What should we take for a seaside holiday?

Packing luggage for a summer holiday often turns into a balancing act between wanting to take everything you need and striving not to overpack your suitcases. 

The secret to perfectly organised luggage lies in advance planning and categorising your belongings. Approaching it systematically saves us from unnecessary stress before departure and from unforeseen expenses of buying forgotten items on location. 

Whether you're planning a long family holiday or a spontaneous weekend by the waves, there are a few fundamental groups of items that must be on your list to ensure a peaceful and comfortable stay.

• Documents and finances: all identity cards, driving licences, health cards, as well as cash and bank cards.
• Everything needed for the beach itself, providing comfort, sun protection and dryness after getting out of the water.
• Hygiene products, hydration, and essential protective lotions with an appropriate SPF to protect the skin.
• Light, airy outfits for daytime, something warmer for cool seaside evenings, and suitable footwear for the beach and walks.
• Basic medical supplies and essential medications for responding to unexpected ailments.
• Electronics and accessories: mobile phones, tablets, and their chargers.

And what should we NOT take on a seaside holiday?

Often, in our pursuit of anticipating every possible scenario, we overstuff our suitcases with items that we never even unpack during the entire trip. Carrying excess luggage only weighs us down, takes up space in the car, and creates chaos in the hotel room, while at the same time, many of these things are readily available on-site or simply prove impractical for the seaside climate.

Full sets of towels and bath towels

Before you take up half the suitcase with bulky towels, it's best to check in advance what the policy of your chosen hotel is regarding the provision of bath and beach towels. This way, you'll be able to pack only the essentials and make room for other, more necessary luggage. .

Work and laptops (if possible)

If the aim of your trip is genuine relaxation, leave your work devices at home. Carrying laptops and heavy professional equipment not only prevents you from unwinding, but also requires constant attention and protection from sand, moisture and theft on the beach.

Excess food items

Carrying large amounts of packaged foods, canned goods, or whole stacks of drinks is completely unnecessary. Resort towns have excellently stocked food shops and supermarkets where everything is within easy reach, and a holiday is also the perfect time to enjoy fresh local produce.

Valuable items and overly expensive possessions

The beach carries the risk of small items easily getting lost in the sand or in the water. To save yourself unnecessary worry and the constant need to keep an eye on your belongings whilst you’re swimming, leave your precious family heirlooms or luxury items in a safe place at home.

Fat or too bulky books

We often promise ourselves that we'll finally read that massive, 800-page hardcover classic on the beach, but in the end, it just ends up weighing down the suitcase. For a holiday, it's much more practical to opt for lightweight paperbacks or an e-reader, which can hold thousands of titles with minimal weight.

Sports equipment and heavy machinery

Unless you're going to a specialised sports camp, taking dumbbells, resistance bands, or other bulky fitness equipment is rarely worth it. The seaside offers great natural ways to exercise such as swimming, beach volleyball, or long morning walks, which are more than enough to keep you in shape.

What to pack for a romantic seaside holiday

A romantic seaside escape requires a bit of special preparation, focused on creating shared moments, cosiness, and beautiful memories. When packing for two, the key is to add a few details that will turn an ordinary beach day or evening stroll into a truly sensory experience. Here are some inspiring and fun ideas.

• A picnic basket or cool bag. Nothing beats watching the sunset by the sea with a glass of chilled wine or champagne. Take a beautiful basket, some nice glasses (they can be reusable, made of safe glass/plastic) and some refined appetisers or fruits.

• A large beach blanket (for two). Instead of two separate towels that divide you, opt for one large, soft beach blanket or a huge throw. This will allow you to lounge comfortably together, stargaze in the evening, or simply snuggle to the sound of the waves.

• A portable waterproof speaker, because music creates atmosphere. Prepare a playlist of your favourite shared songs or relaxing summer music in advance to play softly in the background during a picnic on a secluded beach at sunset.

• A board game for two or cards with questions. Evenings on the terrace with a sea view are perfect for having fun. Get a fun board game designed specifically for couples, or cards with deep and fun questions that will help you learn new things about each other and have a good laugh.

• Instant camera (Polaroid). Digital photos on your phone are great, but a physical photo that appears before your eyes immediately has an irreplaceable romantic and retro value. You can capture beautiful spontaneous moments and make a mini album dedicated to your holiday.

