What to pack for a beach trip
Almost everyone packs twice the clothes they use and forgets the same four things. This list fixes both.
The seven-day rule
For any trip from one to three weeks, the clothing is the same: seven days' worth. After that you do laundry, at the accommodation or a launderette. Packing 14 days saves nothing and forces you to check a bag.
What actually gets used
Two swimsuits (one is always wet), three T-shirts, two pairs of shorts, one pair of light long trousers, a thin long-sleeved shirt for sun and evenings, seven days of underwear, flip-flops and comfortable trainers.
What's always surplus
The third pair of shoes, the "in case we go somewhere smart" outfit, the hairdryer (almost every place has one) and the big beach towel. Microfibre towels take a quarter of the space and dry faster.
What's always forgotten
Sunscreen bought at home (in tourist destinations it costs triple), a plug adapter, a spare charger, a waterproof phone pouch, and a digital copy of your passport and insurance.
It fits in hand luggage
With the list above, yes, even under the strictest size limits. Skipping the checked bag saves 30 to 60 euros return and half an hour at each airport.
Liquids
The limit is 100 millilitres per container in a one-litre transparent bag. Solids (shampoo bars, stick deodorant) don't count as liquids, which is the easiest way to avoid fighting with the bag.
Keep reading
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