Packing for a Couples’ Beach Vacation

I’m off today for two weeks, on three back-to-back island adventures: Hawaii’s Big Island and Lana’i, and the Turks & Caicos.

For the Hawaii portion(s) of the journey, Adam’s coming along — and here’s some of the best stuff we’re bringing along with us.

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MY STUFF

Fresh Produce Sayulita™ Tunic. Light enough to wear on a hot day, long enough to wear over a bathing suit, and schmancy enough to dress up in the evening, this brilliant little piece of beach resortwear will be making an appearance on all three islands. ($69 US)

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Blue Avocado Big Chil™ Bag. Eco-friendly, resilient, water-resistant and roomy enough to double as an airplane carry-on, this is a dream bag for the beach. It’s even insulated so that you can bring along cold drinks and fresh snacks on your journey. ($24.99 US, but for a 30% Discount, use the checkout code: goodkarma30)

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Havaianas FIT™ in Sugar Coral. Pure comfort from the Brazilian company that’s all but cornered the squishy rubber flip-flop market, but with heel straps to prevent you from losing them on the rocks, in the water or on a jungly trail. And hooray, the soft rubber thong-y bit doesn’t chafe. Hardy enough for scrambling around a bit of rough terrain, but also feminine enough to rock with skirts and dresses.

Oh, and they take up just about zero space in your suitcase. ($28 US)

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Scala™ Lanikai Sun Hat. The best thing about this soft linen hat is that it offers SPF 50 protection, but it’s also not too wide or fancy to wear on a hike, has a little drawstring-tightener-dealie that keeps it on your head in a breeze, and you can pack it by rolling it up and stuffing it in your purse. It’s also washable, but remember to use the gentle cycle and don’t put it in the dryer, lest it lose its shape.  ($27 US)

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ADAM’S STUFF

Lucky Brand™ Summit Linen Shorts. Lightweight, packable and dressy enough to pull off with a button-down shirt and look like you meant it. Bonus, they’re not overly adorned with the pockets and hardware and whatnot that seem to be all the rage these days. ($69.50 US)

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Clark’s™ Corgi Flip-Flops. It’s not just that these are named for the breed of our dog, Toby — it’s also that they’re comfy, sturdy and have a ridged sole that makes them useful for walking on slightly rough terrain. In addition, the leather makes them dressy enough for a night out at a beachside restaurant with hurricane lamps, something made with shrimp and mango, and a lovely cocktail with a lime in it. [*Sigh*] ($49.99 US)

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Alternative Earth™ Eco-Heather Pullover Hoodie. Light, soft and just warm enough to ward off a night chill by the sea, this is the perfect extra layer on a beach vacation. But what is “eco-heather,” you might ask? A blend of organic cotton, rayon and recycled polyester. The very idea that this cozy, thin sweatshirt could have once been a 1970s leisure suit makes it feel (somehow) all the more necessary. ($38 US)

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Jack Black™ Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20. My freckly husband has been using this brilliant product for years to soothe potential razor burn and keep sunburn at bay. This light, refreshing lotion feels cool to the touch and includes blue green algae, which makes it smell a little like a windswept beach.

The travel size is an (expensive) option, but the larger size is small enough to get through security — and yet big enough to last eight weeks. (1.7 oz – $17 US; 3.3 oz – $27 US)

(Note: It’s entirely possible that I co-opt this product while we’re traveling. Just sayin’.)

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