Summer is finally in full swing. Some have already finished their vacation, while others are just getting ready. If you are also in the preparation phase, you surely know what it's like to stand in front of an empty suitcase and wonder what to pack for your trip to the sea.
Every packing session doesn't necessarily have to end with jumping on the suitcase lid just to get it closed. When traveling, you often find that you don't actually need half of the things for the whole vacation and you won't even take them out of the suitcase, even though you have them right at hand. Learning to travel light is an art and at the same time an easy solution to a big problem if you are flying on vacation with a low-cost carrier. Every extra kilo of checked baggage costs a fortune, so some unnecessary items in your suitcase can end up costing you more than the flight ticket itself. That is why it pays to say enough and leave the excess gear in the warmth of your home. You can easily head off on vacation with just a compact carry-on suitcase, a carry-on backpack, or just a travel bag for the plane, even if you are driving to the sea.
I have also decided to reduce my pack list to only what one can actually use at the sea. Believe me, there is definitely no need to take several pairs of long pants and a ton of shoes to match countless handbags. Let's follow the motto of minimalism. So what should you actually pack, now that we have ruled out the mink coat?
Simplicity is beauty
Before we get to the serious point – clothing, let's focus a bit on practical things, starting with electronics. We rarely get by without them in today's world. However, unless you are planning to become a digital nomad, dragging a laptop on vacation is quite unnecessary. A tablet or a smartphone in a protective case will suffice, to which you should of course pack a charger. Thanks to USB adapters and travel adapters, you only need to take a few cables. If you are a fan of button phones with a black-and-white display, it's not a bad idea to pack a compact camera in a case, so that upon your return you can torture your family and friends for hours with hundreds of vacation photos. :-D
Leave other unnecessary items like hair dryers or hair straighteners at home. They are usually available in hotel rooms and apartments, can often be rented at the reception for a minimal fee, and even if not, the nature look is in fashion now. So let your hair rest and give it a bit of that wildness, salt water, and sand. :)
Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's...
Humans are clean creatures (although I often doubt that when riding public transport), so when packing, you need to account for space for some toiletries, ideally packed practically in a toiletry bag. None of us probably wants all our belongings in the suitcase ruined if cosmetic products break or spill.
A toothbrush and deodorant are daily necessities. However, only pack one bottle of shampoo, shower gel, or conditioner – if you are traveling as a pair, they will easily last you the entire vacation. An advantageous alternative for the always skeptical can be purchasing solid soap and shampoo for travel. Besides not leaking anywhere, they don't get used up as quickly as liquid versions, and in terms of weight, they weigh about the same.
You can buy sunscreen at your destination; usually, the price is not much different. Alternatively, you can try some local organic olive oils, which will give you a tan like Beyoncé. Throw a tiny perfume bottle into your suitcase or equip yourself with a few samples from a perfumery.
Clothes make the man
If you are not a die-hard nudist, you need to bring some clothes in your suitcase. Even with this item, we will follow the motto that less is more, you are not heading to the Arctic Ocean, but somewhere south for the sun. Definitely don't forget to pack swimwear, without which few can imagine a summer vacation. Otherwise, two pairs of shorts, two or three t-shirts or tank tops, and some dresses will suffice. Pack a few pieces of underwear, and if you are flying, you will definitely appreciate a sweater or a light jacket to throw over yourself on the way. It won't take up too much space in the suitcase, and you will be grateful for this idea during early morning returns from a beach party.
Not only clothes but also shoes make the man. You can travel in comfortable sneakers, and just throw one pair of flip-flops for the beach and some packable sandals for the evening into your suitcase. If you are not planning to go on a trek, this gear will be more than enough.
A few more absolute essentials
Because we packed very carefully and didn't throw anything into the suitcase that was strictly extra, we still have some room for other essentials that are actually quite useful on the beach. The base is a beach bag, which can hold a bath towel or a larger towel. To create an intellectual image and pass the time, some reading material is also useful – a book, a magazine, crosswords, in short, anything you like. You will also surely look great with a hat, while protection from direct sunlight is also not a bad thing. A smaller handbag or pouch that you will take with you into the whirlwind of the (big) city in the evening can also come in handy.
And don't forget a first aid or last resort kit. Yes, I mean the contents of your first aid kit, which will likely depend on what philosophy you lean towards and what your vacation will look like. It is definitely useful to have plasters, products to soothe irritated skin after insect bites or excessive sun exposure, and basic medication that you might need for intestinal or stomach problems, a light cold, or overheating. Then just put on your sunglasses and you can boldly head towards better tomorrows.
Do you travel light regularly? What is the one thing that must definitely not be missing in your vacation suitcase? Write your tips in the comments!
Photos: pixabay.com
