Beach Vacation Essentials


With my upcoming vacation I’ve come to the realization that I haven’t been on a beach vacation since my honeymoon…two years ago!! That’s not to say I haven’t been to the beach in two years, it’s more so I haven’t gone away to the beach in that amount of time, so I thought I’d round up a few of my must have beach vacation essentials! 




I actually have two beach totes, but the one I’m taking on vacation needed to be compact so it’s very similar tothis canvas tote. I also have thisTarget onethat I’ve used for the past five years  – it’s perfect! Before I even hit the beach, I need to do something about my body being so white – I blame the New England winter! I picked up thisJergen’s Natural Glow and I’m going to do a test this weekend to make sure I don’t look scary! Of course I need my magazines so my iPad mini is coming with me as are my newsunnies from Nordstrom…you know the $12 ones!!! 




I like to keep a water bottle with me because I don’t really want to dish out cash for bottled water while on vacation! Also needed is a little pouchto keep my hotel key, phone and ChapStick clear from the sand! Gary basically has the best fedora ever which he actually bought in Puerto Rico, so if I don’t snatch this one up before I leave, I have to get an authentic one there!! 




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What are your beach vacation essentials? What am I forgetting?



xo,

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85 Comments

  1. Claire | Fashion + Feathers
    March 26, 2015 / 10:35 am

    Perfect timing on this one!! We're headed to Florida in two weeks and I've barely had time to stop and think about what I need to bring with me. Totally checking out the F21 hat. I've really been wanting a new one!

  2. Myra
    March 26, 2015 / 10:35 am

    Love all your picks! I also bring along a water bottle because I refuse to pay a load of money for a bottle of water. I need to get myself a little pouch to stick my phone into. I have had too many instances where sand has gotten into my bag & I freak out that it's gotten into my phone too! Great recs, friend!

  3. P!nky
    March 26, 2015 / 10:37 am

    So excited about your beach trip! You are going to have so much fun Puerto Rico! Take a snooze on the beach for me, girl! These are all great beach picks, just don't forget the big floppy hat to protect your face and of course a margarita whoop whoop!

  4. Unknown
    March 26, 2015 / 10:47 am

    Love your picks, especially that bag! Blaire and I swear by Victoria's Secret bronzer and tanner as well as jergens. Sounds like fun!!

    Xoxo,

    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

  5. Jenn
    March 26, 2015 / 10:58 am

    All of your picks are basically exactly what's going into my luggage too. Like you said the other day, too bad we're not both going to the same place–it would have been the most epic blate/beach party ever!!! 🙂

  6. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    March 26, 2015 / 11:13 am

    Give me all the stripes!!!! Love these picks! You are going to have such an amazing time! Can you imagine if you and Jen were going to the same place??? That would have been crazy fun!

  7. Alissa
    March 26, 2015 / 11:28 am

    Yay for the stripes and hat! Totally essential for a beach weekend!

  8. Christina Lea Loves
    March 26, 2015 / 11:48 am

    I love vacation prep! That tote is so cute and girly! I love keeping my important items in a clutch away from the sand – no time for cleaning sand off everything!!

  9. Kate at Green Fashionista
    March 26, 2015 / 12:01 pm

    Great picks! I especially love the sunnies and the KS water bottle. Your trip is coming up so quick, can't wait to hear all about it 🙂

  10. Kathy@MoreCoffeeLessTalky
    March 26, 2015 / 12:03 pm

    i always bring a cover-up (so i don't have to walk around with my towel wrapped around me) and plenty of sunscreen!

  11. Unknown
    March 26, 2015 / 12:09 pm

    Great selection, I love the hat!

    Gemma
    TaipeiStyle

  12. Pink and Fabulous
    March 26, 2015 / 12:10 pm

    I need to get a little pouch asap! That is such a great idea to take your key with you!

  13. awhite
    March 26, 2015 / 12:12 pm

    I could do with a beach vacation right about now- LOVE these beachy cute picks!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  14. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    March 26, 2015 / 12:17 pm

    Ahhh so many great things for the beach! I think I need to make a trip over to the beach soon! You already know how I feel about your new sunnies. So perfect. And love that fun hat! So jealous of your awesome vacation soon!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

  15. Ashley
    March 26, 2015 / 12:18 pm

    A great hat is a must for the beach! I always make sure to have a book with me too!

  16. Carly
    March 26, 2015 / 12:34 pm

    I have been on the hunt for a straw fedora or panama hat and have my third one en route from Forever21- I love the colors in the one you picked out though too! Looove those Kate Spade water bottles and the tote is so cute!

