This is a sample list of items and equipment you might want to take on a week-long trip to a beach resort in a developed tropical area, or some other part of the world (e.g., Portugal, New Zealand, Long Island, or Southern California) during the local summer months. Depending on where you're going and the time of year, some of the items may not be useful to you, and there are inevitably additional items you'll want to bring along, but this should give you a general idea of what you'll want to pack.

A minimalist won't want to pack much because it means there's less to carry but on the other hand, someone who wants to bring everything but the kitchen sink won't be short of anything. If two people from either camp go to the beach together, there will always be a conflict. It's best to compromise, but if you take something and don't use it or don't take something and really need it, be mature about it. Do your best not to say I told you so.

Some beaches are warmer than others, and weather varies. In general, you should adjust your packing list based on:

• Air temperate – You may have visions of warming up in "sunny California", but San Diego surprises people by being 65 °F (18 °C) year round.
• Wind speed – The wind chill factor can drop a comfortably warm temperature to unpleasantly cool. You might decide that your plans call for a windbreaker and a pocket kite instead of a bikini and an umbrella.
• Water temperature – A sun-kissed beach may lead to water that makes you wish for a wet suit. Ocean currents bring cold water up from the bottom, so what you feel on the beach isn't necessarily what you find in the water.
• General weather conditions (sunny, cloudy, rain?) – Some places rain every day. Some are foggy all morning. Other places will ruin your trip by giving you a blistering sunburn on your first day.

• bags for your things
• flashlight

• Fishing: pole and tackle if you fish
• Camping food: picnic basket or cooler
• Barbecuing (on beaches where it's OK): But do clean up your trash afterwards.

See also: Travel health kit

• sunglasses
• high SPF sunscreen
• a hat (to shade your face and/or trap heat)
• umbrella
• beach towel, or a light trekking towel; bioshower-soap
• insect repellent
• toothbrush, toothpaste
• antiperspirant and other toiletries
• aspirin/Ibuprofen
• blister care (e.g. moleskin, adhesive bandages)
• insurance card
• ID card
• cash, bank card
• women: tampons or pads.

• good diving mask, snorkel, and swim fins
• bodyboard or surfboard with leash and wax
• beach ball, volleyball or other sporting equipment
• camera
• folding beach chair, though you might be able to rent one at more developed beaches
• reading and writing material. In summer you can get a sense of what the latest blockbuster book is based on what everyone is reading.

• scuba diving