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Because spending $25 on a bottle of sunscreen at the resort shop really takes you out of the island time mindset.

As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.

Flying somewhere for a beach vacation means there are some very specific logistics to consider, even if you're going to an all-inclusive resort. Like, how will you prevent yourself from burning to a crisp? Are you a person who gets seasick on a boat day? Or what are you gonna do when you try the local delicacy and your meat-and-potatoes stomach is NOT happy? But most importantly, how are you going to stay cool while enjoying your time on a picturesque beach!? We've got you. 

The bow straps are only available in the large size. The mini size has a top handle and an adjustable/detachable crossbody strap.

Promising review: "I’ve been wanting a sturdy and cute beach bag that was not mesh or a basic tote. This is it! It comes with a dry bag for the phone. The handles are thick. The iridescent color looks so cool in the sun, and it’s the perfect size. I fit two towels, a sunscreen bag, two changes of clothes, a speaker, goggles, and snacks, with extra room too." —Daniela G

Get it from Amazon for $100+ (available in eight colors).

Promising review: "My 5-year-old loves it. The charms were a hit. Holds towel/ poncho, pool shoes, goggles, change of clothes with room to spare. Solid beach/ pool bag." —star_dust89

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two sizes and seven colors).

Promising review: "Love this! I am a flight attendant and keep it in my suitcase for various uses, but it's an outstanding for beach or picnic blanket. It weighs nothing, beautiful, and great quality! My new go-to gift item." —Laurance F. Haun

Get it from Amazon for $25.18+ (available in 18 patterns). 

Promising review: "Walking on cushiony clouds!!! I LOVE Crocs but I don’t love the look of them when I wear summer outfits. These were the jackpot!!! I only wear sandals and flip-flops all summer and these are definitely my new favorite!! Soooo cushiony and comfy!!! I will be buying in more colors!!" —Maven

Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes 4–11 and three colors). 

Parents especially love this because babies and toddlers can lay on it without getting sand in their mouths. It has four corner bags to fill with sand to keep it down, straps with pegs to hold it in place on extra windy days, a convenient carry bag with a shoulder strap, and a zipper pouch for secure storage.

Promising review: "This was the BEST purchase I've ever made for a beach trip. We took this to Hawaii and it fit perfectly in my bag. We used this every single day of our trip and there was more than enough space for all four adults and all of our things, we sat out in the rain in it and it was dry within 30 minutes of laying in the sun. This will for sure be coming with me on all of my future travels!" —Hannah

Get it from Amazon for $26.21 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I am not being paid in any capacity for this review. I’m just simply very impressed with these goggles. My 4-year-old daughter was afraid to put her face in the water until I bought her a pair of goggles at the grocery store. Then she became a little fish and loved to swim, but every time she jumped in the water, her rubber goggles slid off her head, and I would have to put them back on. I found these goggles on Amazon and spent the money to get them, and they were worth every single penny. They never fall off my daughter's head. She can even pull the glasses onto her forehead and off her eyes when she takes a break, and it does not move the band off the top or the back of her head. It also does not pull her hair out. They do not fall off when she jumps in the pool, either. I’m very impressed and strongly recommend!" —Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $21.97 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "I love the razors and the fact that the heads are interchangeable with my regular-size flamingo razors. The case is compact, and the gel is awesome! It is a bit pricey compared to other products, but it was worth it." —Ma. O.

Promising review: "Purchased three pairs for our cruise. We all loved them. Best water shoes I’ve ever worn. Feels like you are barefoot but keeps your feet safe from anything you step on. Very comfortable! Highly recommended!" —Donna M

Get it from Amazon for $7.19+ (available in seven sizes and a variety of colors).

It shoots photos and 1080p video, comes with a 32GB card already included, a flip lens for selfies, and all the built-in frames and filters.

Promising review: "This kid's waterproof camera is the real deal. Not only is it visually appealing, but it's super easy for little hands to use. My son and daughter both received one for our trip to Punta Cana. To say this camera was the highlight of the trip would be an understatement. My 5-year-old daughter could use this product with ease on her own, which is a bonus for any parent on vacation. I highly recommend this product!" —Donald R Ames III

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in five colors).

And as one reviewer points out, they'll make your chairs stand out in a sea of towel lookalikes.

Promising review: "Took these bands on a cruise. They kept the towel secured to the lounge chair even with gusts of wind. Others had clips, and the clips kept popping off. People asked where I got these and were impressed how sturdy they are." —KT

Get them from Amazon for $11.99 (available in four colors).

Check out a TikTok of the towel clips in action. 

Promising review: "I purchased these for a family of eight going on a cruise and they loved them! So easy to use, just put your towel on the beach chair and clip down with these. They said they were especially awesome on windy days when others towels were blowing away if they were not sitting on the chair. The family was able to go to lunch or take a walk and not worry that their towels had been blown away and someone had then snagged their seats. Very inexpensive and functional clips." —TypeA

Promising review: "These dive rings and sticks are a huge hit with the kids! The bright colors make them easy to spot underwater, and they sink at the perfect speed for fun diving games. The rings are lightweight but sturdy, and the sticks have just the right weight to stand upright on the pool bottom. We’ve used them for hours, and they still look brand new — no cracks, no fading. Great for building swimming confidence and keeping everyone entertained!" —Whedbee

After putting this in MANY travel stories, I bought one for myself for a summer European vacation where I found myself at several beach clubs. It was perfect for keeping mine and my friend's belongings safe while we dozed in our beach chairs or swam in the sea. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag. It's come in clutch in a few hotels and Airbnbs that didn't have working safes. 

