How to pack for a short beach holiday with a 30L bag
A short beach holiday may be just what you need to unwind, enjoy the sun, and refresh your spirit. The simple pleasures of sandy shores, the sound of ocean waves, and the warmth of the sun can all make for a wonderfully relaxing escape that’s truly like no other.
To fully enjoy your quick beach escapade, you can also make an effort to pack light. A smaller beach bag will allow you to move freely and easily without the physical burden of excess luggage and the mental burden that often comes with it.
Packing light for the beach, of course, involves carefully selecting the right items to bring and putting the focus on what’s versatile and essential. And while this may seem easier said than done, especially if you’re the type to want to do a lot of activities on the beach, with the right strategies, everything you need will be able to fit in a compact 30L backpack or duffel bag.
Here are some tips for adapting a minimalist approach to your luggage for your holiday, all so that you can be even more excited about being beach-bound:
1. Choose the Right Bag
The first step to successfully packing your 30L bag is to choose the right bag, as not all bags of this size are equally conducive for beach travel. You’ll want to look for a bag that’s both lightweight and durable, made of materials like nylon or polyester. It would also be a good idea to get a bag with multiple compartments to help you stay organized.
Consider bags that are water-resistant or waterproof too, as they offer extra protection for your belongings at the beach. Lastly, if you’re opting for a backpack, bring one with padded straps so that, no matter how heavy the bag actually is, it’s easier and more comfortable to carry around.
2. Bring Versatile Clothing Essentials
Next, get ready to pack versatile and lightweight clothing to save space in your bag. Make sure to be selective about the items you bring. Opt for pieces that can be mixed and matched and are made from quick-dry materials.
For swimming, bring two swimsuits or swimwear sets so that you always have something dry to wear. Remember to choose a lightweight cover-up, too, as this can double as a casual dress or be used for extra sun protection.
In terms of your casual wear, keep things simple with T-shirts or tank tops and your most beach-ready pairs of shorts. Go for items that you can easily dress up and down, so that you always have something suitable to wear for different occasions, like a cocktail party by the shore. Lastly, bring enough underwear for the duration of your trip, plus one extra set.
3. Streamline Your Choice of Footwear
Aside from being selective about the clothes you bring, you should also choose the right footwear and accessories. Sturdy, but lightweight footwear can save both vertical and horizontal space in your 30L bag. For a quick beach holiday, you likely need little more than a pair of flip-flops and a backup pair of casual sandals that you might use for walking around town.
4. Opt for Travel-Sized Toiletries
If you want to ensure that you pack light while still having your preferred toiletries on hand, choose travel-sized products and multipurpose items. There’s the option, for example, to bring two-in-one shampoo-conditioner products to save space and weight in your bag. You can also bring solid shampoo bars, which take up even less space, are easier to pack, and are more environmentally friendly to boot. In addition, bring a small container for your body wash or a solid bar option and a travel-sized tube of toothpaste and compact toothbrush.
The same philosophy can also follow for your sunscreen and skincare products. Bring a moisturizer with SPF to help you protect your skin from the sun while keeping it sufficiently hydrated. Don’t forget about your lips, too; pack a lip balm with SPF so you won’t have to worry about chapped or sunburned lips. Round off your assortment of products with some sunscreen with a high SPF and a small container of aloe vera gel or lotion for after-sun care.
5. Learn More Efficient Packing Techniques
While being mindful of what you bring to your beach holiday is important, how you pack these items can also significantly improve your packing strategy. Before you leave, brush up on the most effective packing techniques for your chosen type of 30L bag.
Try rolling your clothes, both to maximize space and reduce wrinkles. Lay your clothes out flat, fold them in half lengthwise, and then roll the item tightly, starting at one end. This can help you avoid over-stretching fabrics, which is ideal for items like T-shirts, shorts, and swimwear. Once you’ve rolled your clothes, arrange them neatly in your bag. Be sure to fill any gaps in the bag and create compact layers.
It’s also an option to fold your clothes the conventional way. This technique is especially useful for items that wrinkle easily. Folding your clothes also ensures that they remain neat and accessible. For this technique, start by laying each clothing item out flat and individually smoothing out wrinkles. Next, fold the item in half or in thirds to make it more compact. From here, stack the folded items in your bag, with heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
short beach holiday
6. Use Packing Cubes
You may also want to explore packing cubes for your 30L bag. These are small, rectangular containers designed to help organize and compress your clothing and other items. They are typically made from lightweight, durable fabrics and come in various sizes to accommodate different types of items.
One good shorthand for using packing cubes is packing items into cubes based on category. You can use one packing cube for tops, one for bottoms, and another for dirty or worn items. Further compress the cubes to reduce their size and fit them neatly into your bag.
Your simple, but sturdy 30L bag will be just enough for the ultimate short, but sweet beach holiday. Try applying these strategies to simplify the process, and be on your way to enjoying your beach trip without the bulk!
