7 Beach Bag Essentials for Your Next Tropical Getaway (That Are Easy to Forget)

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Written By

Joba

May 1 2025

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I've been on enough tropical trips to know that the basics (swimsuit, flip flops and sunscreen) always get packed first. So, this post is about all the other things. The things you don't think about until you're already on the beach, sweating buckets, squinting into the sun, and getting bitten by something small that you can barely see.

After trips to places like Zanzibar, Saint Martin, and the Dominican Republic, I've refined my beach bag down to a list of things that almost always get forgotten and almost always make a real difference. These aren't the obvious ones, but they are the ones I'd tell my best friend to grab before she even checks the weather.

Whether you're headed to the Caribbean, Mexico, or anywhere that comes with a real sun and actual humidity, this list is for you.

1. SPF lip balm

3. Face Sunscreen

2. Moisturizing Body Lotion

4. Polarized Sunglasses

5. Bug Repellent

6. A Wide-Brim Hat

7. The Right Beach Tote

The Complete Beach Bag Checklist

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I've personally used or genuinely trust.

1. SPF lip balm

Believe it or not, your lips can get sunburnt. Of everything on this list, SPF lip balm is the one most people skip, and I know this because I used to. Your lips have virtually no melanin to protect them from UV rays, which means they burn faster than anywhere else on your body. And sunburnt lips can blister, crack, and peel in a way that is very uncomfortable. I learned this the hard way in Mexico and I’ve never made that mistake again. Regular lip balm does not do much here, so look out a SPF 30+ and water resistant one and remember to reapply it every time you eat, drink, or get out of the water just like you reapply regular sunscreen. Here’s my go to lip balm:

SPF lip balm

2. Moisturizing Body Lotion

The combination of salt water, sun, and air conditioning can be quite brutal on the skin. So don’t wait till you’re feeling tight and uncomfortable to reach for the lotion. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! The trick I always use is to apply lotion while my skin is still slightly damp, right after a shower. It seals in the water your skin just absorbed and keeps you moisturized through the day. On beach days, I'll do an extra layer on my arms, legs, and shoulders since they get exposed to the most sun. The best moisturizers contain hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or coconut oil and little to no fragrance. My personal preference is the Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Body Lotion. This is the same moisturizer I use in my day-to-day at home, and I don’t see myself switching anytime soon.

Get the same moisturizer here

Pro Tip: Pack a travel-size lotion (under 100ml) in your beach bag to reapply midday and keep your skin moisturized throughout the day.

3. Face Sunscreen

Not to be confused with your body sunscreen. Thing is, your body sunscreen is often thicker, more fragrant, and not formulated to sit under makeup or work well with the skin around your eyes, so using it on your face all day (especially in tropical heat) is a fast way to get breakouts.

For your face, you want something lightweight that won't clog your pores. If you can, get SPF 50 And yes, you need to reapply every two hours, so set that phone alarm if you have to. I've been switching between the Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel Gold SPF 50+ and the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel for years now and they’re some of the few that don’t leave a white cast on my skin.

4. Polarized Sunglasses

There is a difference between polarized and just tinted sunglasses, and it matters more at the beach than anywhere else. Regular tinted lenses block visible light while polarized lenses filter glare out entirely, which means your eyes won’t need to work overtime all day.

If you’ve had a headache after a beach day and blamed it on heat or dehydration, chances are you may actually be wrong. The eye strain of squinting into unfiltered glare for hours could be the issue but polarized sunnies should fix that. The key is to pay attention to the lens certification, not the brand logo so you don't need to break the bank at all. I’m talking as low as $25-30 CAD. Look for UV400 protection, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays and you’re good to go.

Polarized sunglasses here

5. Bug Repellent

This is non-negotiable in any tropical destination because while they are so beautiful, they are the best breeding grounds for mosquitoes, sand flies, and whatever that small invisible thing bit my ankle in Cartagena a year ago. Bug repellent is an item most people think you only need for a camping trip, but forget it is also necessary for the beach. In some destinations, mosquito-borne illnesses are a real concern, not just an inconvenience, so better safe than sorry.

DEET-based repellents are the most effective, but picaridin-based repellents are a more natural and baby-friendly option as they are gentler on skin and clothing. Either way, bring it, apply it, and don't wait until you're already getting bitten to use it.

6. A Wide-Brim Hat

I personally started wearing wide-brim hats because they looked great in photos, and I never stopped because I noticed my face stopped having to work overtime to stay comfortable in direct sunlight.

A hat does not only physically block UV rays from your face, it also protects your scalp, and the back of your neck which are areas that we all (yes, including me) forget to apply and reapply sunscreen to.

What to look for: UPF rating (50+ is ideal), wide brim of at least 3 inches, breathable material (straw and cotton are both great options). Avoid hats that trap heat, and get something that’s easy packable.

7. The Right Beach Tote

At this point we’ve packed at least 6 items to take with us to the beach. It’s only right that we have something roomy, waterproof, and pretty that actually holds everything. A beach bag sounds like the most obvious thing on this list, but most people either bring one that's too small or too light to actually do the work. A good beach bag needs to hold a full-size towel, your sunscreens, snacks, a water bottle, your phone, and any extras you may need.

For trips where you're moving between the beach and the city, a mesh or coated canvas tote that closes properly will transition seamlessly between activities.

The Complete Beach Bag Checklist

Here's everything from this list in one place for you to screenshot, save, and send it to your travel group chat: