What to take to the sea: a checklist of things and carry-on baggage rules

A seaside vacation starts not on the beach, but with a suitcase. Packing it in one evening is realistic if you follow a list and know the transport rules. Most often, plans are ruined not by forgotten items, but by liquids in carry-on luggage.

The rules are the same in all EU airports. Each product must be in a container no larger than 100 ml, and all containers must fit into a transparent 1-liter bag (as of 09/2026, European Commission website). Creams, gels, toothpaste, and deodorant count as liquids. So it's better to pour cosmetics into small bottles at home.

Below, we've organized packing by category: clothing and shoes, documents and insurance, hygiene, electronics, and a first aid kit. At the end, you'll find a short checklist and answers to frequently asked questions.

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What to pack for clothing and shoes

💡 In short:

• Pack clothes with quick washing in mind: by the sea, light items dry in a day.
• Minimum for a week: a few T-shirts, shorts or a skirt, extra underwear, and light pants for the evening.

The basic calculation is simple. It's warm at the coast for most of the day, and light items dry quickly. So you don't need a large wardrobe: a few T-shirts and tank tops, shorts or a couple of skirts, and extra underwear will be enough.

Bring extra underwear. Hotel laundry takes time, and you may not have a dry item on hand. A few sets are enough for a week if you wash every other day.

Even by a warm sea, evenings can be cool, and sometimes the wind picks up. So pack light pants or jeans and one warm sweater. For evening outings, add one dressier outfit.

The shoe rule is simple: flip-flops or beach sandals, sandals, and sneakers for walks and excursions. You'll appreciate closed shoes on a rocky shore and on hot pavement. Don't take more than two pairs plus beach shoes: shoes take up the most space in a suitcase.

Documents, money, and insurance

Keep your passport, tickets, and hotel booking in your carry-on, not in your suitcase. Save copies of your documents on your phone and email them to yourself. These copies will help if the original gets lost in transit.

Split your money into two parts: cash and card. Small bills will come in handy for taxis, water, and coffee. Before the trip, check the expiration date of the card you're taking with you and turn on transaction notifications in your bank.

Get medical insurance in advance, not after a sunburn. It's convenient to compare policies online. What matters in a policy is treatment abroad and medical repatriation; the Auswärtiges Amt points this out.

Hygiene and cosmetics at the seaside

The standard hygiene kit: toothbrush and toothpaste, soap dish, shampoo, and shower gel. Toothpaste and shower gel are easier to buy on site, but bring your favorite shampoo. Pack extra towels: you'll need one beach towel and a couple for the shower.

It's more convenient to pour cosmetics into travel-size bottles, while large bottles bought on site can easily go in checked luggage.

Women will find wet wipes, sanitary pads, and skincare cosmetics useful. Sunscreen and sun protection are essential: in the south, you can get sunburned within an hour. Moisturizing products after the beach relieve skin dryness.

Men should bring a razor and shaving foam. Stubble under the southern sun irritates the skin, and in the heat it's especially unpleasant.

Connectivity, internet, and electronics

Put your phone, camera, chargers, and power bank in your carry-on. Sunglasses, wallet, and beach bag go there too. A power bank cannot be checked in, only carried into the cabin.

To avoid overpaying for roaming, set up a virtual SIM in advance. You install the profile at home and activate the card on the plane. Internet will be available right after landing.

Leave your tablet and laptop at home. You won't get any work done by the sea anyway, and they take up suitcase space for nothing. Bring a second battery or a memory card for your camera instead.

First aid kit for a seaside trip

A first aid kit takes up little space but can save your whole vacation. Bring band-aids, bandages, cotton wool, activated charcoal, and hydrogen peroxide. For headaches, pack the tablets you're used to, and antihistamines will help with allergies.

Bring medications you take regularly with extra supply and in their original packaging. Carry prescription drugs with a prescription or a doctor's note. It's calmer at the border and at a pharmacy in a foreign country.

For couples, contraceptives are also useful on a trip. Looking for them in an unfamiliar city is inconvenient and takes a lot of time.

Checklist before departure

Before leaving home, run through a short list. It takes half a minute and saves you from running around shops at the resort.

It's better to check the list the evening before. In the morning rush, it's the small things that get forgotten: a charger, glasses, or medications.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much liquid can I carry in hand luggage?

No more than 100 ml per container, and all containers must fit into a transparent 1-liter bag. This rule applies at all EU airports (as of 09/2026, European Commission website).

How do I pack so the suitcase closes?

Roll T-shirts and underwear into rolls: they take up less space and barely wrinkle. Put heavy items at the bottom, light ones on top. Place shoes along the edges with toes facing inward, and hide small items inside the shoes. Press a belt against the suitcase wall.

Do I need travel insurance for a seaside trip?

Yes, and it's better to arrange it at home. It's important that the policy covers treatment abroad and medical repatriation. Without a policy, treatment in a foreign country is paid out of your own pocket.

Can I check a power bank in luggage?

No, power banks and spare batteries are carried only in hand luggage. They are prohibited in the cargo hold due to fire risk. Keep them within reach and don't put them in the suitcase you check in.

What should I bring if I'm flying with a child?

Bring children's medications, wet wipes, a change of clothes, and a favorite toy. Put water and a snack in your carry-on so the child doesn't get fussy during the flight. A towel and a hat will also come in handy.

In short: what's worth booking

Before your vacation, settle three things: tickets, accommodation, and insurance. You'll pack everything else using the list above in one evening. It's convenient to compare tickets in advance, before prices go up: find tickets on Kiwi.com.

For a short trip, one suitcase per person is enough. Pack in the evening, check the list, and don't take anything extra.