What to pack for your next beach holiday

Summer is finally here and if you’re flying off to a white sand beach, there are a few things that will make your holiday even more enjoyable. Whether you’re basking in the sun’s rays at a Thai beach resort or exploring the Greek islands, a well-packed beach bag will only add to the bliss, rather than the stress over things you’ve forgotten at home.

We’ve put together a handy beach vacation packing list to get you started, from sun hats to facial suncreams – all of which you can purchase from the Cathay Shop.

H2-GO

Staying hydrated is key when you’re visiting a hot destination. Having a refillable bottle on hand is both convenient and more eco-friendly than just grabbing the plastic option at a shop. Bennlife’s collapsible versions are a godsend for those who don’t want to carry a massive bottle around, while Dometic’s Thermo Bottles will help keep your water ice cold – perfect for cooling off in the heat .

Cool as ice

Don’t let the heat get the best of you – the Cathay Shop has a great range of portable fans available, which will keep you comfortable, no matter the weather. Momax’s small but mighty handheld Ultra Freeze Icy Cooling Fan fits easily into a handbag and fires off icy blasts of air to regulate your temperature. Feliztrip also has a selection of sleek neck fans in colourful shades, ideal for the traveller on the go – whether you’re jogging along the beach or trekking through the mangroves.

In the bag

A good holiday beach bag is worth its weight in gold, especially if it’s both stylish and practical. A foldable canvas tote bag always does the trick – especially as it won’t take up too much room in your suitcase. Explore our selection of beautifully illustrated bags , themed after destinations like Tokyo, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Hong Kong and more. If you’re planning to hit the waves or venture out on the water on a boat trip, keep all of your valuables safe and dry with one of bitplay's AquaSeal bags . 

Cap it off

Protect yourself from the sun’s rays with a hat, whether you’re lounging on white sands or navigating your way through a seaside market. Gen Z has ensured the bucket hat trend will never die and this turquoise version from Columbia straddles the line between functionality and streetwear perfectly. Fans of minimalist style will fall in love with this crisp white baseball cap by Tommy Hilfiger , which will pair well with any outfit and features a barely noticeable logo. 

Avoid a fashion flop

There’s nothing more annoying than having sand in your shoes, crunching away underfoot as you explore a new destination. Flip flops are a must to bring to the beach and Brazilian brand Havaianas has cornered the market, trading in comfortable waterproof slippers that can be easily rinsed down. A colour-blocked pair in a neutral colour like this one  is easily styled, while the hot pink strap on this navy set brings a dash of personality.

Throw in the towel

No lazy day at the beach is complete without a towel to sprawl out on. Our super plush beach towels adorned with the iconic brushwing logo will be your greatest companion on your journey, while subtly hinting that you’re a well-versed traveller. Durable and large enough to sprawl out on, it’s the ultimate sun tanning partner-in-crime. Meanwhile, Sunnylife’s range of adorable towel ponchos for children will ensure your little one is the most stylish on the beach – this shark-themed version is a particular favourite.

Screen time 

There’s always one person who gets sunburnt on a trip to the beach. Make sure it’s not you and use a reputable suncream to protect your skin from damage. You’ll find Asian beauty gurus reaching for Anessa's Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ , which features a lightweight milky texture and dries matte, making it easy to apply makeup afterwards. The formula is also described as “super waterproof”, increasing its protection against UV rays even when you’re splashing around in the sea or working up a sweat. 

Another great option is French-Japanese skincare expert EviDenS de Beauté’s 50+ sunscreen, The Total Shield , which claims to guard against pollutants and preserves skin from infrared and blue light for complete anti-aging prevention.