What to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation

Wondering what to pack for a tropical beach vacation? I’ve got you covered. I’ve used this packing list many times for beach vacays! Plus I’ve included a free editable packing list Google Doc at the end of this post!

Tropical Beach Vacation Packing List

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What to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation: Clothing

Swimsuit

Of course you’re going to need a swimsuit! I like to bring both one and two pieces when I travel… sometimes after a night of frozen tropical drinks, a one piece feels way more covering 😉 Below are some of my favorites, but I have saved A TON on this Amazon list and am always adding more!

Cover-up

A light, breezy cover-up is always a must-pack item for any beach vacation. 

Sundress

Dressed are great for traveling. They’re cute, easy, and don’t take up much space in a suitcase! Saved my favorites on this list.

Sandals

Cute, colorful sandals are a must for vacation at the beach! Check out some of these fun ones.

What to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation: Accessories

Sunhat

This is my hands-down favorite straw hat. Especially in the summer,  you can see me wearing it in 90% of my Instagram photos. 

I love the ones that have fun sayings on them too! Saved several like the one below on here.

cute lettering sun hat to bring on beach vacation

Sunglasses

Beach Bag

A good beach bag is a MUST! One of my favorite designers, Kelly Wynne just launched a new beach line and I am dying over their Bring on the Beach Bag!

Amazon surprisingly has some really cute, affordable bags (like the one below), saved a bunch of them here!

fun beach bag for tropical vacation

Jewelry

Not a necessity, of course, but a beach vacay is the perfect excuse to break out some fun, statement earrings!

It would be such a tragedy to lose your wedding or engagement ring, which is why I love the idea of wearing a cheap dupe while traveling!  You can find shockingly cheap ones out there. The one below is from amazon.com and less than $12 — NO JOKE! There are also some really great ones on Etsy

You Might Also Like: 50+ Fake Engagement Rings for Travel

What to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation: Toiletries

Sunscreen

I mentioned in my Must-Have Travel Beauty Products post that this Neutrogena Hydro Boost is my favorite sunscreen!

Self Tanner

I know there are tons of self tanners out there, many of which are pretty expensive. Personally, I use Jergens Instant Sun Mousse (I get the Deep Bronze color) and love it… it’s super cheap and dries in 60 seconds!

Chapstick

Sun, sand, and salt can be tough on lips. Always bring chapstick when I pack for a tropical beach vacation! This is my favorite one.

De-tangling Brush

Must Have Beauty Products - Wet Brush

Something about the sand and salt water always does a number on my hair… I swear by wet brush, it’s one of those beauty products I NEVER travel without

What to Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation: Other Things to Bring

Beach Towel

I personally love a really big beach towel… nothing is more annoying than laying out on the beach and having your calves and feet hang off the towel getting all sandy. 

best beach towel to pack for a tropical beach vacation

Waterproof/Sandproof Speakers

Hanging out on the beach is always better with music — just be sure to bring one that is sand and waterproof! This JBL Flip 4 is one of the most popular ones!

Tropical Vacation Beach Packing List - Waterproof Speaker

Book/Kindle

Water bottle

I like to use vacuum insulated water bottles because they keep your drink colder for longer and don’t “sweat” and get condensation everywhere. 

BONUS: Customizable Beach Vacation Packing Check List

I typically make my packing lists in a google doc and list out everything I need for a trip. I adjust it for whatever destination I am going to, but for the most part it stays the same…. sharing my beach vacation packing list here!

Click the photo and it will take you to the actual Google doc that you can “make a copy” of and then edit for yourself!

Any tropical beach items that I forgot on this packing list? Let me know in the comments below or DM me on Instagram! Looking for more travel gear recommendations?

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xx Chels

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Tropical Beach Trip Packing List
Packing List for Tropical Beach Vacay
What To Pack for a Tropical Beach Vacation

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