Carry-On Only Packing List: Beach Edition

If eighteen years of school taught me anything, it’s that everyone needs a break this time of year to get away somewhere warm.

Packing for a beach vacation can be tricky; it’s often extremely warm during the day but it can get chilly at night. What this means for me is that I usually end up packing a lot of layers that I never wear and although I imagine myself wearing nothing but bathing suits, odds are I didn’t need to pack all of them If you’re a chronic overpacker, take the overthinking out of it by using our free printable Carry-On Only Packing List: Beach Edition and some of our suggestions for packing essentials.

LUGGAGE REQUIRED

Before you even begin packing, you need to consider how you plan on carrying everything. Will you be using a small, spinner luggage or will you be using an overnight bag? This depends on a few things: how long you’ll be away, where you’re going, and your airline’s restrictions on carry-on luggage. If you plan on keeping it really light, you could use an oversized duffel like this one from Matt & Nat. Or, if you’re packing a little more and are a frequent traveller, this spinner luggage by Away will be your travel MVP.

MUST HAVES

Organization is key when you’re travelling, especially if you have a connecting flight immediately after you land. You’ll want to have all of your passport, travel documents, and visas easily accessible to expedite the process when you arrive. Having a small passport sleeve (like this minimally designed one here) works great for keeping you organized throughout your travels. Additionally, you’ll want to keep any necessary medication close by should you need anything last minute - these GoTubbs work great for sorting vitamins and medication if you don’t want to bring the entire bottle with you (just remember to bring a piece of the packaging with you should you run into any issues at customs).  

KEEP YOU PRETTY

Does anyone else’s skin break out the exact second they step on a plane? When you’re travelling you’re exposing yourself to new climates, foods, and a lot of cabin-pressure, so having all of your go-to toiletries with you is key to help combat breakouts. To help with this, GoToob makes a great product that’s carry-on friendly (three sizes are TSA carry-on approved!) so you can bring your favourite lotions and cleansers with you. If you’re not super sensitive, however, check with your lodgings to see if they provide toiletries so you can save some precious luggage space.

EN ROUTE

I’ll just say it: Sitting still on a plane for hours on end sucks. I try to prepare myself in advance for it by loading myself up with binge-worthy shows, books, and podcasts. Depending on the tech you plan on bringing, here are a few of my favourite suggestions.

BOOKS

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I started this book before a flight home from Vietnam and I went 33 hours sans sleep to finish it.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

If this is anything like the show then I won’t be able to stop reading.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me and Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

Insightful, hilarious, and so hard to put down.

 

PODCASTS

True Crime

Atlanta Monster

A true crime podcast that delves into one of Atlanta’s darkest stories: the Atlanta Child Murders.

Business

The Pitch

Listen in while entrepreneurs pitch to real investors.

News & Politics

Serial

A podcast from the creators of This American Life tells one true-story per season. If you haven’t listened before, it’s a must.

SHOWS

Stranger Things

Thrilling, exciting, and a little creepy (but so addicting).

Grace and Frankie

Heartwarming and hilarious.

Downton Abbey

A period drama set between 1912-1926 that depicts the seriously dramatic lives of the aristocratic Crawley family.

WHAT TO WEAR

When travelling carry-on only, you have to make sure that every piece of clothing you bring is versatile and serves a purpose. I like to make sure all of my pieces can be easily dressed up or dressed down depending on what I plan on doing.

ON THE PLANE

On the plane I like to look nice but also be comfortable.. I love wearing a pair of leggings or light sweatpants (like our Dressy Sweatpants) because they’re comfortable but can be easily dressed up. I make sure to pair them with my least packable shoes (most likely my runners) and layers up top. I like a t-shirt layered with a cozy cardigan or sweater so I can moderate my temperature easily when I’m on the plane.

ON VACATION

My favourite piece is a really versatile dress that I can wear out for dinner but could also wear sightseeing. I really like a t-shirt dress or something slightly oversized in a dark neutral so I can wear it repeatedly (like our Sleeveless Revolve Dress). It's wearable 6 ways, and converts from a dress, tunic, or top. It gets me through three different functions effortlessly:

Sightseeing

For sightseeing I’d wear the dress as a tunic paired with leggings runners, cross-body purse, and a hat (especially if it’s really sunny!).

Beach day

I’d wear the dress converted into a top paired with flip-flops, my purse or tote, and throw on my bathing suit underneath.

Dinner

For dinner I’d wear it as a dress paired with dressy sandals or heels, my purse, and a statement necklace.

DOWNLOAD THE CARRY-ON ONLY PACKING LIST: BEACH EDITION