How to Pack for a Beach Vacation in JUST a Carry On
Are you struggling with overpacking and want to know exactly how to pack carry on only? Whether you’re trying to figure out how to fit everything into a carry on or you need guidance on exactly what to bring for an all-inclusive resort or beach vacation, you’ve come to the right place.
If you often find yourself lugging around an overweight suitcase full of things you never even wear, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about packing for your next beach or resort vacation in just a carry on.
I used to be the worst offender when it came to overpacking — and I paid the price with costly overweight baggage fees. But those days are behind me! Now I can comfortably travel overseas for 10 days with nothing more than a carry on.
Keep reading to get my complete packing list and all my best tips for how to pack light for a beach vacation without sacrificing a thing!
How to Pack Tip #1: Start with the Right Luggage
The most important part of packing in just a carry on is starting with the right luggage. The vast majority of airlines allow you to carry one personal item and one carry on item without checking a bag, so to pack effectively, you need to make use of every inch of space in both.
Your personal item must fit underneath the seat in front of you and can be a small duffel, weekender bag, or backpack. I don’t recommend using a purse as your personal item, as you’ll miss out on a significant amount of usable packing space that a larger bag provides.
Your carry on stows in the overhead bin and can be a hard or soft-sided suitcase, as long as it meets your airline’s size requirements. Many major airlines allow a maximum size of 22 in x 14 in x 9 in, including the handle and wheels — but always check your specific airline’s policy before you fly.
Personally, I use and love the Away Carry On suitcase. It’s extremely durable and even comes with a 100 day money back guarantee. For my personal item, I alternate between two favorites depending on the trip — the Away Everywhere Bag and the Brevite Jumper Camera Backpack. Both conveniently slide over a suitcase handle, making them easy to travel with.
Having the right luggage is the foundation of packing light and packing smart. Now that you’re set up with a quality carry on and personal item, it’s time to get packing!
How to Pack Tip #2: Maximize Space with Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a game changer. These zippered bags are the closest thing you can get to vacuum sealing your clothes when you travel, compressing your items so you can fit significantly more into your suitcase.
Beyond saving space, they’re also great for staying organized. I use packing cubes to separate different categories of clothing and items, making it easy to find exactly what I need without tearing apart my whole bag. I know they might seem like just a bunch of extra bags, but trust me — once you try them, you’ll never pack without them!
How to Pack Tip #3: Create a Travel Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a curated set of tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, and accessories that all mix and match seamlessly. Even if you aren’t fully committed to minimalism in your everyday life, applying the principles of a capsule wardrobe to your vacation packing is a total game changer.
I recommend choosing a color palette for your trip and sticking to it. This ensures every piece you pack can be combined with the others to create multiple outfit options. If something doesn’t coordinate with the rest of your items, leave it at home. For a visual example of this in action, check out my minimalist packing guide for all-inclusive resorts in the video below!
I love choosing a color palette based on the vibe of my destination — boho whites and neutrals for Tulum, vibrant African-inspired prints for Zanzibar, deeper jewel tones for Thailand, and bright neons for Turks & Caicos.
When you maximize your ability to mix and match, you naturally pack less. You’re no longer throwing in random pieces that require entirely separate shoes or accessories just to work as an outfit. Why dedicate precious suitcase space to one dress that can’t coordinate with anything else you’ve packed? Keep it cohesive and keep it light!
How to Pack Tip #4: Minimize Liquids
One of the most challenging parts of traveling without a checked bag is TSA’s liquids rule — all liquids must be 3 oz or less and fit into a single quart-size bag. This includes haircare, skincare, sunscreen, lotion, shower essentials, liquid makeup, and more. In other words, no full-size toiletries!
To cut back on what you’re packing, check your hotel or resort’s website for a list of provided toiletries. If you’re traveling with a partner or friend, see if any items can be shared between the two of you — every ounce counts!
Mini jars were an absolute game changer for me. I pack about ten of these little jars and still have room to spare in my liquids bag. They take up significantly less space than the standard travel-size containers you typically find at the store.
