Updated October 2026 · By TripPack
For a beach vacation, pack broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen (more than you think), two swimsuits, a cover-up, sandals and insect repellent. In Hawaii, skip sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate. TripPack’s beach packing list adds the rest for your dates and destination.
TripPack’s beach vacation packing list starts from 6 nights at the beach and checks the forecast or typical weather for your dates. Pick your destination above — Cancún, Maui, the Algarve — and the list adds plug adapters, documents and rain gear when they’re needed.
What sunscreen should I pack for the beach?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Water resistance lasts either 40 or 80 minutes, depending on the label. Bring more than you think you’ll use, or plan to buy it when you arrive. Add a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and a swim shirt or rash guard for long days in the water.
Which places restrict sunscreen ingredients?
Hawaii does, and Maui County goes further than the state:
| Where | Rule | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (statewide) | No sale or distribution of sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate without a prescription | January 1, 2021 |
| Maui County (Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi) | No sale, distribution or use of non-mineral sunscreens; mineral means zinc oxide or titanium dioxide | October 1, 2022 |
Hawaii lawmakers have also proposed adding avobenzone and octocrylene statewide; Maui County’s mineral-only rule already covers them. If you’re unsure where you’re headed, a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is the safe choice.
What swim and beach gear should I bring?
- Two swimsuits for trips of four nights or more, so one can dry.
- A cover-up for walking to lunch or through the hotel lobby.
- Sandals and water shoes. Water shoes help on rocky or coral beaches.
- Beach towel — but check first. Many resorts lend beach towels.
- A waterproof phone pouch and a zip bag for wet swimsuits on the way home.
- Snorkel and mask if you’ll snorkel a lot. Rentals are common, but your own fits better.
What should I pack for bugs and heat?
Many beach destinations have mosquitoes, especially at dusk. The CDC recommends EPA-registered insect repellents with one of six active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone. Don’t use OLE or PMD products on children under 3. Pack aloe or another after-sun lotion, a refillable water bottle, and electrolyte packets if you burn through water in the heat.
Can I pack a beach trip carry-on only?
Yes — beach trips are the easiest to do carry-on only: clothes are small and you’ll rewear the same few outfits. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane, keep liquids to 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles in one quart bag for TSA, and buy full-size sunscreen when you land. Choose “Carry-on only” above and TripPack trims quantities and adds the liquids bag.
When is hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center. It covers the Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf, including Florida and Mexico’s Caribbean coast. If you’re traveling in those months, a packable rain jacket and your travel insurance details are worth adding. TripPack uses real forecast or historical data for your dates, so it adds rain gear when rain is likely and warm layers for breezy evenings.
What do people forget on beach trips?
- A passport for international beach trips. US citizens flying home from Mexico or the Caribbean need a passport (or a Trusted Traveler card such as NEXUS) to enter the US by air.
- One nicer outfit for dinner.
- A light long-sleeve layer for strong AC and sunburned shoulders.
- Cash in small bills for tips and beach vendors.
FAQ
How many swimsuits should I bring to the beach?
Two for trips of four nights or more, so one can dry while you wear the other. One is enough for shorter trips.
Is reef-safe sunscreen required?
In some places. Hawaii bans the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate (since January 1, 2021), and Maui County allows only mineral sunscreens (since October 1, 2022). Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is the safe choice.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology: how to select sunscreen — checked Oct 16, 2026
- American Academy of Dermatology: practice safe sun (reapplying) — checked Oct 16, 2026
- Hawaii State Legislature: Act 104 (2018), oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreen ban — effective Jan 1, 2021; checked Oct 16, 2026
- Hawaii DLNR: Maui County bill prohibiting non-mineral sunscreens — Nov 19, 2021; ordinance in effect Oct 1, 2022; checked Oct 16, 2026
- CDC: preventing mosquito bites — checked Oct 16, 2026
- NOAA National Hurricane Center: hurricane season climatology — checked Oct 16, 2026
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: documents for entering the US by air — last modified Jun 17, 2026; checked Oct 16, 2026