by Nadia Febina

Created on: September 13, 2008

When you go for a beach vacation, there are certain things you want to make sure:
- you would be comfortable in all the activities that you are going to do.
- you still look good in daytime and nighttime, regardless the frying hot temperature, and not to mention the high humidity!
- you can rely on your own stuff when it comes to light sickness, i.e.. stomach upset, cold, insect bites.

So here are the things that I always run to and put in my luggage whenever I have a beach vacation. And trust me, this list ALWAYS works.

MUST-HAVES:
1. Swimsuit: can be bikini, or one-piece.
2. Something to put over after swimming. I usually bring big beaded shirt, tank tops with shorts or mini jeans, and a sarong.
3. Sunblock 30+ SPF. I usually bring SPF 50. Don't let the sunburn mess up your vacation. After-sun cream or gel is also important.
4. Tampons. Just in case.
6. Sunglasses.
7. 2 pairs of flip-flops: the rubber ones for in the beach, the pretty ones for the night-outs.
8. A shaving gear or razor to make sure you are hair-free. Good to have waxing prior to the holiday.
9. Travel manicure kit. Make sure you have pedicure before you go, the kit that you bring is for "emergency" case only.
10. Summer clothes.
11. Light jacket and long pants/jeans, just in case.
12. Summer dress for the night-outs.
13. Toiletries and light cosmetics. Do not forget deodorant & anti-perspirants.
14. Medicines: Norit, Modicum, Paracetamol, Medication Cream for insect bites, medicine for cold & flu, Enchilada for allergies, Betadine and Band-Aids.
15. Book(s).
16. Sleeping gear and under-wears.
16. Passports and all travel documents. Some places require you to bring vaccination records. Also, beware of the visa requirement, make sure you have confirmed all the paperwork required prior to departure.

NICE-TO-HAVES:
1. Sun protection for hair.
2. Lip and cheek stain. Because you still want to look pretty after the water. Usually these products are waterproof.
3. Snorkel and goggle, in case you are going for snorkeling and if you actually have these gears yourself.
4. Bronzer. To give you that glow... for dinners and night-outs.
5. Sun hat.
6. Travel-sized umbrella.

NOT (TOO) NECESSARY:
1. Heavy make-up and foundation.
2. Hair dryer. Either you won't need it, the air will be too humid, or the hotels have provided it.

Whether you are on a backpacking or on a vacation-with-style, I think these are some essensials that I think any woman need to bring in their luggage. Have a nice vacation, ladies!

Learn more about this author, Nadia Febina.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.