Promising review: "Looooove this safe! Took it on a cruise, and it was such a great feeling of security. I put all my cash and docs in it while around and off the ship in the larger room safe. In my case, I had a roommate I did not know prior to sailing. With this, I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Easy to lock and unlock. Easy to secure around things. I just love it! I will be using it with other things at home/work as well." —Cara Sievers

Get it from Amazon for $16.17+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "Guys. If you’re going on a trip and need a cute hat but don’t want to worry about it getting smashed…look no further. I bought this hat last summer. It’s been as far as The Maldives, all over Europe, and I wear it on the reg in southern California. It’s totally kept its shape, and I’m not shy of shoving it in bags. 10/10 recommend! I’m sitting on a bus in Croatia right now thinking how awesome this hat has been and decided to write a review, as I rely on reviews for my purchases on Amazon. Hope this helps someone!" —Lyra S.

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in 14 color combos). 

Check out a TikTok of the insect spray. 

Stay Away is a small business that specializes in pest-removing and repelling products. 

Promising review: "Deet doesn’t work for me, but this does! I’m the person who gets bitten while everyone else is fine. They follow me, and most repellent isn’t very helpful. This worked great! They came near but didn’t bite. The smell isn’t bad either! I didn’t mind it, and my sister has requested some also (she gets bitten even more than I do). I would have preferred a continuous spray nozzle, but I’m very impressed with how well it kept those dang mosquitoes away in Texas! I did sweat a little, and it didn’t change how well it worked." —eve

Cliganic is a small biz specializing in health and wellness products. 

Promising review: "I bought this to take on a cruise. Never had issues with bites. Once back home I put them on my son who is allergic to some bites and always itchy after time outdoors. Since he’s had these on outside it’s hardly an issue anymore. Very cool." —MardiGrasGirl

It's also designed to be easy to disassemble and clean, and the lid and straw are dishwasher safe! Oh, and the 24-ounce bottles are designed to be universally cup holder-friendly.

Get a closer look at it on TikTok of the Owala Freesip!

Promising review: "Stanley who??? I absolutely LOVE this water bottle. Way better than other name-brand tumblers with a straw that sticks up! Love that the straw is covered, and the water bottle has a carry loop, making it easy to carry when your hands are full. So much easier to drink from and you have the option to drink from the straw or sip. This is truly leakproof and keeps drinks cold for hours! It's also durable. I have dropped it a few times and there wasn't even a scratch on the bottle. I will definitely be ordering more!" —BAJ

Get the 32-ounce size from Amazon for $34.99+ (also available in 16, 24, and 40-ounce sizes, and in a variety of colors).

Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action. 

I own this and use it ALL the time. It comes in handy in a variety of situations at home *and* while traveling — especially when you're sitting in a stuffy plane in Miami in July with the doors open, waiting for the pilot to board and take off. I def got some jealous side-eyes from other passengers as I kept myself cool with this. 

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three colors). 

Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action. 

Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun it turns purple. If you use a sunblock it starts to become clear or semi clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times the spot started seeing purple and I applied sunblock again. In a minute the spot was clear again. So this is very effective In alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque

Get two 16-counts from Amazon for $33.95 (also available as a 48-count). 

Read more about lidocaine and pain relief at Cleveland Clinic. This contains 4% lidocaine, which can help with pain relief, but may cause further skin irritation. So if you choose to try this, you could spot test in a small area for a day or two first.

Promising review: "I brought this with me on a cruise, and I’m so glad I did! After a little too much sun on the deck, this spray was a total lifesaver. It provided instant cooling relief and took the sting out of my sunburn right away. The spray made it easy to apply without having to rub it in — perfect for those sensitive areas. The aloe was super soothing, and the lidocaine helped calm the burn fast. It absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any sticky feeling behind. Definitely a must-have for any sunny vacation or cruise — I'll never travel without it again!" —Barbara

It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.

Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —jlgentr3

Promising review: "I got so many compliments when wearing this set on vacation in Hawaii! The top is very comfortable and cropped at just the right length. The shorts were a little see through, but for the price, they were very comfortable." —Courtney Smith

Get it from Amazon for $29.58 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 13 colors/patterns). 

Promising review: "LOVE this. I no longer forget to put on sunscreen as this is part of my new routine. Love the shimmer (much more than anticipated), especially on my arms and legs. Face might be a bit much, but prevents a burn for the win." —Tawny Stammen

Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. 

Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned Black woman and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina

Promising review: "Used these on a sunburn on my back, and they were very soothing. Also provided padding when leaning back in my seat. I stuck one on my shoulder also to keep my seatbelt from rubbing the sunburn there. I bought them to use on the back of my kids' necks to help prevent heat exhaustion on a very hot day outside but ended up just using them for burn relief." —Joanna

"These saved us on our vacation with our little that is sensitive to sun!" —felicia faith

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $13.99. 

