Everything You Need for a Beach Vacation, According to Travel Experts (2024)

It’s never too early to begin planning that beach vacation, whether to the Caribbean or the Pine Tree State (aka Maine). But what beach essentials do travel experts have on hand for every type of sunny, sandy destination? We asked travel writers, fashion experts and frequent fliers for their top choices for everything from sunglasses to travel-sized sunscreen. These are their picks for the must-haves for every kind of beach vacation, regardless of where you’re headed.

Swimwear with style

Romance-seekers headed to tropical locales can swim in comfort in this ruched one-piece from Tempt Me, says Kate Loweth, a travel and parenting writer based in San Jose, Calif. “I love the illusion front and tummy-control,” she says of the streamlined style. “Add a sarong and you can easily wear it to lunch.” For those in need of a suit that will hold up to snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and other athletic beach activities, Loweth suggests this Hilor V-neck one-piece as another beach essential, which comes in 32 colors and patterns. “It’s the most comfortable swimsuit I’ve owned and stays in place during activities,” she says.

Los Angeles-based red carpet fashion expert and author Melissa Rivers recommends this colorful bikini top and hipster bottoms as an on-trend pick for summer trips. The set “just screams island getaway to me,” she says, and praises the top’s adjustable straps and tie-in back, which ensure “a flawless fit.” Also consider this sleek one-piece from Andie Swim, which a Buy Side writer describes as the “mom” swimsuit of her dreams.

Beach-friendly carryalls

A good beach bag “hits the sweet spot between playful and practical,” says La Carmina, a Vancouver-based travel and fashion blogger. She recommends MC2’s destination-inspired line—the canvas bags come in a range of neutrals, bold colors and prints, and have firm, easy-to-grasp handles (one version also includes a detachable shoulder strap for extra-easy carrying). They come marked with specific destinations: Formentera, Mykonos, Portofino, Taormina, Capri and more. For a more durable option suited to adventure travel, consider Aloha’s Reversible Splash Proof Tote. Lavina D’Souza, a financial analyst and travel writer based in London, is a fan of the lightweight, easy-to-clean bag made with a coated fabric that you can wipe down with a cloth or throw in the washing machine after a trip. It’s also reversible, “so you get two designs for the price of one,” she says. The LSPACE Moonlight Bag is another beach-ready pick, says La Carmina. Made from jute with a spacious main compartment, its woven design makes shaking out excess sand a breeze.

Waterproof shoes

Since a beach vacation may involve an unanticipated rainstorm or a last-minute excursion, La Carmina always likes to have a pair of Vessi Everyday Move Waterproof Sneakers on-hand. They’re “light and breathable,” thanks to their knit material that repels water, and “great for activities such as a hike, yet stylish enough to wear to a hangout with friends,” she says. On European trips to the beach, Rivers is never without her Valentino slides, a simple yet chic style she says elevates her look for beach strolls. San Diego-based journalist Jennifer Purdie keeps it practical and refers visiting friends to these leather slip-ons. “These protect your feet and your toes” for beach walks, she says, adding that they dry quickly. And those on the hunt for sleek, yet supportive flip-flops for the islands can try the Sunbeam Flip Flops from Beek, which are made with memory foam-padded insoles for arch support. Rivers’s favorite pair has a polished metallic finish, she says, for the ideal “blend of style and comfort” to complete her travel wardrobe.

Travel-friendly cooler

The zippered Dolphin cooler folds flat for easy packing in your suitcase; then take it to the beach filled with ice packs and cold drinks or lunch. It’s roughly 12 by 7 by 12 inches with an outer pocket. Buy Side editors who tried the cooler bag like that it’s made of a durable, washable paper with the look and feel of worn leather—without the environmental impact.

Travel-sized sunscreen

If you’re headed to an island with delicate reefs, Andreas Pade, managing director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay, on Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands, suggests the brand Sonrei. This mist offers SPF 50 protection and the brand notes that it’s free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs. Those with sensitive skin should consider a stick of Supergoop! Sunscreen 100% Mineral Stick SPF 50, says Andrea Hoag, a travel writer based in Lawrence, Kan. The stick formula makes it a convenient option to throw in a beach bag or carry-on suitcase without fear of spills. See our list of the best everyday sunscreens for dermatologist-approved recommendations.

