I spent three days in Florida and the Caribbean with family in July 2024—this is my full packing list, from beach essentials to travel tech to what helped me actually sleep. Everything fit in a carry-on and backpack!
Sections
7
Jewelry & Accessories
Daily Outfits
Swim and Sun Essentials
Beach Bag Must-Haves
Toiletries & Skincare
Sleep & Wellness
Jewelry & Accessories
Small touches that pulled each outfit together—lightweight, layered, and all the tropical energy.
I ordered this in gold to layer with the cowrie necklace from the same seller. So dainty and I love how it catches the light! It isn't meant to be water-resistant, so I won't be wearing it in the water.
Golden or Silver Shells Layering Necklace Gold Plated
Ordered this necklace in gold to layer with the shell choker. SO CUTE! Again, not meant to be worn in the water (pool, ocean, etc.)
Real Cowrie Shell Layering Necklace Gold Plated or Gold Filled Lightweight
I have this in gold. I've been wearing it for a few months and it's so lovely and dainty!
PAVOI Gold Tiny Pearl Bracelet | 14K Gold
I ordered these waterproof bracelets in Cove, Sunset, and Sandy!
Beaded Wax Cord Bracelets and Anklets | Adjustable and Waterproof | Trendy | Surf Bracelets/Anklets | Beachy | Choose a Color
I ordered a few of these to share with my nieces! Surprisingly small, but they are sturdy.
Shell Hair Clip
Yes - I got these because they remind me of Aquamarine! Fast shipping, amazing seller, and they're soooo cute!!
Starfish Stud Earrings, Handmade Polymer Clay Jewelry, Summer Beach Accessories, Under the Sea Collection - Etsy
Aren't these adorable? I love how light and dainty they are for days at sea. I ordered three things from this shop and they are all so cute!!
Mother of Pearl Shell Huggie Hoop Earrings - Etsy
WATERPROOF! I got these for beach days and they're so dainty :)
Part of my “special occasions” stack. I wear this on my middle finger & love the blue :) I tried on a few in person when I was in London and this was, by far, the winner for me.
Gold Vermeil Rio Gemstone Ring - Aquamarine
I got this in a size 7 first, then switched to a size 8 (in gold this time!) so I could wear it on my pointer finger. BEST. EVER.
Oura Ring Gen3 - Horizon - Size 8 - Gold
I wear this pretty minimal gold band instead of my wedding ring when I'm on trips
NOKMIT 3mm 14K Gold Filled Rings
Using these to better layer some necklaces :)
Gold Necklace Extenders 14k Gold Plated
Daily Outfits
What I wore for travel days, downtime, and family dinners. Comfy, simple, and easy to rewear.
I spent ages trying to find a good summer sandal and these finally fit the bill!
Teva Women's Original Universal Slim Sandal
Wearing these on the ship and for meals. Love the drop-in heel! I'm between a 6/7 in shoes and went with a 7 here.
OLUKAI women's Pehuea Lī Sneaker in White
Swim and Sun Essentials
My go-to swimwear and sun care favorites—suits, cover-ups, and the SPF that kept me glowing (not burning).
This face sunscreen is 40 SPF and blends in sooo easily.
Solar Mate - Bubble Skincare
Leave-in conditioner and detangler
Sun Bum 3 in 1 Leave-In Conditioner, 4oz
Love a spray sunscreen
Supergoop! PLAY SPF 50 Spray, 3fl oz
Just in case the spray suncreen doesn't fit in my bag…
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
My everyday choice during the summer.
Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30 with Mint
If I want a lip tint in the summer, I'll layer on this one in Nude Beach.
Sun Bum Tinted Lip Balm Nude Beach | SPF 15
First time trying these in the sun!
Cleverfy UV Stickers for Sunscreen - 5-Pack
I was a little torn on the size, ordered both M and L, and kept M.
Women's Cutout High Waisted Swimsuit, Pink
This will be great for beach days, and I love the lightweight sun protection.
Women's Beach Long Sleeve Cover Up, White
Since it's a family trip, I'm opting for more coverage. I got this suit in three colors!
Charmo Womens Ruched Tummy Control One Piece
Beach Bag Must-Haves
Everything I tossed in my beach bag before heading out—fans, meds, snacks, and essentials I didn’t want to be without.
Super lightweight, fits everything for a day at the beach
Waterproof Mesh Beach Tote Bag for Women, A-Khaki
Using this bag to organize my SPF and other beach essentials
Rainbow Waterproof Bag
An absolute must for days on the beach.
Sand Remover Wipe, Turtle
Folds up, holds a charge
Foldable Handheld Fan, Pink
Essential to deal with bug bites.
Benadryl Extra Strength Anti Itch Gel, 3.5 fl oz
I love this clean-feel spray
OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Spritz, 4 oz
In case of sunburns
Pure Aloe Vera
Planning to use this as my lotion for the entire trip
Sun Bum Aloe Vera Lotion - After Sun Care 3 oz
This one's really compact and easy to tuck into my beach bag.
Mini First Aid Kit - 140 Pieces
We're going to try these out on the ship. If they work well, I'll be using them for other travel as well.
16 Count Motion Sickness Patches
Fingers crossed we won't have to use these…
24 Pack Blue Bags for Nausea and Sickness
Toiletries & Skincare
From sunscreen to moisturizer to toothbrush—these are the practical things that made the trip feel smooth and fresh.
My everyday toothpaste.
Crest Fluoride Cavity Protection Toothpaste
I use a bamboo toothbrush in the morning.
Bamboo Toothbrush, Pink
I use the 72-hour clinical strength version in the summer.
Clinical Strength Clear Gel Deodorant Nurturing Coconut - Secret
…and these for angry pimples, lol
Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch for Zits & Blemishes
Every “morning shed” demands a cleanse after, haha.
Fresh Start Gel Facial Cleanser For All Skin Types - Bubble
First time using a serum! Feels to nice and soothing.
Day Dream - Bubble Skincare
It's $6 and feels sooo nice
Ina Beauty Large Gua Sha Heart Natural Jade Stone
I tried both, and use the “Dry Skin" moisturizer due to the dry climate here in Colorado
Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer for Normal & Dry Skin Types
Lightest shade - Rose Gold. I mix a little into my moisturizer.
e.l.f. Bronzing Drops Tinted Serum (Rose Gold)
Sleep & Wellness
What helped me actually rest: cozy layers, sleep aids, and little comfort items for wind-down time.
These are the best, and I've tried all the nasal strips I could find.
Intake Premier Nasal Dilator Starter Kit - White
I need something to cuddle when I sleep, but the bigger pillowpet doesn't fit in my carry-on. This guy has been a great travel travel-sized option!
Pillow Pets SWEET SCENTED COTTON CANDY COW 11"
I've tried a bunch, and this is the best eye mask. I have two: one for home, one for travel.
MZOO Sleep Eye Mask, 100% Light Blocking, Black
Tech & Travel Gear
Chargers, organizers, and packing tools that kept everything running smoothly and fit in my carry-on.
I always keep one in my carry-on and one in my wallet. If I'm bringing my passport, I'll pop a third one in that case.
Apple AirTag
Get the 6' cord for cruises and trips. Thank me later.
Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable, 6ft
Essential for travel, especially with limited plugs on ships.
3-Outlet USB Wall Charger & Extender, ETL Listed
Love having a magnet on one side.
Magnetic Suction Cup Phone Mount, "Pink"
I have this in a darker green that isn't currently available, but I'd go with this blue if I had to choose again. I've used my suitcase since 2021 and have zero complaints!
Shop The Softside Carry-On suitcase | Away: Built for modern travel
