The Ultimate Return-To-Travel Packing Guide: Beach Weekend

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Travel is back. Here’s what we're packing for the beach.

We’ve missed plenty of things this past year at home—hugging our friends, sharing bites of food and sips of wine at group dinners, trying on clothes in actual dressing rooms—but the thing we’ve missed most is the ability to get out there and see the world. Luckily, travel is slowly returning. Though its long-awaited reprise is something to celebrate, it can also feel stressful after so much time at home.

Where should you go, and with whom? What should you pack? What happens if you forget something? The parts of vacation prep that once felt simple are now a bit more complicated, but packing doesn’t have to be. With our ultimate style guide series, we’ll share your new go-to packing lists for the trips we’re most excited to take. First up: the beach—because you deserve to feel the summer sun kiss your (SPF protected) skin one last time before you trade in your swimsuits for winter boots.

Hair TLC 

All that sun, surf, and sand can do a number on your hair, leaving it dry, dehydrated, and damaged. While you’re lazing the day away, take the perfect opportunity to infuse (and forget about) a moisturizing boost into your strands. TRESemmé Pro Pure Leave-In Conditioner works on damp hair to condition and hydrate even the driest, saltiest strands. In between dips, spritz a few pumps into your hands and apply to the lengths of your locks—making all that humidity work to your advantage in a shiny, manageable, frizz-free way.

Statement Accessory 

Just because you’re at the beach doesn't mean you should skimp on style. Even adding something as simple as a small accessory to your ensemble can complete the look with a chic touch. Spruce up a swimsuit or a breezy sundress with a delicate shell pendant anklet or a poppy coral choker to bring on the seaside vibes in a subtle way—without going all-out oceanic or mermaid, for that matter.

S.O.S for Detangling 

Seaside days are breezy by nature, but totally embracing a beach-hair-don’t-care M.O. might get you into a tangle (or five). Letting your natural hair go with the flow is a given, but those post-surf knots will need some attention. A wet brush is about to be your beach-side bestie. Unlike the firm bristles of regular brushes, these have thinner, flexible bristles that are gentler on wet hair, which tends to be weaker and more prone to breakage than when it’s dry.

Curl Refresher Spray 

In a perfect world, your coils would air-dry in pristine bouncy sections even in tropical temps. But every curly girl knows heat and humidity can zap moisture right out your hair, making it completely unruly. To spring those strands straight back to life, keep TRESemmé Flawless Curls Refresher Spray close by. Infused with coconut and avocado oil, this spritz instantly rehydrates, defines, and conditions curls. Spray on wet or dry hair and work it through lengths with a comb or your fingers—and watch as your coils and waves revive to the best, glossiest versions of themselves in real time.

A Glow That’s Faux 

It goes without saying: skin needs broad-spectrum SPF protection, which guards against both UVA and UVB rays, every day (even when it's cloudy). And there’s no more important time to (re)apply than at the beach, where it’s not always so easy to seek shade. Choosing a sunscreen with a built-in bronzer is the best way to get a head-to-toe glow without having to bake in the sun (but still look like you did). Trust your skin (and your dermatologist) will thank you.

H2O on the Go 

Staying hydrated is key to going the distance on a beach day (especially since steamy weather can make you even more dehydrated). Toting an insulated, stainless-steel water bottle makes it easy to beat the heat, since it keeps beverages cool while the thermometer soars. And there’s another bonus: it’s not only good for you, but it’s doing the planet a solid, too. Just think of all those plastic bottles you’d be using over the course of a day. Look for a smart iteration that connects to your phone and sends reminders when it’s time for a sip.

Soothing Spritz 

When the day turns up the heat but you’re not quite ready for your next dip, the next best cool-down is a face mist. Opt for a formula with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration, or go for one that’s made with botanicals like aloe, which imparts a refreshing chill to give your skin a soothing refuge from the scorch. Go ahead and spray all day (and night)—many can be spritzed over makeup to help set it with a dewy glow.

Waterproof Pouch 

There’s nothing worse than leaving the beach (or your vacay) only to realize that a soggy suit dampened everything else in your bag. Instead of wrapping wet items in a towel (which only makes things moist), pack a cute waterproof pouch (or two) that’s roomy enough to stash soaking suits (and beauty must-haves).

Keep your eyes out for more ultimate back-to-travel packing tips, brought to you by TRESemmé. Next up: the city break.

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