Sun holiday shopping list: what to take

A sun holiday needs more than swimwear and sunscreen. This shopping list covers the travel essentials, beach equipment, clothing, health items and reusable supplies you may need from the day you leave until you return. Plan one main bag or suitcase per traveller, plus a small daypack for documents, medication and valuables. Buy or check everything at least one week before departure so missing chargers, medicines or travel documents do not become last-minute problems.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Travel supplies

Suitcasesqty 4
Daypacksqty 4
Packing cubesqty 8
Luggage tagsqty 4
Passport holdersqty 4
Document folder
Luggage locksqty 4
Travel pillowsqty 4

Equipment

Phone chargersqty 4
Travel plug adaptersqty 2
Power banksqty 2

Beach equipment

Beach towelsqty 4
Swimwearqty 8
Sun hatsqty 4
Sunglassesqty 4
Beach matsqty 4
Cooler bag
Reusable water bottlesqty 4
Snorkel setsqty 4

Clothing

Light clothingqty 12
Underwear setsqty 28
Pairs of socksqty 12
Sandalsqty 4
Walking shoesqty 4

Personal care

Toiletry bagsqty 4
Laundry bagsqty 2

Health

Travel first aid kit
Digital thermometer
Medicine box

Kitchen

Reusable shopping bagsqty 4

Groceries

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 3 liters
- Cola - 2 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Yogurt - 2 kilograms
- Muesli - 1 kilogram
- Bread - 6 loaves
- Croissants - 16 pieces
- Butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Ham - 500 gram
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Eggs - 20 pieces
- Chicken breast - 1,5 kilogram
- Pasta - 2 kilograms
- Rice - 1 kilogram
- Pasta sauce - 4 jars
- Diced tomatoes - 4 cans
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Onions - 1 kilogram
- Bananas - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 2 bags
- Plain chips - 2 bags
- Muesli bars - 2 boxes
- Cookies - 3 packs
- Ice lollies - 16 pieces
- Sunscreen SPF 30 - 3 bottles
- Sunscreen factor 50 - 2 bottles
- After-sun - 2 bottles
- Mosquito repellent - 2 bottles
- Toothpaste - 2 tubes
- Shampoo - 2 bottles
- Shower gel - 2 bottles
- Deodorant - 4 pieces
- Laundry detergent - 1 bottle
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 4 pieces
- Paper towels - 2 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 1 roll
- Wet wipes - 3 packs
- Tissues - 4 packs
- Painkillers - 1 box
- Bandages - 1 box
- ORS - 1 box

Tips

Pack one beach towel, reusable water bottle and sun hat per person, and add a second swimsuit if you will be away for more than five days. A cooler bag is useful for keeping drinks and snacks cold during beach days.
Allow at least two complete underwear sets and one pair of socks per person for every three days, then add two extra days’ worth. Take both sandals and walking shoes if your plans include excursions or uneven paths.
Give each traveller a labelled suitcase or daypack, and use one document folder for passports, insurance details, booking information and emergency contacts. Keep these documents in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage.
Pack one phone charger per traveller, plus one power bank for the group if you can recharge it before leaving. Check the destination’s socket type 7 days before departure and buy travel plug adapters if needed.
Put regular medicines in a medicine box and carry them in hand luggage, with a travel first aid kit and digital thermometer. Check supplies at least 7 days before departure, allowing extra time for prescriptions or health advice.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a sun holiday?: Start with one suitcase and daypack per traveller, beach towels, swimwear, sun hats, sunglasses, water bottles and light clothing. Add chargers, a power bank, travel documents storage, medicines and walking shoes before you leave.
How many clothes should I pack for a 7-day sun holiday?: Pack about 7 light outfits, 9 pairs of underwear, 2 to 3 pairs of socks, swimwear and one warmer layer per person. Take sandals and walking shoes if excursions are planned, plus one or two spare outfits for delays or spills.
How early should I buy things for a sun holiday?: Check the full list 2 weeks before departure and finish shopping at least 7 days beforehand. Check passports, medicines, chargers and travel adapters first because replacing them may take longer than buying clothing or beach items.
What should go in my hand luggage for a sun holiday?: Keep your passport or ID, travel documents, payment cards, medicines, phone charger, power bank and essential valuables in a daypack. Pack enough medicine for the journey plus at least 2 extra days in case checked luggage is delayed.

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