Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List for Women

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If you are about to dip your toes into the ocean on a beach getaway, you might be wondering what to pack for a beach vacation. Here is your ultimate beach vacation packing list for everything including what clothes and shoes to pack, and other odds-and-ends items you end up forgetting.

In this ultimate beach packing list, Iā€™ve got you covered for everything from clothing, toiletries, makeup, and everything else that I recommend you bring for your beach vacation.

Beach Vacation Packing List

What I am covering in this post:

  • Toiletries
  • Beach Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Accessories
  • Makeup
  • Other Items

Read Next:Ā  23 Travel Essentials to Pack for Your Next Trip

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Things to ask yourself before packing:Ā 

Car vs. Plane: With a plane, you’ll have to be more strategic with how much you pack depending on how many bags you plan on bringing. And remember any liquids in a carry-on need to be under 3.4 OZ.

For a road trip in a car, you can bring many more items such as a beach umbrella, beach umbrella,

How long is your trip? This will dictate how many clothes, outfits, and toiletries you bring.

With that in mind, now let’s get into this detailed packing list:

Contains affiliate links

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Toiletries to Pack for a Beach Vacation

First, let’s get into what toiletries and essential items to pack for a beach vacation. Now, this is definitely more of a personal decision on products that you love.

But let me share 3 tips to help you pack toiletries for a vacation:

  1. Go through your normal shower, morning, and nighttime routine in your head. Pack all those items you use daily.
  2. Please, do NOT pack the full-size bottle of the items. Depot large bulky items like shampoo & conditioners into smaller containers.
  3. Remember the magic number 3.4 oz. This is how much you can take per container through security in a carry-on bag.

PS.Ā If you have TSA PRE, I wouldn’t worry about your liquids fitting into one plastic bag. I took over 50 flights last year with TSA PRE and never had an issue with my liquid items not being in one plastic bag (of course, I am not bringing over the recommended amount)

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Small Travel Containers

Kitch Travel Containers

Kitsch Travel Set: Amazon $13.60

To save space, I love repacking my favorite shampoo, conditioner, and face products into small travel containers.Ā 

You can find all kinds of travel containers on Amazon. However, I like buying smaller-sized containers, so I can bring more items with me. For trips under a week-long, I won’t use the entire product of larger-size containers. Also, carrying your favorite full-sized products is a bad idea.

This Kitch Ultimate Travel Set comes in a variety of sizes, perfect for creams, serums, and hair products. I have used this set for the past year now, and I have not run into any leaking yet.

Pro Tip: If you buy the travel-size item in the store, you’re paying for a markup. It’s best to buy a few small containers and use the products you already have at home.

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Toiletry Bag

Toiletry Bag
Best Selling Toiletry BagAmazon $22.99

By putting my favorite products into small travel containers, I like to keep everything organized in one toiletry bag.

This hanging toiletry bag is a best seller on Amazon because it fits so much and keeps things upright. Plus there are loads of pockets, and elastics to hold your things in place.

Because this one is extra-large, you can put your makeup in this bag as well, and this will fit into a carry-on suitcase.

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Shower Products

  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Body Wash / Bar Soap
  • Loofah
  • Razor

If you are staying at a hotel, your shower products usually are available in the room. If you want to save room in your suitcase, you can just use the hotel shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap.

But if you are more particular about the brands you like to use, put your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in small containers for your trip.

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Travel Size Dry Shampoo

Best Travel Size Dry Shampoo
Klorane Dry Shampoo: $10 Amazon

It took me too long to realize you can bring a small dry shampoo on an airplane, just if they are under 3.4 oz. This is seriously a game-changer if you don’t want to wash your hair every day, or just need a refresh.

I have tried a few travel-sized dry shampoos and the Kloraine is my favorite. It comes in a convenient travel size and it’s available on Amazon (sometimes they are 50% off and I usually stock up during a sale)

This formula really soaks up all the oil and adds volume to my hair, whereas other formulas just matted down my hair more. This is a must for any vacation!

