Family Beach Holiday Packing List
The complete packing checklist for beach holidays with kids
Packing for a beach holiday with children requires military-level planning. Between swimwear, sun protection, entertainment, and enough nappies, it is easy to forget something crucial. This comprehensive list ensures you pack everything you need - and reminds you what you can leave behind.
Want a personalised list? Use our packing tool to generate a list based on your destination, trip length, and family members.
Build My Packing ListEssential Documents
- Passports (check validity - many countries need 6 months)
- Travel insurance documents
- Flight tickets / boarding passes
- Hotel or accommodation confirmation
- Car hire confirmation and driving licence
- EHIC/GHIC cards (for Europe)
- Copies of important documents (email yourself backup copies)
- Emergency contact numbers
Passport Check
Children's passports expire after 5 years. Check dates well in advance - renewals take 3-10 weeks.
Sun Protection
Beach holidays mean serious sun exposure. Do not underestimate this section:
- Sunscreen SPF 50 (at least 2 bottles for a week)
- After-sun lotion
- UV protection swimwear / rash vests for kids
- Sun hats with neck protection
- Sunglasses (with strap for little ones)
- Beach tent or UV pop-up shelter
- Lip balm with SPF
Family Tip
Apply sunscreen BEFORE leaving the hotel, not at the beach. It needs 20 minutes to absorb properly.
Beach & Pool Gear
- Swimwear (2-3 sets per person - wet swimsuits are miserable)
- Beach towels (or use hotel towels if provided)
- Beach bag that can handle sand and wet things
- Flip-flops / beach shoes (hot sand burns feet)
- Swim nappies if needed
- Arm bands, float vest, or puddle jumper
- Goggles
- Beach toys - bucket, spade, watering can
- Inflatable toys (buy cheap ones there if space is tight)
- Snorkel gear for older kids
Clothing
Pack light - you will live in swimwear. But do bring:
- Light t-shirts and vests (one per day plus spares for kids)
- Shorts
- Light dress or evening outfit
- Light cardigan or cover-up (restaurants can be air-conditioned)
- Underwear
- Pyjamas (light cotton)
- Comfortable sandals
- One pair of trainers/walking shoes for excursions
Money-Saving Tip
Beach holiday clothes are cheap at destination. Do not stress about packing everything - supermarkets sell swimwear, flip-flops, and basics.
Baby & Toddler Essentials
If travelling with under 3s, add:
- Nappies (enough for journey plus first day - buy rest there)
- Wipes (bring plenty - hard to find good ones abroad)
- Nappy bags
- Formula / baby food for journey
- Bottles and sterilising tablets
- Portable high chair or seat harness
- Pushchair or travel stroller
- Baby carrier for beach walks
- Favourite teddy / comforter
- Travel cot (if not provided)
- Blackout blind (Gro Anywhere or similar)
- White noise machine or app
Health & Safety
- Prescription medications (with prescription letter)
- Paracetamol / ibuprofen (adult and child versions)
- Antihistamines
- Rehydration sachets (essential for stomach bugs)
- Plasters and antiseptic cream
- Insect repellent
- After-bite cream
- Motion sickness tablets
- Thermometer
- Hand sanitiser
Tip
Pharmacies abroad sell most medications, but not always the brands you know. Bring enough for peace of mind.
Entertainment
For flights, transfers, restaurants, and rainy moments:
- Tablet/iPad with downloaded films and games
- Headphones (child-sized with volume limit)
- Colouring books and crayons
- Sticker books
- Card games (Uno, Top Trumps)
- Small toys
- Books
- Favourite teddy
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Camera
- Travel adaptor (check destination)
- Power bank
- Tablet charger
- Waterproof phone case
Toiletries
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)
- Soap or shower gel
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties
- Moisturiser
- Razor
- Contact lenses and solution
What NOT to Pack
Save luggage space by leaving these behind:
- Excess toys (kids find entertainment everywhere)
- Too many outfit options (you really will wear the same 3 things)
- Bulky towels (hotels provide them)
- Large toiletries (decant or buy there)
- Too many shoes (sandals, flip-flops, one walking pair)
- Nice clothes you will worry about ruining
Money-Saving Tip
Weigh luggage before leaving. Excess baggage fees are painful - usually 12-15 GBP per kilo over the limit.
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