What to Bring on a Romantic Beach Vacation
Your romantic beach trip is booked, and the excitement of your perfect getaway is growing closer every day. Now it’s time to pack your bags! We love to keep things light for a weekend getaway – so here’s our essential list of what to bring on vacation.
Getting ready for a romantic beach vacation but feel like you’re missing something? Or. maybe you don’t even know where to start.
We totally get it. That’s why we’ve made this checklist of what to bring to those dreamy white sands so you don’t have to think twice about whether you have enough bathing suits or should bother with that beach towel. Don’t ya hate it when you don’t even wear the outfit you packed? All the answers to your questions are right here!
To help you and your partner enjoy a carefree time in a tropical paradise and focus solely on your everlasting love, we’ve put together the ultimate beach vacation packing list for your convenience. And if you’re an over-packer like some of us (guilty!), a few suggestions on what not to pack, too.
So, get out your trusty travel bag and get ready; here’s our useful guide on what to bring on a romantic beach vacation.
Travel Essentials
Documents and money: You can’t leave the house without essential travel documents like your passport and driver’s license.
Bring only the credit cards you plan to use. If doing international travel, bring a small amount of cash to cover you so you can exchange currency if needed. It’s helpful if all of these items are together in a small, sealable container for easy access.
Sunscreen: This is often very expensive to purchase in touristy beach towns, so it’s best to bring your own travel-size version. Pack sunscreen that is high SPF and ensure that it is reef friendly.
Reusable shopping bags/tote bags: A reusable shopping bag is handy for a supermarket run and can double up as a beach bag.
Insect repellent: The tropics are full of fierce, thirsty mosquitoes that spread unpleasant diseases such as Dengue and Malaria. Bring a few bottles of strong insect repellent in travel-sized containers.
Tiger balm: This tiny jar of balm is one of the best things for treating insect bites and gives immediate relief.
Books and magazines: Hotels may have a small selection of used books to borrow, but your selection may be limited. If you plan to chill in the sun, pack plenty of reading material. Electronic reading devices do not fare too well in heat and water.
Earplugs: You never know what loud monstrosities await you on long flights to and from your destination, so earplugs are invaluable. They also help when your partner is in a rum punch snore, too.
Toiletries: Keep your toiletries to a minimum and back them in a small toiletry bag. The hot, humid climate will result in you sweating moisturizer, while dry shampoo may be more useful than large bottles of liquid shampoo and lighter in your baggage allowance.
Makeup: Makeup should be the bare minimum, as the heat and humidity will melt heavy makeup in 30 minutes. Keep your beach look natural with waterproof mascara and light lipstick. It’s totally a look, anyway!
Prescription medications: Your medication is obviously one of the most important things to bring on your romantic weekend getaway. Bring a good supply so that you don’t run out.
Antacids: Overindulging on holiday can occur, so keep your favorite antacid on hand. Activated charcoal is also useful for any food issues.
Cooling towel: Cooling towels are useful for anyone who needs to stay cool in hot weather. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be used multiple times by simply re-wetting them with water.
Most important tip: Wear your biggest shoes and heaviest clothes on the plane. This will save space in your luggage and allow for more room to pack other essentials. Now, don’t get carried away, and try to maximize every inch of space in your luggage. Instead, pack only the essentials and leave some room for souvenirs or items you might purchase on your trip.
Clothing Items
Since beach destinations are often hot and humid, the clothes you and your partner bring should be made of light and breathable fabrics.
For international trips, be sure to research what is considered acceptable to wear in their culture. And if you’re staying at a resort, there can be dress codes for certain high-end restaurants or events, so check on that as well before packing.
Bathing suit: Pack a few swimsuits if you are planning to spend a lot of your time at the beach or by the pool.
Shoes: Pack your most comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring. It’s also a good idea to bring flip-flops and water sneakers for the beach. Gentlemen may require closed shoes at some resorts for dinner, so it’s best to check ahead with the dress code. Smart sandals are ideal for ladies, but if you want heels, it may be best to pack wedge heels depending on the sidewalk conditions of where you’re staying.
Sunhats: Keep your head out of the sun with a sunhat. If you are on a boat tour, choose a hat that will not easily blow off into the ocean.
Long lightweight trousers: As you and your beau watch the romantic sunset with a cocktail in hand, the mosquitos and no-see-ums are out in force for a snack. A pair of long, lightweight trousers will protect your legs from becoming a trophy wall for these critters.