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Hair Styling Tools

Curling Iron & Favorite HairbrushĀ 

Pack any tools you need for styling your hair. I like to pack my curling iron to add some curls to my hair. This is great to touch up for the daytime or add a little bounce for dinner.

If you are just using a carry-on bag, it’s best to leave your hairdryer at home. Most hotels will have a hairdryer for you to use, and you’ll save yourself room in your suitcase.

Don’t forget your hair ties, styling items, and hairbrush.Ā 

My favorite hairbrush is the WET Detangling brush. This brush makes my hair silky shiny smooth, and it won’t dame wet hair.

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Sunscreen

supergoop sunscreen
Travel Sunscreen for the Face: Amazon $38

Sunscreen is a MUST for all beach days! I like to pack one sunscreen for my face, and another for the rest of my body.

It’s very important to have sun protection to ensure that you are going to practice skin safety on your beach day.

Favorite Face Sunscreen:Ā 

Body Sunscreen:Ā 

  • Sun Bum Travel Size 30 SPF $9.99: This 3oz size is perfect for traveling and will last you and you and a family member for the entire vacation.
  • Sun Bum Reef Safe Sunscreen $11.49: This sunscreen is perfect if you are visiting a tropical destination that requires you to wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and coral reefs in the water.

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Facewash & Makeup Remover

Makeup Remover
Amazon $16.99

A good face wash and makeup remover is key to removing hard-to-take-off makeup. I use Bioderma makeup remover with cotton pads to remove my makeup. This does not come in a TSA-approved size for carry-on bags, so I put my makeup remover into a smaller container.

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Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Probably the most forgotten item on my vacations is my toothbrush & toothpaste. So I made this BOLD so you won’t forget these items too.

I found this travel-sized 2.5 oz toothpaste for just $0.90 at Walmart– great for longer trips or sharing with family on the go.

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Small Detergent

It’s always handy to have a small amount of detergent (like these Tide Packets or just bring in a small bottle) in case you want to wash something during your trip in the sink. Sometimes hotels even have laundry machines, and it’s great to get a head start on laundry so you don’t have to do it when you arrive home.

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Other Toiletry Items:

  • Skincare: moisturizer, serums, eye cream, etc.
  • Deodorant
  • Reef safe sunscreen
  • Contacts / Glasses
  • Pain reliever
  • Aloe Vera
  • Cotton Balls & Q-Tips
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Tampons / Pads
  • Moisturizing Eye Drops
  • First aid kit
  • Nail Clipper/ Nail File- I can’t tell you how annoying a chipped nail is!

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Clothing to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Beach Vacation Outfits

Alright, packing clothes for a beach vacation is personal based on your own individual style. However, there are some key clothing items that I pack for every beach getaway that just works.

Generally, I like to pack a few swimsuits, beach coverups, daytime clothing for touring, and evening outfits for dinners. Think resort casual outfits that are made with lightweight materials.Ā 

Consider how many days you will be on vacation, and pack accordingly.

An example of a 5-day 4-night stay would look something like this:

  • 4 swimsuits
  • 3 swimsuit coverups
  • 1 Rash Guard
  • 4 casual tops
  • 3 bottoms (shorts + pants)
  • 3-4 sundresses (some maxis for dinner)
  • 5 pairs of underwear & socks
  • Pajamas

If you are headed to Cancun Mexico, these Cancun Outfits will give you even more inspiration on what exactly to wear.

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Swimsuits

Black one piece swimsuit
Shop on Amazon Under $40

You’ll live in swimsuits when you are on a beach vacation, so definitely pack a few. I always like to bring a white swimsuit with me that I wear underneath shorts and a top for an easy on-the-go outfit.

The best thing about swimsuits is they don’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase!Ā 

If you love affordable swimsuits, these Amazon swimsuits under $40 and my favorite Cupshe swimsuitsĀ are perfect for any beach getaway. And if you have a larger chest like me, these swimsuits for large busts will support you!

And since spending time in the sun can be too much for sensitive skin, theseĀ  long-sleeved swimsuits are becoming even more popular, and are stylish too!

