Article: The Girls’ Beach Holiday Packing List: What to Pack (and What You’ll Actually Use)
The Girls’ Beach Holiday Packing List: What to Pack (and What You’ll Actually Use)
Packing for a family beach holiday starts with optimism and ends with somebody sitting on the suitcase.
The trick? Pack less, but make every piece work harder.
For girls, that means lightweight cotton clothes, plenty of swimwear and outfits that can go from beach to lunch without a complete costume change.
Here’s our practical summer packing list.
1. Two or Three Swimsuits
If swimming is the main event, pack accordingly.
Having a few girls’ swimsuits on rotation means there’s always a dry one ready, and a one-piece can double as a top with shorts or a skirt.
Add a rashie if you’ll be spending longer periods in the sun.
2. Three Easy Summer Dresses
The holiday MVP.
A lightweight cotton summer dress takes up very little suitcase space and gives you an instant outfit.
Choose dresses that work with sandals for dinner, sneakers for exploring and over swimmers for the walk back from the beach.
Three dresses. Approximately 47 possible outings.
3. Tees + Shorts
Pack a couple of cotton tees and easy shorts for playgrounds, sightseeing, travel days and serious ice-cream missions.
Stick to pieces that mix and match rather than packing complete outfits. One tee that works with every pair of shorts is far more useful than an ensemble requiring its own supporting cast.
4. Two Sun Hats
Yes, two.
One will inevitably be wet, sandy, missing or living its best life under a hotel bed.
A wide-brim or bucket hat is essential for outdoor days. Reversible styles are especially handy because one hat gives you two looks.
5. One Slightly Special Dress
Beach holidays still somehow produce dinners, family photos and invitations to places where swimmers aren't considered formalwear.
Pack one party dress that feels special but is still comfortable in warm weather.
Better still, choose one of her everyday dresses that's fabulous enough to do both.
6. One Light Layer
Even Australian summer holidays occasionally remember weather exists.
Pack a lightweight cardigan or sweater for cool mornings, air-conditioned restaurants, windy evenings and travel.
One is usually enough.
7. A Mum & Me Outfit
Entirely necessary? No.
Extremely cute on holiday? We rest our case.
A mum and daughter matching outfit is lovely for family dinners, photos or just wandering down for breakfast looking suspiciously coordinated.
Choose pieces you'll both wear separately too, and nobody has to sacrifice precious suitcase real estate for the photo op.
Shop Mum & Me Matching Outfits →
8. Consider a Playsuit or Jumpsuit
Take the thinking out of the equation and consider a one piece. They are so practical on holiday. Just zip up and go.
A playsuit is so easy to wear and withstands big gusts of wind, leaping from boat to shore, climbing trees and anything else your little one can throw at it!
The Quick Girls’ Beach Holiday Packing List
For a week away, we'd start with:
- 2 to 3 swimsuits
- 3 summer dresses
- 2 to 3 tees
- 2 pairs of shorts and... have you considered a jumpsuit or playsuit? They are amazing for saving space!
- 2 sun hats
- 1 party or special dress
- 1 lightweight cardigan or sweater
- Sandals
- Sneakers
- Underwear and PJs
Then adjust for laundry access, weather and your child's impressive ability to wear breakfast.
Beach Holiday Packing FAQs
How many outfits should I pack for a child for one week?
You don't necessarily need seven completely different outfits. Pack versatile pieces that mix and match, plus enough swimwear and underwear for your plans. If you have access to laundry, you can pack considerably less.
How many swimsuits does a child need on holiday?
Two to three is practical for a beach or pool holiday. It allows one swimsuit to dry while another is being worn.
What should girls wear over swimmers?
A lightweight cotton dress is one of the easiest options. Tees and shorts also work well. Choose something loose, comfortable and quick to pull on.
What's the easiest way to pack less for kids?
Choose clothes that can do more than one job. A summer dress that works as a beach cover-up, daytime outfit and dinner dress earns its suitcase space three times over.
Ready, Set, Summer
The best kids’ holiday wardrobe isn't the biggest one.
Pack swimwear, breathable cotton, easy dresses and pieces that mix and match, then leave a little room in the suitcase for the things you somehow acquire on holiday.
And possibly that second hat.
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