With years of experience and countless flights behind me, I’m here to share 13 things you should absolutely avoid packing in your carryon luggage for a beach trip.
Do not pack super soft shoes for a beach trip at a resort.
If you have high arches; resorts are mostly tile and cement which can lead to aching feet while you are trying to enjoy your vacation.
Do not pack Sudafed if traveling to Mexico!
It is illegal there. I will list a video to watch in the first pinned comment that explains many scenarios that will answer your questions about how to pack medicine while following TSA rules.
No sweater is needed.
In my experience you may only need a light layer for a resort restaurant.
Do not pack sharp fishing lures in carryon luggage.
They have to be sheathed and wrapped and placed in checked luggage.
Frozen fish can be packed in carryon luggage.
But if you plan on using ice packs, they must be frozen solid.
See MY BEACH ESSENTIALS FROM AMAZON HERE:
Do not pack a “new” razor.
It will irritate your skin. Use it for a week before packing it.
Do not take your apple watch unless you need to.
In Mexico’s airport security last year, their airport security officers both trips pointed to me and mouthed “watch” so that I would take it off before screening.
Do not pack a towel.
I do not pack all of my makeup
…well I usually pack my makeup and then end up not wearing it.
Travel hacks for sunscreen:
- Take multiple travel-sized
- Take the stick form of sunscreen but I recommend the lotion for quicker and more accurate coverage
- Put travel-sized containers in your kids’ liquid bags and your spouse’s so you can take more
- Buy some at a drugstore in the American airport you fly from.
TIP: Do not buy sunscreen at a resort because mine in Cancun was $50 USD.
SUNSCREEN IN CHECKED LUGGAGE:
If checking luggage, here is the TSA rule about sunscreen:
You can take full size tubes of sunscreen and even spray sunscreen in checked bags IF they follow these rules:
- Your container cannot hold more than 500 ml which is the same as 17 fluid ounces. But you are allowed to take multiple containers of that size as long as it follows the next part of the rule.
- Each passenger’s checked luggage sunscreen bottles cannot exceed 70 ounces. That equals about 5 bottles.
I would not pack a travel pillow for the airplane ride because you will be so excited.
One travel hack is to use a compression cube as a pillow.
Here’s what I stuff the cube with: some clothes or your jacket (if flying during the winter).
I think a beach trip is when you do not need a purse.
I would pack a clutch that has the detachable purse strap or the wristlet strap.
Worried about valuables down at the pool or beach?
Pack a belt bag for your phone and key card if you have one.
One travel tip I learned was that I take alot to the pool chair so I need a bag for a:
- Book
- My reading glasses case that also holds my sunglasses
- Towel clip or band (I prefer the clips)
- TIP: you may just need one clip depending on the direction of the wind on that beautiful beach somewhere.
- Bag also holds my cell phone, kleenex and sunscreen.
That list sounds overboard no pun intended, but I really do need them all.
I do not care for the large beach tote bag, but my friend loves hers.
One tip I learned to pack on a cruise trip is a soft sided cooler.
Pack your clothes in there since it is a cube, and then pack bottles of water if going to their private island.
This type of beach vacation is when I pack fun jewelry – not my more expensive jewelry.
Do NOT Forget:
- My tip is do not forget to pack cash to tip your excursion guides. If you go snorkeling or on a cenote tour or even a food tour, do not forget tips as well as for the transportation to that adventure.
- Oh and for a swim coverup choose one that does not have tiny tassels. Here is why: When you wash it, the tassel threads tangle and get matted.
Recommendations
If flying to Cancun, Mexico I highly recommend this Secrets all-inclusive adults only resort!
If flying to Cabo San Lucas I loved this all-inclusive and adults only RIU Resort. Make sure you choose this one; the one right beside it is older and not adults-only. #shareasale
One frustrating part of traveling to Mexico is going through the hours-long customs line.
These tips show you how to sign up for Global Entry. For most people it is fast and easy. Hope that video helps!