How to Pack for a Beach Vacation in JUST a Carry On
Do you struggle with packing for vacation and wondering how to pack for vacation in just a carry on? Wondering what to pack for an all-inclusive resort or beach vacation?
If you often find yourself with an overweight suitcase packed full of things you don’t even wear, then you need this guide on how to pack for your next beach or resort vacation using just your carry on suitcase.
I used to struggle with packing, and lost a ton of money checking overweight suitcase. But not any longer! Now I can easily travel overseas for 10 days with just a carry on.
Keep reading to learn how to pack for vacation at the beach in JUST a carry on luggage, including a complete packing list of what to pack for your trip!
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 will allow you to carry (1) personal item and (1) carry on item without checking a bag. To pack effectively, you need to make use of every inch of space in both of these carry on items.
Your personal item must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you. This could be a small duffle, weekender bag, or backpack. I don’t recommend carrying a purse for your personal item, as you will lose out on a ton of usable packing space a larger personal item provides.
Your carry on item stows in the overhead bin and can be a suitcase, as long as it meets the 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), though make sure you check your specific airline’s requirements.
I personally use the Away Carry On suitcase and absolutely love it. It’s extremely durable and even comes with a 100 day money back guarantee. I also alternate between two different personal items depending on the type of trip we are taking – the Away Everywhere Bag as well the Brevite Jumper Camera Backpack. Both of them have a pocket for sliding down over the suitcase handle.
There is nothing like a cute luggage set to set you up right to pack effectively! Now that you have a durable, quality luggage set, it’s time to get packing.
How to Pack Tip #2: Maximize Space with Packing Cubes
Parking cubes are a game changer. A set of these zippered bags are the closest thing you can get to vacuum sealing your clothes when you travel. Instead these bags compress your items so you can fit more in your suitcase.
Plus, they’re great for organizing. I use packing cubes to separate different items as well as different types of clothing. I know they seem like just a bunch of bags, but they really do work, trust me!
How to Pack Tip #3: Create a Travel Capsule
A capsule wardrobe is a set of tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, and accessory items that all mix and match and coordinate together. Even if you aren’t fully committed to embracing minimalism in your wardrobe, you should apply the principles of capsule wardrobes to what you pack for vacation.
I recommend setting a color palette for the items you pack and sticking to it. This will ensure all of your pieces can mix and match to create multiple outfit options. If something doesn’t work with the other items, leave it at home.
I like to set a color palette based on the vibe of my destination. Boho whites and neutrals for Tulum, vibrant African-inspired prints for Zanzibar, darker and jewel tones for Thailand, and bright neon colors for Turks & Caicos!
When you maximize your ability to mix and match, it means you pack less. You aren’t packing items that require special pieces to be worn. Why pack one random dress that needs a whole different pair of shoes and purse just to coordinate? That takes up way too much space!
How to Pack Tip #4: Minimize Liquids
The most challenging part of not having a checked bag is that TSA requires all of your liquids to be less than 3oz each and all fit into a quart size bag. This includes your haircare, skincare, makeup, sunscreen/lotion, shower items, liquid makeup, and more. That means no full-size toiletries!
To cut back on what you are packing, check your hotel or resort website for a list of toiletries that will be provided in your room. If you are traveling with a partner or friend, see if some items can be shared between the two of you.
Mini jars were an absolute game changer for me. I packed a good ten of these little jars and still had room for other items in my bag. They take up way less space than the travel containers you typically find at the store.
You can also get a sturdier TSA-Approved clear quart size liquids case in lieu of a flimsy ziplock bag. It gives you more room, and I have been through the TSA PreCheck dozens of times and TSA has never had an issue with it. (Though if you are nervous, carry a spare plastic baggie just in case).
If you wear contacts, note that contact solution is considered a medicine and not a liquid, and you are allowed to bring a full-size bottle! Simply pack a brand new, unopened bottle and declare it in security. Note, make sure to check medicine and liquid requirements if you will be going through security in another country as they may differ.
How to Pack Tip #5: Organize Your Accessories
Next, you need to find a solution to organize all of your accessories and odd and ends. This way they are all together in one place and not getting lost in your bag.
Besides a cute cosmetic bag you may also consider a hanging travel organizer, jewelry organizer, or pill organizer to organize your odds and ends and other toiletries.
What to Wear on the Plane
Deciding what to wear on the plane is an important packing step. You will need to make sure you have a comfortable and clean outfit to wear to your destination and home. There is nothing worse than flying home in dirty clothes!
Consider wearing a comfortable jumpsuit, maxi dress, or athletic outfit that you could potentially rewear on your vacation. Take into consideration how cold it is at home when you are leaving to decide what will work best. Here are some options I like that are comfy, stretchy, and easy on and off for bathroom trips.
