Beach clothes are small and light, so a carry-on is realistic. The tricky parts are wet swimsuits, sand, sunscreen and liquids. Here is a list and a method.
The list
Swim and sun
- 2 swimsuits (one dries while you wear the other)
- Cover-up and a hat
- Sunglasses
- Sandals or flip-flops
- A lightweight towel or sarong, if your hotel does not supply towels
Clothing
- 4 to 5 tops
- 2 to 3 shorts or skirts
- 1 dress or smarter outfit for dinner
- A light layer, since planes and evenings can be cool
- Underwear and sleepwear for the length of your stay
Toiletries
- Sunscreen, aftersun and other liquids in 3.4 oz or smaller containers in a clear quart bag. Larger bottles belong in a checked bag or can be bought at your destination.
- Basics: toothbrush, deodorant, hair ties
Extras
- Waterproof pouch for phone and cards
- Wet bag for damp swimwear
- Reusable water bottle, empty at security
Keep wet and dry separate
A damp suit in your clean clothes is the classic beach packing mistake. Use a wet bag or a zip pouch with a towel for swim items. Put it in its own corner, away from your clothes cubes. A 7-Piece Packing Cube Set lets you assign one cube just for swim and beach things. These cubes are standard zip pieces, not waterproof, so do not treat them as wet bags.
Handling sand
Shake out sandals and bags before packing. Keep sandy items in a separate bag. At the hotel, rinse suits and hang to dry.
Hotel bathroom
A hanging toiletry bag keeps sunscreen and products off a crowded counter. It has a clear pocket and mesh pockets for dry items.
Jewelry
Beach and saltwater are not kind to jewelry. Bring simple pieces and keep them in a small travel case.
Weight and size
Carry-on limits vary and some airlines weigh bags. Check your airline's size and weight limits before you fly. Wear your bulkiest shoes and layer on the plane.
Orders ship tracked from overseas suppliers, free to the US, in 8–14 business days.
FAQ
Can I take sunscreen in a carry-on? Yes, in 3.4 oz or smaller containers in a quart bag.
How many swimsuits should I pack? Two is common for a week.
Where do I put wet swimwear on the flight home? In a wet bag or sealed pouch, away from clothing.
Do I need beach towels? Check if your resort provides them.