There’s something so satisfying about pre-planning your beach bag, from the bag itself to every accessory that goes inside. I love it when everything coordinates in a matching colourway; it makes the whole process feel more intentional and just that little bit extra. Plus, it’s fun to plan and makes you feel effortlessly put-together once you hit the sand!
Whether I’m heading off on a spontaneous city-to-coast day trip or jetting somewhere tropical, there are a few non-negotiables I always pack. I’ve curated the ultimate mix of stylish, practical, and travel-friendly beach essentials that elevate my day in the sun—without weighing me down.
Here’s everything I keep in my beach bag, from SPF favourites to the beachwear staples that make me feel put together and protected.
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👜 My Go-To Beach Bag: Naghedi Medium Tote
Let’s start with the bag itself. I’m ABSOLUTELY obsessed with my Naghedi beach bag—the medium size is chef’s kiss. It fits everything I need, including my 13-inch MacBook (for those digital nomad on the sand days). The woven neoprene design is sturdy, chic, and comes in the dreamiest colourways. I also love the matching mini purse that comes inside, perfect for stashing my lip balm, cards, or keys without them getting lost in the sand.
✈️ Beach Bag Essentials That Travel Well
1. Touchland Hand Sanitizer
The chicest hand sanitizer out there. Touchland’s mist feels more like skincare than sanitizer, and the scents are divine. Bonus: the sleek packaging doesn’t ruin the aesthetic of my setup. I tend to stock up on these when I go to America as they’re hard to find in the UK.
2. Drybar Lemon Drop Brush
Compact, detangling, and perfect post-swim. I don’t go anywhere without this brush—it glides through salty strands without snagging and keeps my curls tame-ish until I can deep condition later.
3. Vogue Magazine
My inner fashion girl needs her fix. Whether it’s the latest issue or a vintage one from my collection, flipping through Vogue under a beach umbrella is a ritual I refuse to skip.
4. D&G Sunglasses
Sun protection, but make it fashion. These are my ultimate statement shades. Oversized and dramatic, just how I like my beachside lounging.
5. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50
A face SPF I trust with my life (and skin). This one’s full-spectrum, lightweight, and doesn’t make me break out or look ghostly. It’s a non-negotiable in my skincare-meets-beach lineup.
6. Sun Bum SPF 30 Mist
For body SPF, I love a spray that’s fast and mess-free. This mist sinks in quickly and smells like vacation in a bottle. Reapplying feels like a treat, not a chore. I always find it gives me a really nice, even tan too.
7. A good book: my summer recommendation is “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel.
This book honestly changed my life and I believe everyone should read it! It will challenge you to think about money differently and is a great beach read, super easy to follow and written simply for binge-worthy reading (but don’t worry you don’t need to be a finance bro to read this one). You can view my full travel reading list here.
💨 Extras That Elevate the Vibe
8. Fangirl Fan
Literal hot girl summer? Not on my watch. This portable fan saves me when there’s no breeze, and it doubles as a very cute prop for pool selfies. Functional and fabulous.
9. AirPods
Podcasts while sunbathing? Yes. My current beach listens are usually a mix of DOAC interviews, Girls Next Door and the occasional true crime to spice things up. You can listen to some of my favourite podcast episodes here.
10. Claw Clip
Beach hair, don’t care—until it’s in my eyes. A claw clip keeps things cute and effortless, especially when I’m heading from sand to snack shack.
11. Lip Balm – Ole Henriksen
Hydration is key, and so is not burning your lips. I love a balm that’s nourishing but not sticky, and Ole Henriksen ticks all the boxes.
👙 Chic Cover-Ups & Hydration
12. Beach Shirt & Shorts Set
Nothing says coastal chic like a matching linen set. It’s breezy, easy to throw on over a bikini, and makes you look instantly pulled together for beachside cafes or spontaneous boat rides.
13. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, stay glowing. I bring my Hydro Flask everywhere—cold water stays cold, even in the midday heat. It’s a wellness must when you’re under the sun all day.
Final Thoughts: Travel-Ready, Sun-Safe, & Style-Approved
Packing the perfect beach bag is like curating a mini survival kit for sun-soaked adventures. From SPF layering to stylish accessories, my goal is to be ready for anything—whether I’m chasing sunsets, sipping iced coffee by the waves, or reading Vogue with sandy toes.
If you’re planning a warm-weather trip, save this post and use it as your packing list. Because when your bag is this good, the beach day hits different.
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