You will also want a top layer like a denim jacket or a button up shirt to wear over your plane outfit, since planes can get quite cold. Having this layer is important if you are leaving from a cooler location than your destination, or if it gets chilly at night there.
Set out one comfortable travel outfit for the way there and pack one for the way back, unless you will have access to laundry services. Wear either a pair of sandals or sneaker-style water shoes that are easy to get on and off at security.
What to Pack: Vacation Outfits
You tend to do the same basic activities each day on vacation: pool, beach, dine. Since the majority of your time will be spent in a swimsuit, you actually need fewer outfits than you think.
Consider the following as you pack:
- Do you need something to wear to breakfast or lunch that is not a bathing suit and cover up?
- Will you go on any excursions or participate in any activities with physical activity?
- Will you be getting dressed up to go to dinner and entertainment in the evening?
- Are you going to more casual places or high-end resorts and restaurants?
For your tropical vacation, pack sundresses, maxi dresses, two piece sets, and/or rompers as they are light, easy to pack, and can be dressed both up and down. Choose breezy cuts and breathable fabrics like linen. I personally do not pack jean shorts for all-inclusive resorts as I find the dress codes discourage them and it’s going to be too warm for jeans.
I like to pack a couple of comfortable and casual dresses and rompers to wear to breakfast, lunch, or a casual restaurant in the evening. These can double as swimsuit coverups for me.
I also pack a few dressier options for nice restaurants or more high end accommodations. Pack no more than one per evening you will be going out somewhere. Remember, it’s ok to rewear your outfits!
Important note: Make sure you check your resort’s dress code! This is especially important for the men you are traveling with, because many resorts require long pants and closed-toe shoes to enter the dinner restaurants.
One outfit for every evening out, plus outfits needed to go to breakfast and lunch if applicable. If you are planning on any off-resort activities or adventures, pack appropriately for those.
What to Pack: Swimwear
The bulk of your time on your trip will be spent in a swimsuit. Since it’s never fun to wear a wet bikini, I recommend packing a bare minimum of two suits, so you can always have a dry one to wear. At max, pack no more than one swimsuit per day of sun.
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, you can’t forget to pack a cover up. I always pack 2-3 cover-ups that mix and match with my bikinis. I love packing a tropical print cover up with my solid colored bikinis for a great photo op!
Note: Many resort restaurants do not allow you to enter with just a swim cover up, wet clothes, or a visible bikini – even if it is on the beach! If you plan on eating poolside, you may want to pack more of a maxi dress so you can go get lunch without popping back in your room.
Pack: Two to three swimsuit cover-ups that coordinate with all of your swimwear.
What to Pack: Hats & Hair Accessories
Since you’ll more than likely be wearing your hair up on the beach, make sure you pack plenty of hair ties, monster clips, and any bobby pins or clips you might need. I love a good claw clip for the beach, as well as pain-free elastics.
Additionally, you definitely need to pack a hat for keeping the sun off your face, like a bucket hat, panama hat, or floppy hat. Bonus points for packable hats and hats with SPF protection. If your hat does not pack down, consider wearing it as part of your travel outfit to save space.
I skip packing a hairdryer, curling iron, or flat iron. Your room will more than likely have a hairdryer, and I have found that styling my hair is pointless in the tropics, as the styles immediately fall out due to the humidity. Save the room in your luggage and skip these items!
Pack: A packable beach hat (floppy, panama, or fedora style), as well as accessories such as hair ties, bobby pins, and clips for putting your hair up.
What to Pack: Accessories
I like to pack two pairs of sunglasses. This way you can have a pair handy in your personal item to throw on when you land, and a extra just in case. Please leave your expensive designer shades at home. You won’t want to lose them in the ocean or leave them behind somewhere!
Then, you can worry about accessorizing your outfits. If your outfits are bold or loud, pack simple jewelry. If your outfits are simple and subdues, go bold on jewelry. Whether you pack simple hoop earrings or a statement piece, just make sure the accessories you pack match everything in your suitcase. And don’t overdo it – pack maybe two or three pieces.
Pack: A fake wedding ring, gold hoops, studs, a fun necklace, and/or 1-2 pairs of fun earrings.
What to Pack: Bags/Purses
While on vacation, you won’t have as many items in your handbag as you normally do at home. Pick something small, lightweight, and easily packed in your carry on luggage like a crossbody or clutch. All you need it to hold is your phone, money, and a lipstick. Leave the clutter at home!
You may want to also pack a beach bag that will fold up and fit into your suitcase. However, first check your hotel’s website first to see if they provide one in your room.
Note: Resorts and hotels provide beach towels, so no need to pack those. If you are staying in a Airbnb, check your accommodations listing. If towels are not provided, consider buying towels there to save room in your suitcase.