  17. kerri @ cheshire kat
    March 26, 2015 / 12:41 pm

    great list! beach things are so important. one must always be prepared. the only other thing i'd add is my insulated thermos (vinnebago made by corkcicle) – it keeps stuff cold for 25 hours! also i love tan towels to get a fake tan. addicted bc they don't smell bad and they give a nice glow 🙂

    cheshirekatblog.com

  18. Shannon Jenkins
    March 26, 2015 / 12:45 pm

    These are all such a must!! Loving that hat!! Now I want to go to the beach!!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  19. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    March 26, 2015 / 12:49 pm

    Hurrah! Beach trip coming at you!

    I always need a lightweight short sleeve shirt for cool breezes or when the sun is too much for me.

  20. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    March 26, 2015 / 12:56 pm

    Love that tote and I am huge fan of fedoras! You always look so good in hats, too! xo

  21. Karly @ What Karly Said
    March 26, 2015 / 12:58 pm

    Looks like you got everything covered! Glad you and that ChapStick are still going strong. 🙂 I'm so excited for you and your vaca!

  22. Melissa
    March 26, 2015 / 12:59 pm

    I love fedoras – and anything Jergens! I have to say that my beach must-have is Avene Cooling Mist. It's just distilled water that really takes the tingle out of a good sunburn 😉

  23. Elegance and Mommyhood
    March 26, 2015 / 1:10 pm

    I agree with your beach essentials. I would add a couple of cute swim-suits: a two-piece and a one-piece. Love the tote and fedora here, so much. Great picks!

    Ada. =)

  24. Nina @ Flowers in my Hair
    March 26, 2015 / 1:14 pm

    Need a beach vacation stat!

  25. Sierra @ Beautifully Candid
    March 26, 2015 / 1:14 pm

    Loving your vacation essentials! We will be in Aruba in a few weeks and it's hard retiring some of my smaller totes for a much larger one to accommodate little man's things. I may have to get a cute smaller one for myself and let my husband carry the bigger one 😉 Winks and Eyerolls

  26. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    March 26, 2015 / 1:16 pm

    So jealous of your beach trip! I realized that I haven't been to the beach since our honeymoon either!! I'm dying to go this year, but we're going to see what baby brings first. This is a great list though! Love that striped bag.

  27. Lyndsay
    March 26, 2015 / 1:27 pm

    You've pretty much nailed it, don't think you're forgetting a thing! It's such a great idea to take a water bottle with you. I always do that. It's easier and no one will accidentally throw it out because they thought you were done with it.

    prosecco in the park

  28. Traci Taylor Hart
    March 26, 2015 / 1:29 pm

    I'm sure you are so excited about getting away! I like the Jergens self tanner too. Awesome score on the glasses! $12?!
    Traci
    waltzmetoheaven.com

  29. Amanda | Kids and Cabernet
    March 26, 2015 / 1:37 pm

    Great picks! You guys are you g to have SO much fun!! And eat so much good food – yum!

  30. Courtney B
    March 26, 2015 / 1:39 pm

    Love the water bottle idea! I never think to take one with me on vacation! And the little pouch to hold the hotel key, etc is genius!
    We took Mia to the beach when she was 6 months old and man, you should have seen the crap we (thought we) had to pack, ha ha! Long gone are the days of a simple little tote! We actually could have got away with taking very little but the next time we take her to the beach? We will have a bag full of food. Another bag full of wipes, sunscreen, etc. And another bag full of beach toys, HA!

  31. Caroline @ Windy City Chic
    March 26, 2015 / 1:40 pm

    Funny I was thinking about this yesterday because our upcoming beach trip. Yay to upcoming beach trips!! 🙂 That Chapstick is great, and I love that striped tote bag!! Fun picks lady thanks for sharing!! 🙂

  32. Kateri Von Steal
    March 26, 2015 / 1:54 pm

    I can't remember the last time I went to the beach. I really need to get my butt to the beach this summer. MUST

    Love the sunglasses!

  33. sara [at] journey of doing
    March 26, 2015 / 1:59 pm

    That bag is so, so, so, so cute! I'm pretty sure it matches this sweater my mom made me buy yesterday too… lol…. so fun!!!

  34. Cupcakes and Crossbones
    March 26, 2015 / 2:04 pm

    I love that bag and water bottle! These are def some great beach essentials for sure!

  35. Julia
    March 26, 2015 / 2:25 pm

    Oh yay so fun!! Love that heart tote, so adorable! I really need to do something about my paleness too, I need to check out the Jergens!

  36. LifeasKLK
    March 26, 2015 / 2:31 pm

    These are perfect picks! I just got that water bottle in the gold glitter and love it! I used the Jergens natural glow lotion in the past and I thought it was pretty good, just a splash of color! The perfect sun hat is essential!

