Build your printable packing list in 30 seconds. Pick from 15 destinations, season and trip type — then tick items off as you pack, or print it.
What to Pack for a Beach Trip?
Beach packing is where most people overpack. You need far less than you think: swimwear, a cover-up, sunscreen, a hat, water shoes and one good book will cover most beach days. The heavy items are the ones you forget — a reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen harms coral and is banned on some islands), a dry bag for your phone, and a snorkel set if you plan to snorkel more than once. Renting a snorkel set every day costs more than buying a decent one before you go. Use the packing list generator above and it counts the clothes for you, so you stop guessing how many shirts you need.
How Many Clothes Do You Really Need?
A simple rule: one t-shirt per day, shorts every second day, and underwear for every day. For a 7-day trip that means 7 t-shirts, 4 shorts and 7 sets of underwear — not 14 of everything “just in case”. If your trip is longer than 7 days, pack for 7 and do laundry mid-trip; your bag stays light and you stay mobile. Roll your clothes instead of folding them — it saves space and reduces wrinkles. And always pack one warm layer, even for tropical trips: air-conditioned flights, ferries and restaurants get cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print my packing list?
Yes. After generating your list, press the Print My List button. Only the list prints — the form and buttons stay off the paper. Tick items off on paper as you pack, or tick the boxes on screen.
What should I pack for the Maldives?
Light beach clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and a snorkel set. Leave heavy shoes and formal clothes at home — island life is barefoot and casual.
Which destinations does the packing list generator cover?
15 destinations: Maldives, Caribbean, Aruba, Mexico, Thailand, Bali, Paris, Iceland, Dubai, Japan, Greece, Costa Rica, Canada, Italy and Jamaica. Each destination adds its own extras — Iceland adds thermal layers, Japan adds a JR Pass reminder, Dubai adds modest clothing.
How do I pack light for a long trip?
Pack for 7 days and do laundry mid-trip. Choose clothes in matching colors so everything mixes, and wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the flight.
Do I need a rain jacket for a tropical trip?
In rainy season, yes — a light packable rain jacket weighs almost nothing and saves a day. In dry season, skip it and pack extra sunscreen instead.
Done packing? Check your budget with our Travel Budget Calculator, find your gear with the Snorkel Gear Finder, play the Flag Quiz Challenge, or play the Travel Trivia Challenge. Back to All Travel Tools.