Minimalist Packing for a Beach Vacation

A beach vacation is the ultimate escape from the day-to-day to enjoy the ocean and sunshine! Whether you're heading to California or South Carolina, a great way to make traveling easier is tapping into minimalism by taking only what you need with you! 

Tips for Minimalist Packing

Here are some tips that will help you keep the items you pack to a minimum.

Pack What You Know You’ll Wear

Go with tried and true favorites that you know will be comfortable and practical.

Use a Small Suitcase

If you start with a small suitcase, you’ll naturally be mindful of what you pack. Usually with a big suitcase we find ways to fill the space.

Take “Mix and Match” Pieces

Choose pieces you know will go with everything. That way, you can mix and match to make different outfits without taking a lot of clothing with you.

Take Multi-Use Items

Multi-use items will help cut down on the packing. A tee can be used for sleeping, night, or beach.

If in Doubt, Leave it Out

If there are items that you’re not sure about, don’t pack them. Likely, you won’t miss them.

What to Pack

Now that you know the minimalism packing tips, let’s look at what to pack!

Everyone

Here are some items everyone will want to have on hand.

2 Bathing Suits: A must for a beach vacation! To be extra prepared, bring two. That way, you’ll have one to wear while the other is drying. There are lots of varieties of swimsuits. Find one you feel comfy in so you can enjoy the ocean and experience life!

Workout Outfit: If you’d like to exercise, you’ll want to take along a workout outfit so you can use the gym in your hotel or participate in a session of beach yoga. This outfit can double as casual wear.

Hoodie or Sweater: This is nice to have to layer, especially at night or lounging.

Light Rain Jacket: You can always layer your hoodie under your rain jacket for extra warmth, or use the rain jacket if it is breezy for a windbreaker.  

Sunglasses: Sunglasses are a must when it comes to protecting your eyes and skin from the hot summer sun.

A Hat: Hats will protect your skin from the sun, even when your sunblock wears off.

2-3 Tanks or Tees: Tanks and tees will complete your daytime looks.

2-3 Pairs of Shorts: Shorts are cool, comfy, and will work as the base of a casual daytime outfit. If you like rompers or jumpsuits, you can use them to replace shorts/tee sets!

Shoes: Shoes will weigh down your bag more than any other item, but having the footwear you’ll need will help you get the most out of your trip! You can wear a pair of sneakers while you travel, and pack in your bag a pair of comfortable, lightweight sandals for the town and beach. You can also make the choice to bring a sturdier pair of shoes for hiking and rugged outdoor activities.

Sleeping Outfits: Minimalist tip: a couple of extra comfy T-shirts and shorts can be worn to sleep and double as casual wear!

Undergarments: Undergarments are another necessity. When packing them, think about the cuts and fabrics of the outfits you will be wearing to ensure the underwear won’t show through.

Socks: Make sure you have a pair of socks for every day of your vacation. 

Accessories: Keep accessories to a minimum, taking only those you know you’re going to wear. 

Feminine Clothing

2 Cover Ups: On a beach vacation, you just may be wearing a coverup more than any other item of clothing (except perhaps your bathing suit). Take along one or two that are fashionable enough to pass as dresses so you can walk around town in them if you’d like.

Dresses: Dresses are perfect for a beach vacation. They are lightweight and one-piece, so you don’t have to deal with finding matches. They also have a slightly dressy look, perfect for day or night. 

Rompers: Some rompers come as shorts, so you can replace a tee/shorts set with a romper and you’re good to go! There are flowy rompers that also come in pants that look super sophisticated! 

Masculine Clothing

2-3 Short-Sleeved Button Ups: A short-sleeved button-up may be considered the masculine equivalent of feminine bathing suit cover-ups. You can easily throw one on with a bathing suit when going to and from the beach. It will also come in handy for semi-formal occasions.

A Pair of Chinos Pants: Having the versatility to throw on a pair of slacks if you’d like to is always nice, especially if there is a nicer restaurant you’d like to try.

Non-Clothing Items

In addition to these clothing essentials, here are a few other items to include in your bags.

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste

• Sunblock - check out “reef-friendly” brands to help protect the marine life you’ll be visiting. Even if there isn’t a coral reef nearby, you’ll protect the other creatures you’ll be swimming with!  

• Deodorant

• Razor

• Chapstick

• Dr. Bronner’s soap is multi-use and a minimalist’s go-to 

• Conditioner (at Wander Homes, luxury shampoo/conditioner is included so one less thing to pack )

• Coconut oil to moisturize: coconut oil can be picked up at the grocery store at your destination! 

• Sugar scrub to exfoliate: tap into your inner minimalist by picking up sugar, coconut oil, and coffee grounds at the grocery store at your destination, and make a delicious-smelling sugar scrub by mixing the items together! 

Tech 

• battery pack 

• phone + charger 

• laptop/tablet + charger

Here are some other suggestions for reviewed travel gear

Have a Great Trip!

The tips in this article will help you streamline your packing so you can enjoy a long overdue beach trip. Whether you're staying at Wander Bandon Dunes or Wander Surfside Beach, the homes come with wireless chargers, luxurious shampoos, and conditioners to make your stay hassle-free!