15 Essentials to Pack on Your Next Beach Vacation

Bando, $40

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Avoid the nightmare of trying to find your towel ("Did someone steal it?? Did my friends move without telling me??") with this soft "Wish You Were Here" terrycloth pick.

The Beach People, $40

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The definition of boujee: beach edition—a towel carrier that comes in handy when you don't feel like schlepping a heavy bag with you through the sand.

Las Bayadas, $68

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Pro tip: Use the towel as a pillow, and the blanket to expertly avoid the hot sand underneath.

Ultimate Ears, $100

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When you're lounging and decide you've had enough alone time with your thoughts, whip out this portable waterproof speaker that lasts up to 10 hours.

J.Crew, $40

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Books? ✓ Snacks? ✓ Towel? ✓ A tote that fits all of the essentials? ✓

Melissa Odabash, $167

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Beach cover-up or happy hour outfit? Condense your packing list with this two-for-one crocheted maxi dress.

Caslon, $39

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Attention pale people with burn-prone skin (a.k.a. me): Here's one of many sun hat options—from gingham baseball caps to straw boaters—that keep your head covered and easily fit in your bag.

Ouai, $28

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A hydrating oil that protects color-treated hair from sun exposure and nourishes salt-stiffened strands.

Canon, $130

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Take pictures on your iPhone like you normally would, connect the bluetooth-equipped mini printer, hit print, and voilà you now have your vacation memories in real-time.

Marc Fisher, $160

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Grab these blister-free espadrille platform sandals for lunch on the water (piña colada in hand) or dinner and drinks in the evening.

Aveeno, $14

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Too much sun exposure can strip your skin of moisture and its essential oils (not to mention...wrinkles!). A powerful moisturizer should be at the top of your packing list, like this one that also doubles as a sun protectant. See our full list of options here.

Thom Browne, $465

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Invest in a pair of Iris Apfel-esque sunnies that will keep out harmful rays.

Amazon, $16

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Summer: the one time of the year I get to catch up on the 10 books I have piling up in the corner of my room. Bring along an uplifting read like Cleo Wade's collection of poems, Heart Talk.

Fresh, $24

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Cold sore, who? Keep your lips protected with SPF and antioxidants by wearing a tinted lip balm in the sun.

Neutrogena, $16

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The most obvious yet most important item on the list: sunscreen. Choose a brand like Neutrogena's ultrasheer dry-touch. It's lightweight, and lasts long enough for you to take a dip in the water then re-apply. Thank us later.