Sun-shielding hats

Once you’ve got your SPF, add on a hat for more sun protection (and style). Rivers loves the versatility of this Florabella hat. Thanks to its neutral color and casual shape, “it can go with any look,” she says. This Eugenia Kim topper is a great choice for something more structured, says La Carmina. The wide-brimmed sun hat has “a dramatic, retro-glam downturned brim,” providing necessary shade for reading or dining poolside. (She loves it for fancy beach destinations by boat: think Cannes or St. Barts.) For a more casual, sporty hat that works for beach volleyball or a hair-up day in the sun, Loweth prefers this packable sun visor. “It rolls up and can easily be stored in a beach bag for when I need it,” she says. Loweth appreciates the adjustable strap, “so you can wear it as tight or as loose as you want.” Also see this athletic, topless bucket hat that one Buy Side writer raves about for hikes and beach walks.

Chic sunglasses

Shamini Rajarethnam, the CEO of skincare brand Rationale in Melbourne, Australia, recommends Illesteva’s Leonard Sunglasses as her favorite vacation shades. The frames’ bold, rounded shape is “flattering for all faces,” she suggests, but they’re not just a showpiece. Rajarethnam adds that the lightweight acetate pair is “comfortable for all-day wear.” If you need a versatile pair that can manage the beach by day and the cafes and restaurants by night, invest in a pair of Celine Triomphe 53 mm Rectangular Sunglasses, says Rivers. “These sunglasses can pull together any look,” she says, recommending them in ivory. When your vacation calls for something more durable (say, boat excursions or beach volleyball games), try a pair from Goodr, which feature a grippy coating designed to keep the frames in place while you move.

Quick-drying towels

When she’s on the go, Purdie reaches for a quick-drying Rainleaf Microfiber Towel, which conveniently packs into a stuff sack. Some travel towels can be annoyingly small, but Purdie says has no problem using this one (she has the 40- by 72-inch version) to dry off completely, and has been impressed with how compact and effective it is. Another option: Dock and Bay’s lightweight, compact towels come recommended by D’Souza and they’re available in a wide range of fun colors, patterns and sizes. They “not only dry quickly, but are also easy to sand off,” she says.

Coverups for all

If you’ll be hopping from the pool to the sand back to the resort’s poolside restaurant, a comfortable, quick-drying coverup is a beach essential. “This isn’t your grandma’s caftan,” La Carmina says of this cotton style, which comes from model Liya Kebede’s resort label, Lemlem. Rivers suggests bringing along this sarong from Indah for multiple outfits throughout the day, since it “can be worn as a fashionable coverup over your swimsuit” or “as a statement piece for sunset co*cktails.” More glamorous beach destinations call for Vix Swimwear’s Davina Long coverup Dress, says La Carmina. It’s “comfortable but glams up your beachwear, so you can step out of the pool and straight to the co*cktail lounge,” she says.

Cruising necessities

When you’re headed asea, Rajarethnam suggests the Trunk from Australian luggage brand July. The suitcase opens like a clamshell with an 80/20 split between compartments, meaning you don’t need to open it fully like a sandwich in order to retrieve items from it. Rajarentham says this makes it “great for cruising and hotel rooms where you’re short on space.” Compression straps are another helpful touch to help you maximize your packing space. With matte and gloss color options, it’s an airport showstopper as well. Quench your onboard thirst with a collapsible bottle, a hack that will keep you hydrated aboard. “Cruise ships tend to charge an arm and a leg for bottled water, so I recommend bringing your own refillable water bottle,” La Carmina says. “Foldable or collapsible ones made from silicone are a handy option” that also save on suitcase and beach bag space. Also consider versatile clothing to avoid overpacking.

Rivers recommends the vitamin A Playa Shirt Dress, a piece she calls “the definition of laid-back luxury.” She notes that the sheer, 100% linen top “transitions effortlessly from lounging poolside to exploring whatever exotic ports your cruise may stop at.” Just throw it over a swimsuit for casual wear or pair it with a tank and linen trousers or jeans for excursions.