Another upgrade worth making is swapping out a flimsy zip-lock bag for a sturdier TSA-approved clear quart-size toiletry case. It offers a bit more structure and room, and in my experience going through TSA PreCheck dozens of times, it has never been an issue. That said, if you’re nervous about it, toss a spare plastic bag in your carry on just in case.
One helpful tip for contact lens wearers: Contact solution is classified by TSA as a medication rather than a liquid, meaning you’re allowed to bring a full-size bottle through security. Just pack a brand new, unopened bottle and declare it at the checkpoint. If you’ll be passing through security in another country, be sure to check that country’s specific rules, as liquid and medication requirements can vary.
How to Pack Tip #5: Organize Your Accessories
Next, you’ll want a good system for organizing your accessories and odds and ends so everything stays together and nothing gets lost in the depths of your bag.
Beyond a classic cosmetic bag, consider adding a hanging travel organizer for toiletries, a jewelry organizer to keep necklaces and earrings tangle-free, or a pill organizer for any medications or daily vitamins. A little organization goes a long way when you’re working with limited space!
What to Wear on the Plane
Deciding what to wear on the plane is an important but often overlooked packing step. You’ll need a comfortable, clean outfit for both the journey to your destination and the trip home — there’s nothing worse than flying home in dirty vacation clothes!
Consider wearing something you could potentially rewear during your trip, such as a comfortable jumpsuit, maxi dress, or athletic outfit. Also take into account the weather at home when you’re departing, as that will help determine what works best for your travel day. Here are some of my favorite options that are comfy, stretchy, and easy to slip on and off for bathroom trips!
You’ll also want to pack a top layer — like a denim jacket or a button-up shirt — to throw on during the flight, since planes can get quite cold. This is especially important if you’re departing from a cooler climate than your destination, or if temperatures drop in the evenings once you arrive.
Set aside one comfortable travel outfit for the trip there and pack a second one for the journey home, unless you’ll have access to laundry services during your stay. For footwear, opt for sneakers or sneaker-style water shoes that are easy to slip on and off at security.
What to Pack: Vacation Outfits
A beach or resort vacation tends to follow a pretty simple daily rhythm — pool, beach, dine. Since the majority of your time will be spent in a swimsuit, you actually need fewer outfits than you might think!
AS YOU PACK, Consider the following:
- Do you need something to wear to breakfast or lunch that isn’t a bathing suit and cover-up?
- Will you be going on any excursions or doing activities that involve physical activity?
- Will you be getting dressed up for dinner and evening entertainment?
- Are you heading to casual spots or higher-end resorts and restaurants?
For a tropical vacation, stick to sundresses, maxi dresses, two-piece sets, and rompers — they’re light, easy to pack, and can be dressed up or down effortlessly. Look for breezy cuts and breathable fabrics like linen. Personally, I skip jean shorts for all-inclusive resorts, as many dress codes discourage them and it’s simply too warm for denim anyway.
I like to pack a couple of casual dresses or rompers for breakfast, lunch, or a laid-back evening out. These can also double as swimsuit cover-ups, which saves even more space!
For nicer restaurants or higher-end accommodations, I pack a few dressier options as well. A good rule of thumb is no more than one dressy outfit per evening you plan to go out — and don’t forget, it’s perfectly fine to rewear outfits!
Important note: Always check your resort’s dress code before you pack, especially for the men in your travel group. Many resorts require long pants and closed-toe shoes to enter their dinner restaurants.
Pack one outfit for every evening out, plus a couple of casual outfits for breakfast and lunch. Pack an active outfit and sneakers if you’re planning on off-resort adventures.
What to Pack: Swimwear
Since the bulk of your trip will be spent in a swimsuit, it’s important to pack the right amount. Nobody wants to put on a wet bikini, so I recommend packing a minimum of two suits so you always have a dry one ready to go. At most, pack no more than one swimsuit per day of sun — anything beyond that is just taking up precious space!
Pack a minimum of two swimsuits and a maximum of one swimsuit per day of sun.