Pack: A multipurpose clutch or crossbody, and possibly a beach bag.
What to Pack: Shoes
Shoes can take up a lot of valuable luggage space quickly, especially if you have large feet or are packing wedges or heels! For that reason, I limit myself to 2 pairs of sandals and I only pack flats. While this might be hard for some, just leave the heels and wedges behind.
The first pair I pack is always a beach flip flop. I try to pick a cuter flip flop than the traditional rubber one so that I might be able to wear these to a casual dinner.
The second pair I pack is a dressier flat sandal for my evening dresses and outfits.
Water shoes are super important to pack as well. These will protect your feet in the water from coral and rocks. Because they are so bulky, I always pick a pair that looks like sneakers and then wear these on the airplane.
Pack: 1-2 pairs of multipurpose sandals and wear a pair of water shoes while traveling.
What to Pack: Intimates
Depending on your size, bras can take up a lot of valuable suitcase space! If you aren’t brave enough to go braless, choose 1-2 bras that can be worn with every item you pack. Usually, a nude colored convertible bra is the way to go, or even a comfy bralette. And for underwear, I would suggest one pair per day unless you plan to go commando or want a fresh pair at night.
If you have a large bust and small band, don’t miss some of my favorite busty picks below.
Pack: One or two multi use bras and one pair of panties per day. Or go commando to save space and beat the tropical heat!
What to Pack: Toiletries & Makeup
Don’t forget to pack your daily essentials like shampoo/conditioner, soap/body wash, moisturizer/lotion, sunscreen, skincare products, makeup, deodorant, razor, glasses/contacts, feminine products, toothbrush/toothpaste, etc.
Make sure you assess what toiletries the hotel will provide and leave duplicates at home. If you are traveling with a partner or friend, consider splitting toiletries between the two of you. Don’t pack double!
Solid items like bar soap, lipstick/chapstick, deodorant, etc are not considered liquid. Swapping out liquid toiletries for solids can save a lot of space. Don’t miss my guide to the best carry on liquid alternatives for more solid toiletry ideas.
I highly recommend going light on makeup not only because your products will take up space, but because it will just sweat right off in the humidity! Try packing a tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead of foundation.
You can’t forget sunscreen! Since it’s near impossible to find an aerosol sunscreen that meets travel requirements, try packing a cream-based face sunscreen along with travel-friendly body sunscreen like one of these.
Remember that all liquid toiletries and makeup must be in a compliant size container and stored in one quart size bag per person.
Pack: Anything you need to function on a daily basis. Just watch for duplicates and always transfer items to small travel containers.
What to Pack: Electronics
I suggest packing a kindle, iPad, or tablet for entertainment on the plane, but leave other electronics like your laptop at home. Keep in mind there may not be good WiFi at your resort and you don’t want to accidentally lose or damage expensive devices.
Don’t forget to pack all of your electronic and phone chargers, plus a portable charger for traveling. You may want a mini bluetooth speaker for playing music in your room or at the beach. And don’t forget to research what types of chargers are used at your destination, in case you need an international adaptor.
Here are a few other tech suggestions for vacationers who love to take photos and videos. A phone gimbal will help you take stable, steady vacation videos, and a foldable mini ring light is great for taking photos. And if you are going snorkeling, don’t forget a GoPro action camera with an underwater dome.
Pack: iPad, Kindle, phone chargers, bluetooth speaker, and content creation gear if applicable.
What to Pack: Documents
And finally, the most important part – your travel and identification documents! Make sure you have your:
– Passports
– Driver’s licenses
– Boarding passes
– Hotel reservation confirmations
– Rental car/transportation confirmations
– Vaccine documentation, if applicable
– Cash in singles for tips
– Travel credit cards (Including the ones you booked with)
It’s a smart idea to take photos of these documents and store them on your phone for a back up. It may also be worth printing out hard copies in addition to having these items available digitally, just in case phone service is poor when you arrive.
Make sure you call your debit and credit card companies beforehand to let them know you are traveling. You will also need to make sure you bring the specific credit cards you used to book your accommodation and car with.
Pack: Passports, IDs, COVID documentation, confirmations, and a small amount of cash.
Packing for Men
I highly recommend checking your resort’s dress code and then checking your travel partner’s bag before departure. Most men tend to just pack t-shirts, shorts, swim trunks, and flip flops for resort vacations, but most resorts enforce a dress code at the restaurants.
At many resort restaurants, this means long pants (not jeans) and closed toe shoes (not flip flops). They can be strict and turn you away if you don’t abide.
I’m glad we checked our resort’s website before leaving on our last trip — otherwise we wouldn’t have been granted entry to eat dinner anywhere in the evening based on what we had packed!
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