet stuff. Make sure your wet bags/dry bags are waterproof! If you rather keep things simple, you can just get large ziploc bags and call it a day.

11. Underwater Camera and/or Underwater Phone Case

If you plan on snorkeling or scuba diving during your trip, you definitely want to have an underwater camera or underwater phone case with you to take those beautiful photos of yourself, your travel partner(s), or the scenery under the sea.

12. Water bottle

Please remember to drink water to keep hydrated. The easiest way to do this and ensure you don’t forget is to keep a water bottle handy. There are many types of water bottles to choose from. Many folks love the collapsible water bottles but the regular water bottles work just fine as well. Take our pick from above.

13. Razors

Even if you have the best Brazilian Wax there is, make sure you bring a razor. Who knows if a straggler will suddenly appear when you’re trying to rock your bikini.

14. Shoes

Don’t forget your flip flops! A must-have for the beach. Make sure you have at least one pair of sandals (if you’ll be there for a while). Depending on the type of trip and whether you have a night-out planned, you may want to consider taking a dressy pair of shoes or at least dressy sandals to go with your outfit. Will you be taking part in activities that require water shoes (or do you simply like to wear water shoes)? If so, don’t forget to pack them!

15. Clothes

Yes, of course you’ll need clothes, but make sure the clothes you take are suitable for the climate – shorts, tank tops, jumpsuits, rompers, and summer dresses are usual faves. Don’t have enough outfits? Click on an image above to see if you can find something for you!

16. A Good Book

There’s nothing better than relaxing on the beach with a drink in one hand and a good book in the other. Take any book you like or if you prefer, take your kindle. What book do I recommend? I have tons of recommendations, but if there’s one book I think every woman should read, it’s “Brave not Perfect” by Reshma Saujani. Trevor Noah’s “Born a Crime” is another fave I recommend for everyone! Oprah Winfrey’s “The Path Made Clear” and Shonda Rimes’ “Year of Yes” are also good reads.

This beach packing list is meant to supplement your basic packing list. Also take a look at travel accessories and items to help you enjoy a smooth trip. If you have kids, make sure you check out the Beach Vacation Packing list for Toddlers and the Toddler Packing List. Now go have some fun in the sun!