  37. DeborahYanni
    March 26, 2015 / 2:31 pm

    Beach vacations are my favorite!! We've started a family tradition last year where we all get together and rent a house at the beach for the week of the 4th of July. My husband is so excited for this year. The planning kills me tho! lol

    My must haves for the beach are definitely sunnies and a hat!!

  38. Nadine
    March 26, 2015 / 2:33 pm

    That tote is soooo cute from Nordstrom! Love the stripe and heart combo. And those sunnies really are fabulous…I wonder what they would look like on me. I need a cheaper pair that I can wear to the pool and stuff….I wont dare take my Jimmy Choo ones there!

    I used to love Jergens tanner…like the very first one that came out a long time ago but I always smelled like pretzels when I wore it. I wonder if this one smells the same haha! I need something bad! May have to suck it up!

  39. Rebecca Jo
    March 26, 2015 / 2:37 pm

    I'm more of a mountain person then a beach person. Sand – e .. so give me a full hazmat suit.. & I guarantee it will STILL fill up with sand!

  40. MakeMeUpMia
    March 26, 2015 / 2:53 pm

    I have THE worst luck with self tanners, I just fail every darn time haha. I tried the St Tropez foam one last year and I loved it, great application and color but as soon as I'd shave my legs it'd be gone… I'll be curious to hear your thoughts on this one 🙂

  41. Pamela @ alittleglitter.com
    March 26, 2015 / 2:57 pm

    I am so jealous of your beach vacation! That hat is gorgeous!

  42. Carly Messmer
    March 26, 2015 / 2:57 pm

    I need some self tanner stat. I'm wearing a skirt today and my legs are scary. Haha, I always like to go to the beach by myself the first few times so I don't blind everyone.

  43. Rachel McCarthy
    March 26, 2015 / 3:02 pm

    Fabulous picks! I'm loving the heart bag and the pink water bottle! Have a wonderful time on your beach vacation!! Happy Thursday!

    xo, Rachel
    ablondesmoment.com

  44. Evelina
    March 26, 2015 / 3:06 pm

    Oh how I wish I were going to the beach! I am currently looking at a snow blizzard outside my office window. I also love Jergens tanning products. I usually use the Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer but I haven't tried the spray. Let us know if it's any good!

  45. Zelle B.
    March 26, 2015 / 3:08 pm

    Jealous of your beach vacay! Loving all of your picks!
    xo Southern Style

  46. Heather
    March 26, 2015 / 3:09 pm

    A hat is a MUST, and bags. I like to stick my cell or ipad in a zip lock baggie so I can still use it while I'm laying on the beach and protect it a little better.

  47. Jillian
    March 26, 2015 / 3:25 pm

    i love that tote bag! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  48. Anonymous
    March 26, 2015 / 3:26 pm

    Looove that bag! I need to grab myself a good beach-only bag so thanks for the suggestions 🙂

  49. Unknown
    March 26, 2015 / 3:30 pm

    Love all these! That bag is so cute!!! Let me know how that self tanner goes because I am looking pretty pasty myself.

  50. Unknown
    March 26, 2015 / 3:30 pm

    This is the perfect list, especially the hat. They're always a savior from the sun when at the beach! Hope you enjoy your vacation 🙂

    Mili

  51. Caroline {Virginia Sweet}
    March 26, 2015 / 4:03 pm

    Yup, you got all the essentials for sure! I always pack a couple travel snacks too! Just to keep in the hotel room and with me during the day! Girls gotta eat!

  52. Kayla MKOY
    March 26, 2015 / 4:10 pm

    Yes! I love me a good beach hat!!! And a good book. That's all I need 🙂

  53. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    March 26, 2015 / 4:15 pm

    Love the fedora and the sunnies are essential. Good deals on them too!

  54. Jaime Cittadino
    March 26, 2015 / 4:17 pm

    What a cute hat!! Stumbled across your blog and I love it!!!

    XO,
    Jaime

  55. Erin LFF
    March 26, 2015 / 4:28 pm

    Good list! I'm heading to the beach in a couple of months and I'm already thinking about outfits and packing 😉 Hehe- chapstick is a MUST and a couple of books/magazines too!

  56. Lindsay T.
    March 26, 2015 / 4:30 pm

    Love the hat! I tried a bunch on the other day but I feel like my face is too round and I just look ridiculous in hats!

