Amazon Essentials For Your Next Beach Vacation
My product recommendations represent my own opinions. I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, when you click links on this site.
The Perfect Fedora
I cannot emphasize how much use I have gotten out of this hat and it still is holding up as if it’s brand new. I am beyond shocked at how well it has retained it’s shape after being shoved in my suitcase time and time again (I am not a careful packer). It comes in a lot of different shades (the one I’m wearing in the photo above is 01-khaki and I also have B-khaki).
Cupshe Multi-Block One Piece
This is a particularly great suit if you want a moderate amount of bum coverage. The darker navy blue color on the bottom half of the suit makes it an excellent choice for a slimming, one-piece bathing suit. I have a size medium.
Cupshe Ruffle One Piece
Another really cute Cupshe bathing suit. This one is more dramatic in the front but even though it has less coverage, it doesn’t look or feel flimsy. I’ve found Cupshe to be consistent so I would be a size medium in this.
Leopard Friday One Piece
Super comfortable and adjustable one piece bathing suit that ties in the back. Comes in several colors! This one has less bum coverage than the above two Cupshe options so if you’re looking for a one piece that’s extra flirty in the back, this is the one. I have a size medium.
Casual Mini-Dress
I love this dress because it reminds me of Greece! They were selling this style with a similar print EVERYWHERE. So if you can’t get to Greece to buy one, your other option is to buy one here. I don’t own it but my friend does. While it looks roomy in the photo she said if you order true to size it will be more fitted so order up a size for a more flowy fit like the photo below. For reference, I would order a size small for myself.
Waffle Lounge Wear Set
If I can wear something to bed and then also feel like I could leave the house in it to walk the dog then I am sold. I ordered a small and it was a bit more fitted than I’d like for loungewear so I sized up and exchanged for a medium.
Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt
A classic and comfortable sweatshirt to throw on as the evening cools down. Definitely a classic New England look! I think I am going to buy the white one. It shrinks, so size up. I have a size small but if I order it in another color I will get the medium.
Levi’s Denin Shorts
Finding a good pair of jean shorts that fits perfectly is a mission worth going on. I love the classic look of Levi’s.
Spandex Shorts
I have these in 3 colors and get so much wear out of them because they are comfortable and flattering. The material is soft but also thick enough that it holds everything in. Great for beach yoga, errands, and travel days! My pet peeve is fitted clothing that rides up or is too short but I find these to be the perfect length (4” inseam). I wear a size medium.
Running Shorts
It doesn’t matter if you run or not, you still want these shorts. Often times, running shorts get too bunchy on me but these don’t. They are short enough that they look cute and not frumpy but not TOO short that they are uncomfortable. Great for throwing over a bathing suite, running errands, or for the sightseeing part of your vacation where you just want to be comfortable. Or, for actually running/working out, if you’re into that. I have a size medium.
TOMS Wedge Espadrilles
I love an espadrille wedge because they are comfortable, versatile, and don’t go out of style Wear them with jean shorts to a beach club or with a dress for dinner. Plus I love that a lot of the shoe is made with recycled and plant-based material.
Dolve Vita Noles Heeled Sandal
The thick heel makes them super comfortable and the thin straps elongate your legs (especially in a light color!). I have in the “cream stella” color and fits true to size.
Braided Slip on Heels
These Dolce Vita/Steve Madden dupes look identical and are half the cost! They come in a variety of neutral colors and patterns. The braided look is really in this year and if it’s not in style next year, at least you didn’t overpay for them!
Dolce Vita Hazil Sandals
I love slides with a small heel, especially on vacation when you want to look cute but be comfortable while you’re out and about. These are made with consciously-sourced material, which makes me love them even more.
Steve Madden Grace Slides
Slides that you can wear out but also to the beach. I usually pack two pairs of shoes in this style (a nude and a color) since they’re light and don’t take up much space in your suitcase. These come in 12 colors/materials!
Havaianas
I’ve seen these for as expensive as $90 when I travel (cough cough, Maldives) so if you plan to wear flip flops, buy beforehand. $90 will be better spent at the spa.
Adidas Swift Running Shoe
I’ve gone through two pairs of these. Unclear if I’m abusing my sneakers or if they just aren’t made well but either way I love the way they look so I’m going to keep buying them. I have the black to wear with leggings (airport outfit) and also the ash pearl color (it looks pink in the photos but it’s actually more of tan shade) that I wear with running shorts/spandex in warmer weather. The lighter color makes my legs look longer and accentuates my tan.
Neoprene Bag
I love these Neoprene bags! Can double as a beach bag and your carry-on tote. Comes in a zillion colors and materials.
Sunglasses
I’m done buying expensive sunglasses. They all break, get lost, or get scratched. I’m a brand snob about several things but sunglasses is no longer on that list. All the amazon sunnies I’ve gotten are super cute and because the price is such a steal, I can just re-order if something happens to them instead of crying.
Unisex Baseball Hat
Adjustable and comes in a million colors. Perfect throw on when you are taking a long flight, headed to the beach, or need something to make you look put together when you don’t feel like washing your hair.
Dr Dennis Gross Face Self Tanner Pads
An important part of my pre-travel ritual is using one of these pads. I usually use one the morning I am leaving. It will gradually darken during the day so when you arrive at your destination and wash your face, you will be left with the perfect glow. If you’re a makeup wearing traveler, use it the night before! I find the color lasts 5-6 days so I travel with them too. The pads allow for an even application and they are honestly error proof.
Books by David Sedaris
If you want a funny plane read, I suggest my favorite author, David Sedaris. He has a quick wit, dry sense of humor, and is the best storyteller. He has written a lot of books so if you can’t decide which one, I recommend starting out with some of his earlier classics such as Me Talk Pretty One Day or Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.