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Beach Coverups

Amazon Beach Coverup
Amazon Beach Cover-Up Set $36

Pack a variety of beach coverups, because you’ll be wearing them almost daily! I like to bring a linen tunic to wear over one-piece swimsuits & shorts. Or if I am staying at a resort, I’ll wear a crochet-style dress.

Cupshe has great coverup options, and I’ve put together a list of my favorite Cupshe coverups that will work with any swimsuit.Ā 

Here are some of my favorite beach coverups:

Watch: My Favorite Affordable Beach Cover-UpsĀ 

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Casual Tops

what to pack beach vacation
Top: Similar Linked

Bring some casual tops you can wear with shorts and pants for excursions and lounging around.

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Lightweight wide-leg pants

J Crew Wide Leg Linen Pant $89.50

Thereā€™s something so chic about wide-leg white linen pants, especially in white. The look is so effortless, and they make me feel like I am in the South of France with a glass of wine in hand.

And as a bonus, they go with everything from bandeau tops to one-piece swimsuits or paired with your favorite coverup shirt.

Pro tip: Opt for lightweight and moisture-wicking material such as 100% Linen. It may seem like a luxury (it is!) but you will never go back because itā€™s just that good for a beach vacation. In fact,Ā 

Read Next:Ā white linen pants

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Denim Shorts

Abercrombie Dad Shorts: $65

Denim shorts are so versatile and can be worn dressed up or down. While they aren’t the greatest material when wet, you can wear these on your travel days, touring, excursions, and walking around the beach/ resort.

My color picks are blue denim shorts and white denim shorts. These will give you plenty of outfit options, and besides, they take less room in your luggage than regular jeans!

Abercrombie has great denim short options- my go-to is the Dad Curve Love Shorts.

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Sundresses & Evening Dresses

Got to love a fun flirty sundress to wear on a beach vacation. In fact, I tend to pack a few dresses because they easily can be worn dressed up for dinner, or casually throughout the day.

Because you can just throw on a dress and don’t have to worry about matching tops or bottoms- dresses are my go-to!

For a more fancy sit-down dinner, you can wear your dress with heels and bold accessories to make your day dress styled for nighttime.

Tip: When packing dresses, look for wrinkle-free materials like jersey fabrics.

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More Clothing Items to Pack

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Shoes to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Flip Flops

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
Havaianas Flip Flops: Amazon $24.95

The easiest and most comfortable option for walking around the pool or going to the beach. Rubber flip-flops from Havaianas are great because you can wash them with water after they get sandy.

Plus, they don’t take up much room in your suitcase, and they are so easy to put on and off for quick runs around the resort. Itā€™s a casual necessity when just kicking it back and lounging!

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Sandals

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
The Most Comfortable Espadrille: Amazon $110

There’s nothing like a fabulous sandal/espadrille to pull together an outfit on your vacation. I always pack at least one pair that goes well with all of my dressier outfits for evening looks.

These Espadrilles are so comfortable I have been wearing them for years, and are a staple in my closet. They can be worn dressed up or down and are easy to walk in! I have never had blisters from wearing them- even when I was wearing them all day long!

If you are looking for a comfortable espadrille, these Amazon finds are amazing!

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White Sneakers

Dr. Scholl's White Sneaker
Shop White Sneaker on Amazon

A white classic white sneaker is a must on any vacation. Why? A white sneaker is comfortable, goes with every outfit, is great for excursions and tours, and can be used as a last-minute workout shoe.

I wear my white sneakers on the airplane, which makes a great travel outfit, and saves me room in my suitcase. Plus, I wear them if I plan on going on any excursions and need comfortable shoes.

My favorite is the Dr. Scholls Women’s Time Off Sneaker. These are an affordable option under $60 and are so comfortable. I legit wear these every day around NYC, and I bring them with me on my vacations.

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Workout Shoes

If you plan on hitting the gym on vacation and like to wear a particular shoe, pack them!

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Water shoes

water shoes
Water Shoes (colors vary): Amazon: $16.99Ā 

I have recommended these water shoes in all of my beach itineraries. If you are into water activities, then a water shoe is super helpful and can protect your feet.

