27 Spring Break Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget (Especially if You’re Headed to the Beach!)

Spring break is just around the corner — and if you’re anything like me, you’re already mentally planning vacation outfits and thinking about what you need to toss in your suitcase. But also, if you’re anything like me, you still always seem to forget crucial or useful items — even when you make a spring break packing list. 

In my case, I end up either wishing I had that item (like a deck of cards) and kind of just dealing without it, or I have to go out and buy it even though I have a perfectly good one at home (like sunscreen or a hat). So take it from me, someone who seems to always forget that one thing, and skip the regret by packing these spring break essentials — because trust me, you’re gonna need all of these items. 

In addition to your stocked toiletry bag that you bring for any trip, here are some necessities and nice-to-haves to make sure you’re ready for any situation.

Whether you’re vacationing someplace warm or going on a ski trip getaway, sunscreen is a must. Bringing it to a beach destination is a no-brainer, but even on the slopes, the UV rays can be brutal because of the thinner atmosphere. Even though you’ll likely be wearing snow gear, parts of your face will be exposed — I know I always want sunscreen for my nose and cheeks. 

You can easily buy this in the airport or a gas station, but I find that I don’t realize I need it until after I’ve boarded the plane and have touched something gross or I’m on the highway on-ramp. Plus, if you remember to pack hand sanitizer, you can take one that actually smells good (and probably costs less) and clips to your bag for easy access. 

Whenever I go on vacation, my hair decides to misbehave. Whether it’s the water or hotel, it gets oilier than usual. I always pack a travel-size dry shampoo to rid the grease before it builds up (or before I can finally shower at the end of the day). Even if you don’t have this problem, it’s still worth tossing in your toiletry bag for a quick refresh before a night out or for a friend who forgot theirs. 

Especially if your spring break involves a lot of time in the sun, you’ll want these soothing treatments when you have a moment to yourself. Pack a few to share with your friends and give yourselves time to actually relax on your vacation.

Sand, sweat, dirt — whatever your spring break plans are, something is bound to cling to your skin. And there’s nothing worse than feeling grimy with no sink in sight. I always love to carry body or face wipes with me wherever I go on vacation because they make everything easier. A quick swipe after the beach, after a meal, or at the end of the day to take off your makeup, and you instantly feel human again.

You probably have all your outfits planned out and know you need to bring at least one extra pair of underwear, but here are some must-haves to make sure you’ve got in your carry-on bag.

I have a ton of hats — probably too many, if I’m being honest — and I bought most of them on vacations after realizing I didn’t have one in my suitcase. Usually, I end up grabbing one from the closest Target or overpriced souvenir store because I need it, and then my collection grows and grows unnecessarily. So don’t be like me, and remember your favorite beach hat, baseball cap, or whatever topper you need for where you’re going.

Sunglasses are an easy outfit staple no matter where you’re headed, but the UV protection part is what really matters. Make sure your pair of choice actually blocks UV rays — that extra layer of protection for your eyes is non-negotiable. 

Cute sneakers and sandals are the obvious necessities when you’re packing for a trip with friends. But for late-night snack runs or quick runs down to the beach for sunset, you’ll want something you can just slip on and be instantly comfortable in. For me, that’s my tried-and-true Chacos — but whatever your version is, don’t forget to pack them for those impromptu plans.

A tote bag is an obvious carryall for all your spring break gear, but don’t stop at just one. Bring a second bag — preferably a crossbody or belt bag — for hands-free exploring. It keeps your important items close while letting you wander through town or hit a hiking trail without lugging everything around.

Nothing ruins the mood faster than unexpected weather and no backup plan. Even if the forecast promises full sun, the weather has a mind of its own. Toss in a lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker into your suitcase so you’re covered if things shift. It takes up barely any space and saves you from being cold, soaked, or both.

Here are some staples to put in your tote or designated beach bag.

Is it just me, or does sand magically end up everywhere the second you hit the beach? No matter how careful I am with my tote bag or how dry my hands are, I still find sand on my phone and in my wallet. That’s why a waterproof pouch is a game-changer. Most let you use your phone right through the plastic, and they’re roomy enough to stash your keys, cash, and other essentials — keeping everything safe from water and sand. 

