The Vacation Essentials I Actually Used Every Day (+ My Beach Vacation Outfits)
The Vacation Essentials
Whenever I get home from a trip, there are always a few things that stand out. Not necessarily the newest things I packed or the prettiest…just the ones I reached for over and over again.
We spent the week hopping between beaches, boating, chasing Conrad around, keeping Camille cool, and spending as much family time as possible. These six items earned their spot in my suitcase and honestly made the trip easier.
If you have a beach vacation coming up, I’d pack every single one of these again without hesitation. If you’re planning a trip to the BVIs, be sure to check out my updated travel guide. I just refreshed it with all the details from our most recent trip, plus answers to the questions I get asked most often.
This was a very last-minute purchase (I’m talking 48 hours before we left), and it ended up being one of the best things I packed.
It fit everything our family of four needed for long beach days without turning into a black hole. The outside pockets ended up being my favorite feature because I could stash sunscreen, water bottles, and other grab-and-go essentials without digging through the entire bag every five minutes. It’s lightweight, wipes clean, has a zipper (non-negotiable for me), and somehow stayed organized all week.
If you’re looking for one beach bag that can handle towels, snacks, toys, sunscreen, diapers…all of it…this is the one.
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you knew these would make the list.
I packed two pairs (one OG size, one DD+) and wore them almost every day. I wear them directly against my skin instead of those awful removable pads that come in swimsuits and sports bras, and they give such a smoother, more natural look. They’re also great under fitted tanks, dresses, and tops.
If you’re new to nipple covers or aren’t sure which style is right for you, be sure to check out my Nipple Covers 101 guide where I answer all of the most common questions.
I’ve loved the original stick for years, but after this trip, I officially prefer the gel for anti-chafing.
The humidity was no joke, and between beach walks, sightseeing, and chasing a toddler, this kept me comfortable all day. I found that it lasted longer than the stick, and I rarely had to reapply. A quick swipe before getting dressed each morning was all it took.
If thigh chafing has ever put a damper on a vacation, don’t skip this. For more summer skin essentials, check out this post!
I honestly didn’t expect to use this as much as I did.
It came everywhere with us. It clipped onto the baby carrier, came to the beach every day, made waiting in the airport much more bearable, and was one of those little things that made everyone a little happier in the heat.
One of those items you don’t realize you need until you have it. For more baby/toddler travel essentials, check out this list!
This accidentally became one of my favorite post-sun routines.
After long days outside, it felt so soothing and hydrating before bed. I also used it on Conrad after he got a little more sun than planned, and by the next morning his redness had calmed down so much.
It’s definitely earned a permanent spot in my beach bag. For more Medicube favorites, see my curated list here!
There are a lot of swimsuits in my closet, but this is still one of the first ones I pack.
It’s supportive enough for actually swimming, comfortable enough to wear all day, and flattering without feeling fussy. I’ve worn it through different sizes, different seasons of life, postpartum, and everything in between, and it continues to be one I reach for year after year.
If you’re looking for a suit that makes you feel confident without sacrificing comfort, this is one I recommend over and over again.
And if you’re shopping for swimwear, don’t miss my complete Swim Guide with all of my favorite one-pieces, bikinis, underwire styles, and full-bust recommendations.
What I Wore
If you followed along on Instagram, here’s an easy place to find everything I wore during our trip.
I’ve linked all of the outfits here, along with my full vacation packing list. I didn’t manage to photograph every single look (turns out traveling with a toddler and a baby doesn’t leave much time for outfit photos), but I’ve rounded up everything I packed and everything I shared.
Click on the images below for outfit details!
THANK YOU FOR READING!
These are the kinds of products I love recommending because they genuinely earned their spot in my suitcase. Vacation is over, but every one of these has stayed in rotation now that we’re home.
If you’re planning a beach trip this summer, I hope this gives you a few ideas for what to pack. And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, don’t forget to check out my full packing list and all of my vacation outfits linked here.
xx CMK