The last thing you want is to step on a sea shell or reef and have a cut on your foot- especially if you are traveling to a more rocky beach. Another reason to wear these is if there is hot sand and you want to avoid getting your feet burnt on the bottoms ouch!

These water shoes are super affordable and barely take up any room in your luggage and come in a ton of colors on Amazon.

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Accessories to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Sunglasses

amazon sunglasses
Amazon $13.99

Pack your favorite pair of sunglasses for your beach vacation. I personally like bringing an affordable pair that you don’t have to worry about losing or breaking while on vacation.

My favorites are from Amazon– you can find chic styles for under $20!

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Hat Clip

what to pack for a beach vacation hat holder
Lindsay Albanese Hat Clip $55

How did I live without this for so long? I’ve been guilty of wearing more than one hat on my head through the airport- hopefully, I was not seen. But, this hat clip attaches to your bag and clips on your hat, so you can be hands-free and hat-free when you are traveling through the airport or heading to the beach.

When you get compliments from flight attendants, you know it’s a savvy travel accessory.

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Beach Bag

Straw Beach Bag
Straw Beach Bag: $170 Revolve

My bag of choice is a chic straw beach bag tote that would pair well with any outfit and fit everything you need and your personal items such as cell phone, and credit cards for a day in the sun.

However, if you are looking for a packable beach bag that is stylish- I recommend these:

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Packable Backpack Cooler

Cooler Backapck

Amazon Backpack Cooler $36.99

I brought a packable cooler to my trip to Greece, and it honestly was a lifesaver for keeping beverages and food cool! Plus the backpack style is comfortable and easy to carry. If you are headed to the beach, not to a resort, this is a must.

This is the best-selling backpack cooler from Amazon for under $40.

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Beach Chairs

tommy bahama beach chairs
$53.26 on Amazon

There is no beach vacation without some beach chairs! These are hands down the best beach chairs that I have ever used. It is full of multiple compartments so you can put your water bottle or beverage of choice in an insulated cup holder.

The best part is that you can lay flat and sunbathe flat on your back. It’s also adjustable to up to five different heights. It will hold your towel with the towel bar behind. I can’t speak highly enough of this beach chair. My partner and I both have one each and they are easy to carry with backpack-style straps.

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Jewelry

Rattan Earrings
Amazon Earring Set $13.99

Jewelry is a great way to add variety to your outfits while on vacation, without taking too much room in your suitcase.

I love really affordable and trendy jewelry that I won’t worry too much about losing or ruining- like this rattan earring set.

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Sun Hat

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
Hat Attack $120

Having a sun hat is very stylish but also functional because you want to make sure that youā€™re protected from the sun and you donā€™t get sunburned. While I like to bring a stylish sun hat, like the one pictured above, I also like to consider packable options.

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Packable options:

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Makeup

Makeup is more personal, so pack your favorite makeup items.

However, if you want the most natural and non-cakey makeup- pack creams, gels, and liquid products. If you are really, really oily then fine use matte and powder products to set the makeup for all-day wear. My go-to drugstore foundation that is sweat-proof is Maybelline.Ā 

These types of products are going to ensure that your makeup doesn’t separate as you sweat while you are lounging and enjoying your time in the sun.

As you pack here are my must-haves for makeup:

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Makeup Bag

What to Pack Beach Vacation
Amazon $13.99

I love these clear bags from Amazon (sold as a 3 set) You can see all your products without having to open them! Plus you can use the bags for other items you might want to bring to the beach, etc.

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Face Sunscreen

Travel Sunscreen
Travel Sunscreen for the Face: Ulta $38

Having a layer of sunscreen underneath your makeup is a must for face protection in the harsh sun. This face sunscreen from Supergoop is matte and works well as a primer for your makeup!

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Foundation

Sephora $46

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Natural foundation option: If you want that all-natural makeup look then youā€™re going to want to go with a tinted moisturizer with an SPF so that you can have a double-duty product. My favorite is the NARS Tinted Moisturizer.

