What to Pack for a Weeklong Trip to the Coast

Packing for a weeklong coastal vacation means striking the right balance between essentials, comfort, and travel practicality. Whether you’re headed to a sunny stretch of beach or a breezy cliffside retreat, the right packing strategy can save you money, reduce stress, and help you make the most of your trip.

Here’s a breakdown of what to bring for a smooth and enjoyable getaway by the sea.

Core Clothing Essentials

When you’re traveling for a week, stick to versatile, mix-and-match pieces. For warm-weather coastal destinations, pack:

• 3–4 breathable tops (linen or cotton)

• 2 pairs of shorts

• 1–2 sundresses or casual outfits for dinners out

• 1 pair of jeans or lightweight pants for cooler evenings

• A light jacket or sweater

• 1–2 swimsuits (quick-drying is ideal)

• A cover-up or rash guard

• Flip-flops and sandals for the beach

• Sneakers or closed-toe shoes for excursions

Check your destination’s climate on Weather.com a few days before you leave to adjust accordingly.

Toiletries & Personal Items

Even if you’re staying at a hotel, it’s smart to bring travel-sized versions of your go-to products:

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Aloe vera or after-sun lotion

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash

• Razor and deodorant

• Hairbrush or comb

• Prescription medications

• Bug spray (especially in tropical areas)

Use a TSA-compliant toiletry bag like those found on REI or Target to make airport security smoother if flying.

Tech & Travel Tools

• Phone, charger, and power bank

• Headphones or earbuds

• Travel adapter if you’re heading overseas

• Camera (or use your phone with backup storage)

• Waterproof phone pouch for beach or boat days

• E-reader or paperback for downtime

For longer trips, consider a compact travel steamer or wrinkle-release spray.

Beach Gear & Comfort Items

Depending on your accommodations, you might want to pack or rent:

• A foldable beach blanket or quick-dry towel

• Compact umbrella or sunshade

• Refillable water bottle (many destinations have refill stations)

• Snacks for the beach

• A small first-aid kit

• Travel-friendly games or playing cards

If you’re flying and don’t want to pack bulkier items, check if your hotel or vacation rental offers beach gear. Many Airbnb hosts list these amenities in their descriptions.

Documents & Financial Must-Haves

• ID and/or passport

• Health insurance and travel insurance cards

• Credit cards and a little cash

• Printed or digital copies of reservations

• Travel apps pre-downloaded with offline access

You can also save money by using gift cards or cashback tools during your trip. Consider buying digital travel gift cards with cashback through Fluz before departure for expenses like food delivery, transportation, or accommodations.

Packing Tip: Use Cubes and a List

Travel cubes are a game-changer for organizing clothes and saving space in your luggage. Before you start packing, make a list and check items off as you go—Travel + Leisure offers downloadable templates to keep you on track.

A well-packed bag helps you enjoy your vacation from the moment you arrive. With a little planning, you can pack light, stay comfortable, and spend less time worrying about what you forgot—and more time soaking up the view.