What to Pack: Cover Ups
Whether you prefer a sarong, a kimono, or an oversized linen shirt, a cover-up is an absolute must-pack. I always bring 2-3 cover-ups that mix and match with my bikinis — and I love pairing a tropical print cover-up with solid colored bikinis for a fun and effortless photo op!
Note: Many resort restaurants do not allow guests to enter in just a swim cover-up, wet clothing, or a visible bikini — even at beachside locations! If you plan on grabbing lunch poolside without heading back to your room to change, consider packing a casual maxi dress that can pull double duty as both a cover-up and a lunch outfit.
Pack two swimsuit cover-ups that coordinate with your swimwear.
What to Pack: Hats & Hair Accessories
Since you’ll most likely be wearing your hair up on the beach, make sure to pack plenty of hair ties, claw clips, and any bobby pins or clips you might need. I personally love a good claw clip for the beach along with pain-free elastics — they’re gentle on your hair and hold up well in the heat!
You’ll also want to pack a hat to keep the sun off your face. Bucket hats, panama hats, and floppy hats are all great options. Bonus points for packable styles or hats with built-in SPF protection! If your hat doesn’t pack down flat, consider wearing it as part of your travel day outfit to save valuable luggage space.
One more space-saving tip — skip the hairdryer, curling iron, and flat iron. Your hotel room will almost certainly have a hairdryer available, and if you’ve ever tried to style your hair in a tropical climate, you know that humidity wins every time. Save the space in your luggage and leave the hot tools at home!
Pack a beach hat as well as hair ties, bobby pins, and a claw clip.
What to Pack: Accessories
I always recommend packing two pairs of sunglasses. Keep one pair easily accessible in your personal item to throw on as soon as you land, and stash the second as a backup just in case. And please, leave the expensive designer shades at home! You won’t want to lose them in the ocean or accidentally leave them behind somewhere.
When it comes to jewelry, let your outfits guide you. If your outfits are bold and colorful, keep your jewelry simple. If your outfits are more understated, feel free to go bold with your accessories. Either way, make sure everything you pack coordinates with the rest of your wardrobe — and don’t overdo it. Two to three pieces is plenty.
Wear a fake ring and a pair of stud earrings. Pack two pairs of affordable sunglasses and a couple pieces of statement jewelry.
What to Pack: Bags/Purses
While on vacation, you won’t need to carry nearly as much in your handbag as you do at home. Opt for something small, lightweight, and easy to pack, like a crossbody bag or clutch. All you really need it to hold is your phone, some cash, and a lipstick. Leave the clutter at home!
ou may also want to pack a foldable beach bag that can tuck neatly into your suitcase. Before you do, though, check your hotel or resort’s website to see if one is already provided in your room — no sense in packing something you don’t need!
Note: Most resorts and hotels provide beach towels, so there’s no need to pack your own. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, check your listing ahead of time to confirm. If towels aren’t provided, consider purchasing them at your destination to save valuable suitcase space.
Pack a clutch, sling back or crossbody, and possibly a beach bag.
What to Pack: Shoes
Shoes can eat up valuable luggage space quickly, especially if you have larger feet or tend to pack wedges and heels! For that reason, I limit myself to two pairs of sandals and stick to flats only. I know that might be a tough call for some, but trust me — leave the heels and wedges at home.
The first pair I always pack is a beach flip flop. I like to choose a slightly dressier style over the traditional rubber flip flop so they can pull double duty for a casual dinner out as well.
The second pair is a dressier flat sandal that can be paired with my evening dresses and outfits.
Water shoes are also an essential addition to your packing list. They protect your feet from coral and rocks in the water, and are well worth the space they take up. Because they tend to be bulkier than sandals, I always opt for a sneaker-style pair and wear them on the plane as part of my travel outfit — unless I specifically need athletic sneakers for planned activities.
Pack a pair of flip flops, a pair of flat sandals, and a pair of water shoes. Wear either your water shoes or a pair of sneakers while traveling.