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Tinted Lip Balm

beach vacation packing list fresh tinted lip balm
Cult-Favorite Lip Balm: Sephora $24

Being in the sun our skin and lips tend to get dried out, and I love going for a naturally tinted lip. Tinted lip balm is going to give you a nice flush on the lips to give you that put-together look without making it look like youā€™re wearing makeup.

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Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof Mascara: Sephora $27

Afraid of raccoon eyes on vacation? Then youā€™re definitely going to want to pack a waterproof mascara. Humid environments plus water activities are easy ways for your mascara to get all over the place- waterproof mascara will definitely be your friend!

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Other Makeup items to pack:

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Electronics to Pack

Besides your phone, chargers, and laptop these electronics are great additions to pack for your beach vacation.

A good book or E-Reader Tablet

Spending time at the beach is a great way to catch up on your favorite beach reads. Pack your next read, or magazine, or bring an e-reader!

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Camera / Go Pro Action Camera

GoPro Action Camera
GoPro Hero 8: Amazon $285.99

Packing a camera is a must to create fun and unique travel photos. While you don’t need to get a professional camera- you can opt for more affordable point-and-shoot cameras or a GoPro.

GoPros are great because they fit in the palm of your hand and are waterproof. You can take really awesome underwater photos and have great vacation memories!

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Portable Charger


Portable Charger on Amazon

I love having a portable charger at the beach to charge my phone on the go. The hot sun can drain your battery faster, especially if you are using it.

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Mini Speaker

A great beach vacation has some music, am I right?! A small portable speaker is great to play music at the beach with nice audio.

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Other Beach Vacation Things to Pack

Packable Beach Towel

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
Packable Beach Towel:Amazon $21.99

If you are not headed to a beach resort, you’re going to need to pack your own towel. I like these 100%Ā  cotton extra-large beach towels because they are thin, dry quickly, and come in so many colors.

I am all about space-saving options. These are a great idea to pack because their size is large enough to use as a beach blanket.

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Insulated Water Bottle

Want to keep your drink cold? Packing aĀ reusable water bottle is a must for a beach vacation and is always a good idea- especially if you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, cruise, or beachfront hotel.

Drinks are usually served in plastic containers and you can bet that drink will taste warm and watered down before you finish it. These insulated mugs will keep your drink cold and tasty. And if you plan on using it for cocktails, make sure the top opening can fit ice cubes.

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Waterproof Cell Phone Holder

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
Amazon $13.99

This waterproof phone case comes in handy to protect your phone from water- and is perfect for any excursion or water activity that you want to bring your phone on.

I remember horseback riding on the ocean, and my horse decided to go into the water. The phone was completely soaked- and it did not turn back on. A waterproof case would have been ideal!

You can also take photos underwater with the case on but don’t expect the best quality.

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Dry Bag

dry bag for beach vacation
$12.99 on Amazon

These dry bags from Amazon help against any splashes or spills and come in handy in your beach tote. You can keep your essentials inside, or you can save them for wet clothes, wet bathing suits, and wet swimsuits all while keeping your other items dry. Plus, the style is so fun and cute!

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Snorkel Mask

What to pack for a beach vacation
Snorkel Mask: Amazon $16.99

While a snorkel mask is not for every beach vacation, I pack mine when I know I am going to be headed to beaches where the snorkeling is going to be amazing like the beaches in Curacao.Ā 

I found this snorkel mask on Amazon and they come with their own case! Love having my own mask to see what’s underwater, and you won’t have to worry about germs from shared or rental masks! And P.S. you’ll look like a serious pro with your own gear.

You can also add in some fins if you have enough room in your carry-on luggage and you are sure that you are going to go snorkeling.

snorkel mask
The snorkel mask in use in Crete, Greece

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Prescription Medications

Don’t forget to pack any needed medications on your trip.

With medicine, I like to pack a small container of Advil/ Tylenol- just in case I wake up with an unlucky hangover.

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Beach Packing List Summary

Alrighty, I covered all the odds and ends when it comes to packing for a beach vacation. Hope these beach essentials were helpful for your next sunny beach destination getaway.

Be sure to download your *Free* Beach Packing List below where everything I mentioned is easily ready to be checked off!

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Dr. Scholl's White Sneaker
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