What to take to the beach vacation

B-E-A-C-H!!! 🌊

Since my childhood, I’ve woken up to the sound of crashing waves and the smell of the sea. Having lived in Chennai for almost 25 years, I can randomly judge if the sea is rough or calm just by the sound. My house is only a few meters away from the sea, and a quick jump to my terrace gives me a clear view of the beautiful, serene waters every morning.

For me, going to the beach is just a casual everyday activity, not a beach vacation.

Whenever guests visit, a trip to the beach is inevitable, accompanied by homemade sweets and savories. What do we take to the beach? Honestly, I’ve never given it much thought! A casual visit means packing only the essentials—a can of fresh water, a napkin, a blanket, some beach toys, and snacks. I can visit the beach every morning, evening, and even at night! The fresh morning rays, soothing waves, soft sand, and cool evening breeze are nothing short of relaxing.

Is a Beach Vacation Your Dream?

Do you dream of spending your holidays by the beach? Beach vacations are full of adventure, excitement, and fun! If regular visits to malls and theaters no longer thrill you, head to a peaceful, quiet beach with your loved ones.

If you’ve been to beaches often, you probably know what to take. But if you’re a first-timer, don’t worry! Here’s a handy Beach Vacation Packing List so you won’t have to wonder, "What should I take to the beach?"

Beach Vacation Packing List

Mandatory Items (The Absolute Essentials)

For any trip, a few crucial items are non-negotiable. Forgetting these can make your journey stressful.

Passport (if traveling abroad)
Map
Mobile phone
Camera
Medicines
Credit and debit cards
Cash
Wallet

Essential Beach Vacation Packing List (Highly Recommended)

These items will make your beach experience comfortable and hassle-free. If you miss any, it might be inconvenient or expensive to replace them.

Bathing suit
Bikini
Towel
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen lotion
After-sun lotion
Wet and dry wipes
Comb
Moisturizer
Flip-flops
Water shoes
Water bottles
Books
Music player

Extra Beach Vacation Packing List (Optional but Fun)

If you plan to spend an entire day or more at the beach, these extras can keep you entertained and comfortable.

Beach toys
Play items
Umbrella
Blanket
Folding chairs

These are some of the must-have items for your beach vacation. I hope this travel checklist helps you prepare for your next beach adventure! Whether you’re heading to the beach or traveling elsewhere, always create a travel checklist to ensure you have everything you need.

What’s on Your Beach Vacation Packing List?

Are you planning a trip soon? Share your beach vacation essentials with us—I'd love to know!

Originally published on episodeofexperience.com on [19-April-2016]. Updated and republished on [10-Feb-2025].

Comments

Tomorrow, My Morning Coffee Will Taste Different

It’s been three weeks since we moved to Vadodara. Every morning since, I’ve unknowingly built a quiet ritual—coffee in hand, eyes on the sky, watching planes take off from Vadodara Airport, which I can see clearly from our balcony. There's something calming about it. Hopeful, even. A small moment of stillness as the world begins to move. But today… today was not like the other days. Around noon, news broke about the Air India crash at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, Ahmedabad. And everything I felt in those quiet, breezy mornings shattered into something heavier, more fragile. It’s strange how suddenly a routine can take on new meaning and how quickly something comforting can start to feel ominous. My husband used to be a frequent flyer to Ahmedabad in the months before we settled down here. I was right there at that same airport with my dad and daughter, barely three weeks ago. I still remember my first visit to Ahmedabad and I wasn’t particularly excited. It felt temporary. ...

A Journey from Journals to a Full-Time Writing Career

February 2025. Today, I sat down with my cup of coffee, opened my laptop, and found myself on https://maithilyarulraja.blogspot.com/ —a place I hadn't visited in ages. As I scrolled through my old posts, I couldn't help but smile. Each post was a time capsule, taking me back to a simpler time when my only intention was to record life’s little moments and put my thoughts into words. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t polished, but it was pure passion—words written for the joy of writing. The blog began in 2010. Back then, I was working as an IT analyst, with no clue that one-day writing would become my full-time career. I had no grand vision for the blog; I simply wanted a space to share my experiences, document daily events, and reflect on life. Little did I know that those casual posts would lay the foundation for something much bigger—a passion that would eventually turn into my profession. Looking back at the posts, I felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. Some posts were funn...

Journaling: A Habit That Became a Lifeline

Journaling has been an inseparable part of my life for over 20 years—almost as natural as brushing my teeth or taking a bath. It’s more than just a habit; it has become an obsession. Every day, I capture my thoughts, emotions, and moments, pouring them into the pages of my diary like an old friend who never judges. Growing up, I was an average student, often overlooked in school and college. My parents weren’t the most supportive, and humiliation became a constant companion, especially in front of family, friends, and neighbours. But amidst all of this, my diary remained my refuge, my safe space, and my most loyal friend. During my school and college days, my diary listened when no one else would. It never ridiculed or belittled me. It saw my laughter, my tears, my struggles—it even stopped me from making drastic decisions at times. If not for my diary, I don't know how I would have survived those years. Reliving the Past Through Old Journals Back then, my diary held stories of joy...

Maithily's Scribblings

Search This Blog