Here's a list of what to take for a seaside holiday with children: **Essentials for the Beach:** * **Sun protection:** High SPF sun cream, after-sun lotion, sun hats (wide-brimmed or legionnaire style), sunglasses. * **Swimwear:** Plenty of swimsuits, swim nappies if needed for very young children. * **Beach towels:** Quick-drying, large beach towels. * **Beach toys:** Buckets, spades, moulds, frisbee, ball, inflatable toys (if permitted). * **Floatation devices:** Armbands, life vests, inflatable rings (ensure they are appropriate for the child's age and swimming ability, and always supervise them). * **Beach shelter/umbrella:** For shade. * **Beach mat/blanket:** For comfortable seating. * **Water shoes:** To protect feet from hot sand or rocks. **Clothing:** * **Lightweight clothing:** T-shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses. * **Warmer layer:** A light jumper or cardigan for cooler evenings. * **Nightwear:** Pyjamas. * **Underwear:** Sufficient supply. * **Walking shoes/sandals:** Comfortable for exploring. * **A smarter outfit:** For any nice meals out. **Toiletries & Health:** * **Basic toiletries:** Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, hairbrush/comb. * **Insect repellent:** Especially important for evenings. * **First-aid kit:** Plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (suitable for children), motion sickness medication, any personal medications. * **Hand sanitiser.** * **Moisturiser.** **For Children:** * **Favourite toys/books/games:** For downtime in the accommodation or on travel days. * **Comfort item:** Teddy bear or blanket for sleep. * **Reusable water bottles:** To stay hydrated. * **Snacks:** Especially for travel or if picky eaters. * **Potty/travel changing mat:** If applicable. **Documents & Money:** * **Passports/ID:** If travelling abroad. * **Travel insurance details.** * **Flight/ferry/train tickets.** * **Accommodation booking confirmation.** * **Driving licence and car documents:** If driving. * **Credit/debit cards.** * **Some local currency:** For immediate needs upon arrival. **Electronics:** * **Phone and charger.** * **Camera and charger/spare batteries.** * **Travel adapter:** If travelling abroad. * **Portable power bank.** **Miscellaneous:** * **Backpack/day bag:** For carrying essentials to the beach or on outings. * **Plastic bags:** For wet swimwear, rubbish, etc. * **A good book/magazines:** For yourself! * **Any necessary medical equipment.** **Important Considerations:** * **Check the weather forecast** before you go and pack accordingly. * **Pack light where possible**, especially if you have to carry many things. * **Label your luggage** clearly. * **Consider the age and needs of your children** when making your packing list. * **Don't forget the travel games and entertainment** for the journey itself!

Travelling to the seaside with children requires perfect logistics and luggage tailored entirely to the age of the little sea explorers. The key to a relaxing family holiday is the correct distribution of belongings, so that the suitcase doesn't turn into a bottomless pit of unused toys.

When travelling with babies and very young children up to 2 years old, the focus is entirely on hygiene, feeding, and comfort during sleep. Be sure to pack plenty of their specific products, which you may not find in small resort shops. Pay special attention to a comfortable summer pushchair with a large canopy or an ergonomic carrier for walks, as well as a lightweight portable cot if your accommodation does not provide one. As baby skin is extremely sensitive, light cotton clothing with long sleeves and special beachwear with UV protection are an absolute priority for the long hours under the umbrella.

For pre-school children (between 3 and 6 years old), the sea is a vast playground for adventures. For them, the fun section of the luggage is most important, but it needs to be chosen practically. Stick to a classic sand toy set, inflatable safety accessories for the water, and a few favourite books or cards for quiet afternoon hours. For this age group, it's crucial to also bring comfortable closed-toe shoes for playing, as the sand gets very hot during the day.

If the holiday is planned with older children and teenagers, the luggage becomes significantly lighter in volume but more demanding in content. Personal interests and entertainment among the waves come to the fore. Don't forget to pack hydrating skin products designed for teenagers, a mask and snorkel for exploring the seabed, as well as portable beach games. It's a good idea to also provide them with their own small backpack where they can carry their beach towel, water, and personal belongings, which will teach them responsibility and lighten your own luggage.

The formula for the perfect holiday

At the end of the day, the secret to an unforgettable seaside holiday doesn’t lie in the number of swimsuits you pack, but in the peace of mind with which you set off. Well-chosen luggage saves us from minor everyday hassles, but the truth is that choosing the right hotel for the holiday we want is the key factor in having a good time. 

When your accommodation meets your needs and expectations, even if you've forgotten something small, it won't spoil your mood. Pack with a smile, take your good mood with you, and enjoy every moment by the waves!