Back to Blog

6 Must-Have Items For Your Summer Vacation Packing List

Posted by Katharine Guidotti on


Hard to believe, but summer is just around the corner! 

That means now is the time to start planning your next beach vacation. 

Before you hit the road, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you and your family need for a fun and memorable trip. 

Here are the six must-haves for the ultimate packing list for a beach vacation! 

Pack For The Car!

If you’re like many Vera Bradley fans, you’re heading to the beach in your own vehicle. Since you’ll want to make that long car ride more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need for the many miles ahead of you. 

 Our Large Car Tote is the perfect travel accessory! 

 Large car tote with handles in enchanted mandala blue print

Made of our ReActive material that uses recycled water bottles, this tote is lightweight, durable and water-repellent. More importantly, it’s roomy enough to hold everything you need for the car ride, from toys and games to tablets and headphones to hand wipes and tissues and more!

Sized perfectly for trunks, it also features a pair of side handles and a pair of top handles to make lighting and carrying easy! 

Pack The Snacks

Hungry passengers are cranky passengers! 

Our Family Cooler helps you keep their bellies full and everyone hydrated during your journey!  This tote-style cooler bag is large enough to accommodate snacks, drinks and lunch, but compact enough to easily fit alongside your travel bags and car tote in the trunk. 

 Vera Bradley black family cooler with zipper closure and shoulder strap

Constructed of resilient and water-resistant Ripstop polyester, it features easy-to-clean food-safe PEVA lining, exterior slip pockets, and a roomy interior that can hold up to 21 12-ounce cans. 

Once you reach your destination, fill it up with your favorite beach snacks and drinks and use the top handles or crossbody strap to take it with you to the beach! 

Pack For The Beach 

Ok. You have everything you need for the car ride. Now you need to bring along all of the beach essentials! 

Easily transport your beach towels, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, goggles, sandals, diapers, and even extra clothes for everyone in our Large Family Tote Bag.

Also made using our durable ReActive material, this tote is spacious enough to accommodate all of your beach day needs, yet fashionable enough to compliment the seaside scenery. 

Speaking of beach day essentials, our Oversized Beach Towel is a must have for your vacation! Large to comfortably accommodate two people, it’s made from soft cotton terry for a smooth touch. Whether you’re drying off from splashing in the surf or a dip in the hotel pool, this towel is your ideal choice!  

 Large cotton terry beach towel with colorful tropical flowers

When it comes to footwear, our Vera Bradley Cloud Sandal is your best choice for the beach! Lightweight, comfortable and easy to slip on-and-off, they’re available in a variety of sizes and popular colors and patterns. Plus, if they get a little too sandy, wash them off and let them air dry overnight so they’re ready for the next day or the drive home! 

VB Cloud Sandal

Since we know that it’s almost impossible to go anywhere without a phone, we have the perfect accessory to protect your device from the surf and sand. Compatible with most smartphones, our Waterproof Phone Pouch is designed with a clear, touch-friendly window that allows you to view and use your device without exposing it to damaging elements, like sand and water droplets. The included lanyard allows you to keep it securely around your neck when you’re relaxing beachside or poolside. 

 Waterproof pouch with strap to keep smartphone safe

Now You’re Ready For The Beach! 

There you have it! The key to a more fun and enjoyable summer beach experience is making sure you have these six must-haves by your side! 

And when summer fades into fall, you can still rely on these accessories for your everyday and seasonal needs. Pack the car, cooler and family totes for picnics, school sports spectating or holiday road trips. Use your sandals and oversized towel for spa days, saunas or taking a dip in an indoor pool. 

No matter what season it is, you’ll enjoy them more with our travel-ready bags and accessories! 

 SHOP OTHER GREAT ITEMS FOR A PACKING LIST FOR BEACH VACATIONS 

#VeraBradley