I Just Got Back from a Weeklong Beach Vacation—Here Are 12 Essentials I’m So Glad I Packed

This straw hat has a wide, sturdy brim that fully shields your face and neck from the sun without flopping into your eyes (nothing is more annoying to me than that), but it’s still flexible enough to roll up and shove into a suitcase.

This hydrating sunscreen mist is a must for long days at the beach. It goes on clear and dries quickly, so it’s perfect for topping up your SPF throughout the day or as a final step after putting on makeup. Plus, the addition of watermelon extract gives it a fresh, fruity scent that’s way better than your typical sunscreen smell.

Between a sunset cruise, a kayaking tour, and more beachside photo ops than I can count, this vacation put my phone in some precarious situations. But thanks to these waterproof pouches, I never had to worry about accidentally dropping my phone into the depths of the ocean or damaging it with saltwater and sand.

A woven straw bag is versatile enough to go from the beach to souvenir shopping to dinner and back again. You can use this one as your personal item on the plane or fold it up and pack it in your suitcase—it’s slouchy enough that you don’t have to worry about crushing its shape.

Another Naked Sundays product I always pack for days in the sun? Their SPF 50 lip oil. It provides a glossy (but not sticky) finish, adds a subtle hint of color, and moisturizes while protecting your lips from UV rays.

These pull-on boxer shorts ended up being the MVP of my beach vacation wardrobe. They’re the perfect thing to throw on over a swimsuit before heading down to the water, but they also look cute enough to wear for a happy hour or sightseeing day.

I never travel anywhere without my Kindle, but it’s especially useful on a beach vacation. The glare-free screen makes it easy to read even in bright sunlight, and since it’s waterproof, I have no qualms about reading in the pool or by the water.

These sandals may not be the sexiest things you’ve ever seen, but boy was I glad I was wearing them while navigating rocky beaches and scorching hot sand. I even wore them while in the water to protect my feet from stray rocks and stretches of prickly seaweed. Once out of the water, they dry quickly, and the adjustable straps ensure they won’t slip off your feet.

This leakproof, insulated water bottle is perfect for tossing into a beach bag before heading out for the day. It’ll keep the contents cold for hours, and the push-to-open lid keeps the spout clean even if your hands are covered in sand and sunscreen.

I picked up these sunglasses on a whim during a pre-trip Target run, and they’ve quickly become my new favorite pair. The oval shape looks so chic, and the $15 price point is ideal if (like me) you can’t stomach the idea of spending a bunch of money on something that’s going to get tossed into the depths of your bag and possibly left on a lounge chair somewhere in the Caribbean.

Beach snacks are an obvious must, but those single-use plastic baggies are more hassle than they’re worth. These silicone bags have a sturdy, leak-proof seal and can hold everything from a sandwich to chips to fruit with no waste left behind.

Before you dig into those previously mentioned beach snacks, you’re going to want to clean off your hands. These hand wipes do the trick when you don’t have access to soap and running water, and I love that they’re fragrance-free and gentle on your skin.