Let's be honest here, life is pretty stressful right now and for many of us, more so than ever. Sometimes we need to take a little vacation and get out of the house, with the right precautions of course! For those of us lucky enough to get in some beach getaway time, whether it's for a few hours, a day, a weekend, or a week, do you know what you need to take with you? Have you got everything you need? Do you know the necessary packing for a beach getaway in a pandemic?

Never fear, we're here to help! We'll get you packed and hitting the sand ready to go with smooth sailing.

Beach Luggage

You can have everything you need ready to go, but if you don't have the right luggage you might find yourself in a stressful situation all caused by luggage. Big, heavy, and clunky are not the words you want to be using when it comes to describing your beach getaway luggage. To save on stress, go with versatile and lightweight. It helps to ensure you don't overpack, have exactly what you need, and won't be so ungainly that you end up struggling with it. Your goal for a beach getaway is to relieve stress and not add to it.

Consider an easy carry-on sized bag or backpack, another small item—such as a purse—and a single checked bag should you need one or a lightweight suitcase. You should be lounging in your favorite Lime Ricki swimwear on a beach most of the time, so you won't need as much to carry.

Masks

Since relaxation and safety are equally important, you must pack enough masks for each day and a few extra just in case. It's also very important to pack and have the means to store used masks.

  • 2 paper bags or clear, sealable zip lock style plastic bags.
  • Label one 'unused' and the other 'used' to ensure you don't accidentally re-wear a mask that may have been exposed.
  • Ensure that these bags are stored in one of your bags that is a clean, dry place away from objects you will touch on your vacation frequently.
  • Travel-sized heavy-duty laundry detergent with enzymes for washing masks.

When removing your mask after it has been used, carefully fold it so that the outer surface is held inward and against itself so that you reduce any contact with the outer surface with anything else when you store a mask. The CDC recommends packing and using a paper bag for storage, or a sealable Ziplock bag for holding face masks until they can be washed.

During your beach getaway, you may not have access to a washer or dryer. The CDC recommends that you wash your masks every day after use. This can be done in the bathroom sink of your getaway hotel with very hot water and use a heavy-duty detergent that contains enzymes to break down soil and sweat. For drying, if you can't use a dryer with its highest heat setting, hang your masks directly in sunlight to dry.

Get Organized

For all the activities you will no doubt be doing as well as beach lounging, you will no doubt have a few supplies you'll need on hand, like your salt-water sandals to walking shoes, to sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, and more. To keep everything you need on hand, keep your beach essentials on hand in your tote bag or a small backpack that's easy to carry to and from the beach. Don't forget any prescription medications and other items to keep you happy and healthy.

The Necessary Packing for a Beach Getaway
  • Lightweight luggage, tote bag or backpack, or roomy purse
  • Several face masks and 2 storage paper bags or plastic bags for used and clean masks.
  • Travel-sized heavy-duty laundry detergent with enzymes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Your fave Lime Ricki Swimwear
  • Cover up
  • Book
  • Water safe sandals
  • Tank tops
  • Shorts or lightweight skirts
  • Sun hat
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Underwear
  • Pajamas
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Soap
  • Prescription medication
• Important travel documents: ID, cards, and passport
  • Laptop (if needed)
  • Headphones
  • Camera
  • Chapstick
  • Travel water bottle
If you are bringing your kids to your beach getaway:
  • Toys for playing in the sand
  • Goggles
  • Snorkel
  • Towels
  • Umbrella
  • Favorite tablet or digital toy

These necessary packing for a beach getaway suggestion should be an excellent springboard to get you looking forward to those crystal blue waves and golden beaches you've been longing for. Just don't forget before you even start packing to consider your home's safety too! Consider holding your mail, stopping any deliveries, making sure your pets are boarded or with a pet sitter, unplug your appliances, use any light timers you have, and give your itinerary to a trusted friend.

Your future self will be so grateful to your past self for making sure you've taken care of all the necessary packing for a beach getaway so you can drift off on a wave of worry-free relaxation.