What to Pack for a One-Week Beach Vacation: Clothing & Beauty Checklist
Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by Amy
Planning a beach holiday is exciting, but packing? Not so much. Whether you’re a chronic overpacker or someone who always forgets something essential (hello, SPF), getting your suitcase just right can feel surprisingly stressful.
I’m currently packing for our annual family beach trip to Spain. After sorting everything for the kids (and let’s be honest, most of my husband’s things too), I finally turned to my own bag. This year, I’m all about keeping it simple: just the right mix of outfits I’ll actually wear, beauty products that work in the heat, and none of the “just in case” extras that end up untouched.
If you’re looking for a fuss-free, no-nonsense checklist to help you pack for a one-week beach vacation, this guide has everything you need. From heat-proof makeup and beach-friendly skincare to comfy outfits and travel tips, you’ll feel organised and ready to relax.
Clothing Essentials: What to Wear on a 7-Day Beach Holiday
Packing in outfits makes a big difference. I like to stick to a loose colour palette so most pieces work together, and I avoid bringing anything I wouldn’t wear at home. Here’s what’s in my suitcase:
👙 3–4 Swimsuits or Bikinis
These will be your most-worn items, so bring a small rotation. I’m a one-piece kind of girl these days (perfect for chasing kids around!), so I usually pack four. Pre-kids, I’d have brought seven bikinis… those days are long gone.
🩴 2–3 Cover-Ups or Maxi Dresses
Easy throw-on pieces for breakfast, the beach, or lunch by the pool. I always include a floaty maxi skirt too, it doubles as a cover-up or a dinner outfit with a nice top.
👉 Need inspo? Check out how to style maxi skirts for summer.
🌞 4-5 Daytime Outfits
Go for lightweight dresses, cotton shorts, and simple vest tops in breathable fabrics. I stick mostly to dresses—they’re easy, comfy, and take the guesswork out of putting an outfit together. A neutral palette with one or two pops of colour makes mixing and matching a breeze.
🍹 5-7 Evening Outfits
A breezy jumpsuit, a floaty maxi dress, or a linen trousers-and-top combo is perfect for dinners out or cocktails at the beach bar. There’s no need to go overboard—comfort is key. That said, I do like to wear something different each evening (when else do I get the chance to dress up?). How many evening outfits you bring really depends on your plans, and whether you feel like dressing up every night!
🧥 1 Light Layer
Even warm destinations can cool off in the evening. I always bring a lightweight cardigan or denim jacket, perfect if there’s a sea breeze.
🧦 Underwear & Sleepwear
It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget. I pack one pair of underwear per day plus a couple of extras, and two sets of comfy pyjamas or nighties.
Footwear: Keep It to Three Pairs
Shoes take up a lot of space, so I stick to just three:
- Flip-flops or sliders for the beach and pool
- Comfortable sandals for walking or day trips
- Dressy sandals or espadrilles for evenings
No heels, no fuss, no regrets.
Travel Day Outfit
Whether you’re flying or road-tripping, travel comfy:
- A loose-fitting t-shirt or vest
- Lightweight joggers or leggings
- Hoodie or sweater
- Comfortable trainers or slides
I treat this as my “chilly day backup outfit” too—great if the weather turns unexpectedly cool.
Beach Day Must-Haves
These are the things that live in my beach bag all week:
- Sunglasses – with proper UV protection
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap – your scalp will thank you
- Quick-dry towel or sarong – so much easier to pack than hotel towels
- Beach bag or tote – roomy but easy to carry
- Reusable water bottle – hydration is everything
- Book or Kindle – might be ambitious on a family holiday, but hope springs eternal
Beauty & Skincare Packing List for a Beach Holiday
Beach beauty should be low-effort, glow-friendly, and built to withstand heat, sweat, and sea air. Here’s what I pack:
☀️ SPF is Non-Negotiable
I always bring two types:
- A high-SPF face sunscreen that layers well under makeup
- A water-resistant body SPF that doesn’t leave a sticky white cast
Need help choosing one? Check out my Beach Vacation Beauty Must-Haves for my tried-and-tested favourites.
🧴 After-Sun Care
Aloe vera gel or soothing after-sun lotion is a lifesaver if you overdo it. I also pack a rich moisturiser for the evenings—nothing fancy, just something that brings my skin back to life.
My Minimal, Melt-Proof Makeup Routine
Heat and heavy makeup don’t mix. I keep it light with a few multitaskers:
- Tinted moisturiser or skin tint with SPF
- Cream blush or bronzer stick
- Waterproof mascara
- Tinted lip balm with SPF
For a full breakdown, check out my Dewy Makeup for Summer post—it’s my go-to for glowing, fuss-free holiday looks.
Skincare Staples: Morning & Evening
The key is hydration and sun protection. Here’s the stripped-back version of my routine:
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating eye cream
- Refreshing facial mist
- Vitamin C serum (hello, glow)
- Lightweight moisturiser
- Broad-spectrum SPF (yes, again!)
See the full routine here!
For evenings, I switch to calming and restorative products. I share the full routine in my Evening Summer Skincare Routine post.
Toiletries & Handy Extras
These depend a bit on your destination, but I always bring:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair ties or headbands
- Travel-size shampoo, conditioner & body wash
- Dry shampoo
- Perfume
- Tweezers, nail clippers, cotton pads
- Any regular medications
If you’re travelling with kids, I also bring travel laundry detergent and a mini first-aid kit—we’ve used it more than once!
Bonus Tips: Pack Smart, Stay Calm
- Lay everything out first. You’ll instantly see where you’re overpacking.
- Pack in outfits, not items. It helps you avoid the “what if” pieces you never end up wearing.
- Use packing cubes or pouches. Especially helpful when you’re sharing a suitcase with small people… or a husband who packs in 90 seconds.
Ready to Pack?
I hope this checklist helps you feel confident, organised, and excited about your trip. Beach holidays are meant to be easy and fun, not filled with packing panic!
Remember: breathable outfits, reliable beauty products, and smart staples go a long way. Enjoy every sandy, sunny second.
Where are you off to this summer? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your destination and packing hacks!