  57. Meg Taylor
    March 26, 2015 / 4:50 pm

    I love that tote!! I'm such a tote hoarder – they are all so inexpensive and adorable that I find myself with way too many to choose from 😉

  58. Unknown
    March 26, 2015 / 5:15 pm

    great pics for the beach! that little ann taylor pouch is too presh!

    xoxo,
    Tara Belle
    Northern Lights – Southern Belles

  59. 365HANGERS
    March 26, 2015 / 5:17 pm

    You have to let us know how the glow spray works and so excited for your trip!! You're going to have the most amazing time.

    xx 365hangers

  60. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    March 26, 2015 / 5:52 pm

    Gosh I want to be at the beach too! Our honeymoon was in Costa Rica and I want to go back so badly! Texas beaches aren't anything great but we're not too far away now so maybe we'll make a weekend trip out of it 🙂

  61. Meghan @ Southern Belle Secrets
    March 26, 2015 / 5:56 pm

    As boring as it sounds, make sure you have plenty of SPF! After a skin cancer scare this winter I'm all about some sun coverage. I'm in love with your picks though! I've never tried self tanner but I'm looking on the pale side. Will you let me know how it works out?

    xoxo,
    Meghan
    Southern Belle Secrets

  62. Jill @ Capri + Co.
    March 26, 2015 / 6:07 pm

    1. I am so jealous of your beach vacation. Now that I think about it, I haven't been on a beach vacation since MY honeymoon almost 4 years ago!! I must find a beach, asap. 2. Thanks for the reminder on those sunnies. I just pulled the trigger and so happy they had free shipping 2!

    Have a blast!

  63. Marina Ingvarsson
    March 26, 2015 / 6:27 pm

    Great post!

    bonaupetite.com

  64. Paige @ An Uncomplicated Life Blog
    March 26, 2015 / 6:59 pm

    Here's the thing about Jergens Natural Glow – it's a building product, so you wont see anything after one application. It took about a week of me applying it every day to even begin to notice any color! L'Oreal makes a spay tan in a can you can get that I recommend if you need color in a day or two. You spray it on before bed, dry it with a hair dryer and wake up tan!

  65. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    March 26, 2015 / 7:11 pm

    Yes definitely tons of SPF and also a cute coverup and flops would seal the deal! You deserve a sunny vacay after that bitter cold winter.

  66. Lisa Loves John
    March 26, 2015 / 7:20 pm

    That tote is awesome!! Don't forget earbuds or something to listen to music on!!

  67. Paige @ Reasons to Come Home
    March 26, 2015 / 7:36 pm

    I bought the same tanner last night and hoping it works well. I'm SO white! A good fedora is must for the beach!

  68. According to Kiki
    March 26, 2015 / 8:11 pm

    Perfect beach bag! I so wish I was going to the beach this year on vacation. Instead, visiting Atlanta and family! Not so bad I guess. (;

  69. Jax
    March 26, 2015 / 8:47 pm

    I'll be on a beach vacation in July for my honeymoon. I'll definitely need to look into these items. Is that tote seriously from Target?? I love it!

  70. Maddie
    March 26, 2015 / 10:39 pm

    Oh my gosh, have fun!! I love all your picks, especially the hat!!

  71. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    March 26, 2015 / 10:49 pm

    I haven't been on a beach vacation since our honeymoon either! 5 years ago, ha! Super excited for your trip!

  72. Kristina @ Medicine and Manicures
    March 26, 2015 / 11:02 pm

    All you're missing is a delicious fruity drink and a US Weekly hehe 🙂 So excited for you guys.. you're gonna have so much fun!!

  73. Mattie @ Comfy & Confident
    March 27, 2015 / 12:42 am

    I could really use a vacation right now! Music and sunscreen is all I need.

  74. Denise
    March 27, 2015 / 3:17 am

    This sounds heavenly! Would love to go on a beach vacation soon! Love your choices. They are practical and essential!

    Denise | Fashion Love Letters

  75. Unknown
    March 27, 2015 / 5:40 am

    I could so use some vacation time right now! Your list sounds complete in my opinion (:

    – Deniz
    dressedupdeniz.com

  76. Brenda @ Chatting Over Chocolate
    March 27, 2015 / 12:30 pm

    Loving these essentials for a fab beach getaway!! I especially adore the Kate Spade water bottle, cute sunnies, and sweet tote!! So excited for you!! Have FUN!! 🙂

  77. Mrs. Southern Mama
    March 27, 2015 / 7:59 pm

    Yes please to that tote bag. I just love it! I need a vacation STAT!

  78. Jackie Lee
    March 27, 2015 / 8:52 pm

    What an adorable collage!! I myself am a fan of the double-ended chapstick 🙂

    xoxo
    Chic Dream Jar

  79. Kristen
    March 28, 2015 / 12:33 am

    i'm not kidding, i don't think i have been on a beach vacation since 2011. i guess i took for granted that i lived near so many, now i'd kill to be able to drive to one or go on a vacation! jealous! 🙂

  80. Kay R.
    March 29, 2015 / 2:41 am

    All good choices! id throw in sunscreen!

  81. Stephanie Chalk
    March 29, 2015 / 4:39 pm

    Such great picks, that hat and those sunnies are great!! Xo, Stephanie

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