There’s nothing worse than changing out of a wet, sandy swimsuit and having nowhere to put it — or wrapping it in your towel and ending up with a soggy patch at the bottom of your bag. A wet/dry bag solves that instantly. It keeps damp items contained after you swim, and while you enjoy the water, it protects your clean clothes from sand.

Whether you’re headed to a beach or a pool, you need something to dry off with. It won’t take up too much room in your suitcase, and it’s also easy to toss into your beach tote.

If you’re posting up all day at the beach, you’ll want more than just your towel beneath you. Opt for a blanket that can fold up compactly and includes stakes to keep your blanket in place while you take a dip in the water. You don’t want to pop up out of the waves only to find that your beach setup has blown away.

This is arguably important for every part of your spring break, but it’s especially essential when you’re out in the sun all day. Options that fully close like a Hydro Flask or Owala are perfect for tossing in your bag without worrying about spills.

No matter what you’re into, a water game is an easy way to bring everyone together and take a break from laying out in the sun and playing in the sand. I always love to pack a Waboba ball — it’s the perfect just-in-case activity, and it barely takes up any space. 

If you don’t have a cover-up, you can also bring a comfy tank or T-shirt with shorts, but make sure you have a designated beach outfit so you don’t have to worry about wearing sandy clothes later.

Sometimes the “boring” essentials are easy to forget, but you’ll really notice it if you do.

I always tell myself that I won’t need cash, but then I end up at a food truck or artist market and have to run to the closest ATM and pay ridiculous fees. So avoid that annoyance, and put a few bills in your wallet for those and other just-in-case situations.

Trust me — this one is important. If you’re going out with friends and decide to wear heels, you’re probably going to need one or two Band-Aids by the end of the night. If you packed your cute, new sandals and didn’t have a chance to break them in and then wear them all day, you’ll likely need them then, too. Pack a handful for you or your friends, and you’ll be the hero of the trip. 

Even though I wear glasses all day, every day, I always seem to forget a cleaning cloth when I go on a trip. Sunglasses can get super dirty, too. Packing an eyeglass cloth can save a lot of spotty lenses and even help out a fellow bespectacled friend. 

Again, this is something you easily purchase at a gas station or airport (for a higher price!), but I never realize I want or need gum until it’s too late. Especially on group spring break trips, gum is essential when traveling for hours on end together. 

I always have instant regret when I forget my trusty reusable bag because it’s so convenient for so many things on vacation. It’s perfect as an easy beach tote, a grocery bag for quick snack trips, and a catchall for a day’s worth of activities and shopping. And most reusable bags can easily fold into a pocket-size square. 

I try not to be glued to my phone on vacation — I’d rather stay present and actually enjoy the people I’m with. But when your phone becomes your GPS, camera, and music player, that’s easier said than done. When your battery runs low, or even dies, a portable charger is literally a lifesaver. I’m a fan of the magnetic ones that snap onto the back of your phone so you’re not juggling cords or bulky power banks while trying to capture the moment.

From the beach to your rental, here are some must-haves for hanging out with your friends or decompressing on your own.

I never think to pack this because I assume one of my friends will, but then we all do that and end up not having a speaker on vacation. It’s not a deal-breaker — you can obviously play music from a phone — but it’s definitely one of those things that I regret forgetting when we’re hanging out and want some music in the background. My favorite portable speaker is the JBL Go 3 because even though it’s small, it has a ton of range. Plus it comes in a ton of cute colors. 

It’s fun to have a deck on hand for any late-night hangouts. And if/when your flight inevitably gets delayed or you accidentally book an Airbnb that doesn’t have a TV or games, a deck of cards can fill any moment of boredom. 

Games like Uno, Five Crowns, or Yahtzee to Go are perfect to keep on hand when no one knows what to do next. Most people know the basics, which makes them easy to jump into. And honestly, a game night is a fun alternative to going out every single night. If you’re traveling with a big group, an Uno tournament creates a fun atmosphere that gets everyone involved.

Maybe it’s just me, but I tend to get a little reflective on vacations. I love jotting down a quick entry each day about my favorite moments. You can also tuck in plane tickets, restaurant napkins, or any other mementos to remember the trip — it basically turns into a low-effort scrapbook you’ll actually want to keep.