Packing for a seaside vacation can be overwhelming – especially when the weather forecast changes like a kaleidoscope. What to pack so you don’t miss anything, yet don’t bring half the apartment’s contents? We have prepared a practical list of items best to take to the Baltic Sea – without unnecessary things, but taking into account the realities of a holiday by the Polish sea to help you prepare properly for your trip.
Documents, cards, and cash
Before you start stacking clothes and gathering beach gadgets, make sure you have everything important with you. An ID card, driver’s license, payment card, and booking confirmation are the absolute minimum. It's also worth taking some cash to the seaside – although most places accept card payments, card terminals don’t always work at seaside ice cream stalls or local markets. Additional insurance is also useful – especially if you plan active recreation or travel with children.
Clothes for all weather and comfortable shoes
The weather by the Polish sea can be fickle, so it’s best to be prepared for any eventuality. When packing, think about clothes that can be easily layered. This way you will be ready for hot days, evening walks, or rainy afternoons – and not only when visiting the sea in autumn or colder months. So what to take to the sea? An absolute must-have is:
T-shirts and tops,
shorts or skirts,
light dresses (preferably made of breathable material),
a sweatshirt or light sweater,
long trousers or leggings,
a rain jacket, raincoat, or windbreaker,
a thin hat or headband for colder days,
pajamas appropriate for the accommodation’s temperature,
comfortable clothes for walks and activities (tracksuit or sports set).
With such a base, you can easily adapt to the weather conditions – no need for emergency shopping right after arrival. Don’t forget suitable footwear as well. Comfortable sports shoes are good for walks or sightseeing in Świnoujście, light sandals for warm days, and flip-flops – both for the beach and for the shower or SPA area. You can also pack soft slippers for moving around the hotel.
Swimsuit and beach accessories
Going to the sea without a swimsuit? That hardly ever happens – although it’s easy to forget. So it’s best to prepare a whole set of items useful for sunbathing and water activities. What to take to the sea besides a swimsuit? Pack into your bag:
a large beach towel,
comfortable flip-flops or sandals,
a windbreak or wind shield,
a blanket or beach mat,
a deck chair (if you have space in the trunk),
a beach bag for all gadgets,
sports equipment and swimming accessories – goggles, swim cap, arm floaties, inflatable mattress, and toys.
If you plan to spend long hours on the beach, it’s worth considering a lightweight sun tent or umbrella. They don’t take up much space but effectively protect from the sun and wind.
Toiletry bag and sun protection
Sun, sea breeze, and sand are quite a challenge for the skin – so protection and care are as important as comfortable clothing. When going on a seaside vacation, pack in your toiletry bag:
UV sunscreen (preferably waterproof),
UV-filter sunglasses,
light headwear (hat, cap, scarf),
basic face and body care cosmetics,
shower gel, shampoo, conditioner,
toothbrush and toothpaste,
antiperspirant and possibly perfume.
If you have favorite products that are hard to replace with hotel ones, transfer them to travel bottles – this will save space and keep them handy.
Travel first aid kit
Regardless of whether you’re going for a few days or a longer holiday, a handy first aid kit can be a lifesaver. What to take to the sea for vacation? Pack primarily any medication you take regularly, plus painkillers, remedies for stomach issues, colds, or allergies. You may also need plasters, insect repellent, and something to soothe sunburn effects. This way, a minor ailment won't spoil your holiday or force you to look for the nearest pharmacy right after arrival.
Electronics and chargers
A seaside vacation is a good time to relax from daily life – but not necessarily from your phone or favorite music. Pack your charger, power bank, headphones, and everything you use daily. If you take many photos, a camera will also come in handy. And if you plan to work remotely even partially, make sure you have the necessary equipment – laptop, mouse, or chargers are better at hand than searched for at the last moment.
Accessories and extras according to your plans
Wondering what else to take to the sea on holiday? Whatever suits your way of spending time. If you are aiming for active recreation, walking sticks for Nordic walking, rollerblades, or a bike will be useful. For quieter moments, you can pack a book, favorite notebook, or board games for the evening. A backpack is useful for trips, and a water bottle will take care of hydration during the day. And if you can’t imagine vacation without music – throw a Bluetooth speaker in your bag. After all, it’s your holiday, so take what makes your time enjoyable.
What to take to the sea with a child?
A holiday with the whole family involves more logistics, but good organization makes everything easier. What to take on holiday with a child? Pack clothes suitable for the weather, cosmetics, care products adapted to the child’s age, wet wipes, and favorite toys or books – some children have trouble falling asleep in a new place without them. By the water, accessories for sand, bath toys, inflatable arm floaties or rings, light towels, and breathable change clothes will come in handy.
It’s worth checking if the hotel you’re going to for family holidays by the sea offers amenities for little ones – often travel cots, baby baths, bottle warmers, high chairs in restaurants, or potty chairs are available.
Packing for a seaside vacation doesn’t have to be stressful – all you need is a good plan and a moment of focus. Think about what you really need, consider the weather, your plans, and company, then act with the list in hand. This way you’ll gain peace of mind, forget nothing, and calmly start your well-deserved holiday.
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