What to Pack: Intimates
Bras can take up a surprising amount of suitcase space, especially in larger sizes! If you aren’t going braless, limit yourself to one bra that work with every outfit you’ve packed. A nude convertible bra is usually the most versatile option, or a comfortable bralette if you prefer something more relaxed. For underwear, plan on one pair per day unless you’d prefer a fresh pair morning and night — in which case, pack accordingly!
If you have a larger bust and a smaller band size, don’t miss some of my favorite busty-friendly picks below.
Pack a multi-way bra, a comfortable bralette, and panties.
What to Pack: Toiletries & Makeup
Don’t forget to pack your daily essentials — shampoo and conditioner, soap or body wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, skincare products, makeup, deodorant, a razor, glasses or contacts, feminine products, toothbrush and toothpaste, and anything else that’s part of your daily routine.
Before you start packing, check what toiletries your hotel provides and leave any duplicates at home. If you’re traveling with a partner or friend, consider splitting toiletries between the two of you to save even more space — there’s no need to pack double!
I also highly recommend going light on makeup — not only because products take up precious space, but because humidity will have it sweating off within minutes anyway! Consider swapping out a heavy foundation for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead.
And don’t forget sunscreen! Since aerosol sunscreens are nearly impossible to find in a travel-compliant size, opt for a cream-based face sunscreen along with a travel-friendly body sunscreen like one of these options.
Finally, remember that all liquid toiletries and makeup must be in TSA-compliant sized containers and stored together in one quart-size bag per person when traveling carry on only.
Pack anything you need to function on a daily basis. Just watch for duplicates and always transfer items to small travel containers under 3.4oz each.
What to Pack: Electronics
For entertainment on the plane, a Kindle, iPad, or tablet is all you really need. Leave other electronics like your laptop at home — WiFi at resorts can be unreliable, and the last thing you want is to accidentally lose or damage an expensive device on vacation.
Make sure to pack all of your charging cables and a portable charger for on-the-go power. A mini Bluetooth speaker is also a great addition for playing music in your room or at the beach. And before you travel, research the outlet types used at your destination to determine whether you’ll need an international adapter.
For the vacationers who love capturing photos and videos, here are a few extra tech suggestions. A phone gimbal is great for shooting smooth, stable video, while a foldable mini ring light can elevate your photo game significantly. And if snorkeling is on the agenda, consider bringing a GoPro action camera with an underwater dome for some incredible shots beneath the surface!
Pack an iPad or Kindle, phone chargers, bluetooth speaker, and photography gear if needed.
What to Pack: Documents
And finally, the most important part of all — your travel and identification documents! Make sure you have the following:
It’s a smart idea to take photos or screenshots of all of these documents and store them on your phone as a backup. It may also be worth printing out hard copies as well, just in case phone service is poor or unavailable when you arrive at your destination.
Before you leave, make sure to call your debit and credit card companies to notify them of your travel plans so your cards aren’t flagged for suspicious activity. For international travel, a dedicated travel credit card is highly recommended. And don’t forget to bring the specific cards you used to book your accommodations and rental car, as some properties require them at check-in.
Pack your passports, IDs, confirmations, credit cards, and a small amount of cash.
Packing for Men
Before your travel partner finalizes their bag, make sure to check your resort’s dress code together! Most men tend to pack t-shirts, shorts, swim trunks, and flip flops for a resort vacation — and while that covers most of the day, many resorts enforce a dress code at their restaurants that requires a bit more.
At many resort restaurants, this means long pants (no jeans) and closed-toe shoes (no flip flops). Dress codes can be strictly enforced, and you may be turned away at the door if you don’t comply — so it’s better to be prepared than to miss out on dinner!
Need some help? Check out our (slightly silly) video guide to packing for an all-inclusive resort:
Minimalist Packing Guide Video
Still have questions? I’ve put together a full minimalist packing guide video specifically for all-inclusive resort vacations to walk you through everything. Watch it below, and if you have any additional questions about packing for a beach vacation, make sure to leave a comment — I’d love to help!
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
Save for later with Pinterest:
