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Beach packing list: Essential items for a day in the sun

Contiki travellers in Croatia - Makarska Photo: Contiki

There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach… sun, sand, and vitamin sea! But there’s nothing worse than getting to the beach and forgetting your towel, or your SPF! To en-shore your beach trip goes off without a hitch, you need the perfect beach packing list. Let’s dive into your ultimate beach day checklist to make sure you’re set for a fun and relaxing time by the waves.

1. Beach bags

First things first! You need something to carry all your beach gear. A sturdy beach bag for keeping everything organised, one big enough to hold all your essentials, but light enough to carry around with ease. Look for bags with compartments to separate your sunscreen, snacks, and keys, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Top tip…find one with a zip to keep the sand out! 

contiki travellers in whitsundays, Australia

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2. Sun protection

The sun can be a real beach. The last thing you want to end your perfect day is to leave looking like a lobster. You know the saying… don’t forget to slip, slop, slap! Make sure to pack a high-quality, natural sunscreen with SPF protection (at least SPF 30). SPF lip balm is a bonus to protect your lips from getting too much sun exposure. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed sun hat, the ultimate beach babe accessory, but crucial for shielding your face and neck, and to keep you cool. 

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3. Don’t forget the flip flops

Speaking of accessories… what’s a trip to the beach without the perfect outfit? Pack your most comfortable beach clothes, think airy cover-ups, swimsuits, and casual shorts, a sarong or a baggy linen shirt that you can easily throw on after a dip in the ocean. And don’t forget the flip flops! These are a must for slipping on and off when you’re running to the water or grabbing snacks!

Contiki travellers in Thailand - Krabi

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4. Water shoes for the win

Now you might be used to beautiful beaches, with soft, sandy shores… but in some places, they’re built different! If you’re heading to a beach with rocky shores or want to explore the underwater world, water shoes are a MUST! They will keep your feet protected from sharp rocks and coral, and give you grip on slippery surfaces. Whether you’re into snorkeling or just exploring, water shoes are a great way to stay comfortable and safe on your beach adventure, so you can actually enjoy the water pain-free! Trust me on this one!

5. Beach accessories

Want to bougie up your beach trip? Get your hands on a Cool Cabana! It’s a shelter cross umbrella: lightweight, easy to set up and will allow you to spend a whole day beside the beach! After your swim, this will give you a comfortable spot to dry off and relax, without being scorched by the sun. Don’t forget to pack a beach towel… the bigger, the better! If you’re planning to lounge, don’t leave home without a beach chair! These foldable, little wonders will give you a comfy spot to sit, especially when the sand gets a little too hot for comfort. They also make a great base for your snacks and drinks.

travellers swimming in Albania

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6. First aid kit & snacks

While you’re enjoying your ultimate beach vacation, it’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected. Pack a small aid kit with basics like band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes, just in case of minor scrapes or sunburn. Don’t forget the snacks to keep you fueled while you soak in the rays. Stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water (in an insulated bottle).

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7. Fun extras

Not into sunbathing? Pack some beach games like a frisbee or a paddle ball set. If you’re planning to snap some of your picture-perfect moments by the shore, don’t let water ruin your fun, pack a waterproof phone case! Whether you’re capturing the perfect sunset, a selfie with the waves, or that spontaneous cannonball, a waterproof case will keep your phone safe and dry without worry. 

Before you leave, don’t forget the essentials: wallet, keys and sunglasses! While these might seem obvious, it can be easy to overlook the little things in the rush to bolt to the beach!

travellers diving in Albania

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Craving some sun, sea, and sand? If your idea of a perfect escape includes turquoise waves, swaying palm trees, and a killer beach playlist, then Contiki has your next sandy adventure covered! Whether you’re after the lush, Instagram-worthy shores of Bali, the postcard-perfect islands of the Philippines, or dreaming of a Maldives-style escape (without the price tag), we’ve got the goods. Prefer something a little closer to tapas and sangria? Spain’s sizzling beach scene is calling. Or maybe you’re chasing those mythical Greek vibes where history meets heavenly coastlines. Whatever your flavour of paradise, these dreamy destinations are guaranteed to cure your wanderlust and upgrade your beach game. 

So, what’re you waiting for? The sun is shining, the waves are calling, grab your beach essentials and get ready to dive in… literally! Pack your bags for the ultimate beach trip and check out our beach vacation packages for even more tips and trips to unforgettable destinations!

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