Sunglasses: You don’t want to spend your romantic getaway squinting the entire time! Protect your eyes from the sun and look fabulous in beachside bliss with your favorite sunglasses. Also, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ll need those!
SPF clothing and a cover-up for the beach: The sun may feel good, but it can really damage your skin. Protect your skin as you enjoy the sunshine with swimsuit cover-ups and long flowy tops and bottoms. Linen is always a great addition to your duffel bag.
Light Sweater: Nothing beats a windy night at the beach, cuddled up in a light jacket or sweater! It can get chilly at night, so be prepared.
Electronics
Try to keep electronics to a minimum and focus more on recharging yourselves and enjoying the beachside vibes. Avoid bringing your most expensive equipment, as there is always the possibility of it being lost or stolen, and that’s the last thing anyone wants on their romantic vacation!
Universal power adapter: If you’re going abroad, do some research and see if they have different power outlets and voltage levels. An international adaptor will be incredibly useful in this situation.
Camera (with charger): Don’t miss a moment of the crystal blue waters or stunning sunsets with your sweetheart. You could even make it more romantic and bring a disposable camera or Polaroid to hang up when you get home.
GoPro (with charger): These are great for taking waterproof action shots!
Virtual Private Network (VPN): A good source of safety when connecting to WIFI in public places — especially if you are spending your romantic getaway in Atlantic Beach, Florida or in a different country.
Roku/Firestick: There can be regional issues with some applications, such as Netflix, so download at home and come prepared for a cozy night in on a rainy afternoon.
What NOT to Bring
Aside from the obvious guns and drugs, there are a few items that you should not bring on your romantic beach vacation. You and your partner should research the destination you’re staying at to find if there are any restrictions to what can be imported there.
Glass containers: Glass can easily break inside your luggage as it gets thrown around by the airport staff and jostled around in the aircraft. In that case, it’s best to leave anything glass behind at home.
Speakers: As much as we all love to listen to our favorite tunes while soaking up the sun at the beach, it can ruin the experience for everyone else. Plus, the sounds of the crashing waves and palm trees in the wind are way better anyway!
Sex Toys: Bring sex toys at your own risk, as some are bound to set off the airport security scanners. If you’ve got no shame in your game, go for it! They’ll likely just check what it is and keep their dirty thoughts to themselves.
Must have item on your romantic beach vacation itinerary
Couples massages! Relax and reconnect with your partner while enjoying the soothing and rejuvenating benefits of a massage together. It is not only relaxing but also therapeutic, making it the perfect activity for a romantic beach vacation.
FAQ
What places in Florida are great for a romantic beach vacation?
Florida is home to many remarkable beaches that are perfect for a romantic all-inclusive getaway. From the secluded beaches of the Florida Panhandle to the lively atmosphere of South Beach, there is something for every couple in this beautiful state!
If you’re looking for an intimate beach escape, consider visiting Pensacola Beach or Grayton Beach along Scenic 30A. Both offer miles of pristine white sand and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, perfect for all things romance.
Where can I find cheap flights for a last-minute vacation?
The best places to find cheap flights for last-minute romantic getaways are on airline sites, travel search engines, and discount travel sites.
On airline websites, it’s worth checking out their ‘special offers’ or ‘last minute deals’ section, which usually has the lowest prices available.
Travel search engines like Kayak are great for comparing prices, while discount travel sites like Expedia also have good deals, especially when they offer promo codes or discounts for hotels and airfare packages.
What is the best time of year to go on a beach vacation?
This all depends on what you and your partner are looking for in a romantic getaway. If you want to dodge the crowds, avoid summer and spring break, as these are peak vacation seasons for many beach-goers. Winter and late fall will be the best time of year to find a less-traveled beach.
Pack your suitcase….
You and your better half deserve a romantic getaway that’ll give you peace of mind and quality time away from the daily grind. A beach destination is sure to provide a beautiful backdrop to explore the islands and make wonderful memories, but don’t forget the things you need to make sure your trip is safe and stress-free.
Have you been on a romantic beachside vacation before? What did you and your partner bring that was a game-changer? Let us know in the comments!
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Angela is the creator behind Another Rum Punch and currently lives in Saint Lucia. She is also the owner of Pawsome Recipes, spoiling her island dogs with homemade dog food and treat recipes.
This article originally appeared on Food- Drink- Life.