HDE is a small biz specializing in fashion and accessories. 

Promising review: "Loved this swim top. Shorter than most but not too short. Awesome colors, dries quickly, size is accurate. Always excited to wear it." —Julia

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in sizes 1X–3X and nine patterns/styles).

UV SKINZ is a small biz specializing in beach- and sun-wear.

Promising review: "I used these pants for kayaking, at the beach, and just walking around midday. They are cute, comfortable, dry fast, and keep me cool on hot days. I love the teal color that goes with so many of my fitness tops as well as bathing suit tankinis and sunshirts. Was kind of expensive, but I expect them to last through many summers." —GrannyGear

Get them from Amazon for $69 (available in sizes XS–4XL and two colors/prints). 

I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation in 2021 years ago when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works. 

And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination. 

Promising review: "Used for the first time today on my 7-year-old. First time in his life he actually enjoyed having sunscreen applied to his skin! Very easy to use and not messy at all. Extremely pleased with this purchase!" —amyj

Get it from Amazon for $27.98 (available in 13 colors). 

Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing thanks to its all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's cruelty free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.

Promising review: "I’ve been using this creamy SPF daily and it's a game‐changer. It absorbs easily, zero white cast, even with darker tones, and feels more like a moisturizer than heavy sunscreen. Makeup goes on smoothly and without streaks." —Kiki

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (cruelty-, fragrance-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, silicone- and aluminum-free, and vegan).

Promising review: "I got a ton of compliments. 💖" —Tasha

Get it from Amazon for $13.89 (available in 44 prints).

Promising review: "My kids will only use spray-on sunscreen (for their bodies and the stick for face and neck). This spray is easy to use and protects their delicate skin from harmful UVB rays. It's waterproof and sweat-proof, which is a big plus. Would highly recommend!" —S. Pme

Promising review: "This is a great product and gift for a beach lover. Works great and is a decent size for brushing away the sand after an amazing day at the beach! Going to buy it as a gift!! Easy to use and affordable!" —Sue Krauser 

Get it from Amazon for $8.49 (available in six designs). 

I've been using this product for a couple of years now, and it tends to last me quite a long time. I also like to spray it along my hairline where I tend to be a little less vigilant about sunscreen application. It *does* smell like traditional, beachy sunscreen so if you hate that smell, I wouldn't rec. Oh, and it's vegan and reef-safe!

Get it from Amazon for $10.03 (oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, gluten-, cruelty-, and paraben-free).

Promising review: "I packed this hat into my suitcase twice and both times I just had to readjust it a bit and then it was the perfect shape again! There is a natural fiber smell when you first open the package for the first few days and then it goes away naturally. It’s super cute on and you can adjust the size inside with a strap as well!" —Jetsetgigi

Get it from Amazon for $65+ (available in three colors and two sizes).

Promising review: "My car sickness has been getting worse for years. I drive often with my family back to my hometown about five hours away. I put these on and was finally able to ride without constantly fighting nausea. They fit comfortably and I quickly forgot they were on. This feels like a simple, cost efficient fix." —Breya Porter

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.79+ (available in adult and children's sizes).

Promising review: "Took this on my first cruise. Anytime that I started to feel woozy I’d reach for it. I’m sure the required act of deep breathing helped a lot — and breathing in the fragrance of the essential oil is very calming and effective. Worked for me! Wonderful!" —Willy&Lilly

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $10.49 (also available in a pack of four). 

Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag. I've packed these on international trips to much success!

Promising review: "I have taken these packets on travels throughout the world. They are small and fit in my bag. They are good for a wash in a sink or wash bag. I use tide at home donut is my wash if choose. Glad to have them. They don’t leak either." —Barbara Jefferson

Promising review: "So glad I got these for my trip to Hawaii. These shoes saved my feet getting into the coral-covered beaches of Kaua'i. Great on the hot sand, too. Much more comfortable than the ones I got for my daughter at Target." —jaspy106

Get it from Amazon for $7.19+ (available in seven sizes and a variety of colors).

The seller recommends checking the size chart, which details the best size for your foot length. The back strap is also adjustable!

Promising review: "Comfy and trendy enough. I like 'em! I prefer not to wear shoes that don't have a back. It's my paranoia that I'll have to break out in a run at some point. But these work very well. I walk miles in them without discomfort. Plus they're cute. Trends up any casual outfit. They are not Croc- or Birkenstock-level comfort because the sole is not cushioned, but it is carved out just right for the naked foot. Update: Just came back from a month in Costa Rica during rainy season and I'm so glad I brought these! They held up so well getting through muddy pebble streets. The soles were thick enough to not feel the rocks beneath me and keep my toes from getting in the dirt. When I got in, I just washed them off. The white color held up in all that and they never felt uncomfortable or as if they would come of my feet (a concern I have about sandals without ankle straps). They are excellent value. Get 'em!" —MelRay

Get them from Amazon for $15.99 (available in sizes 6–10 and two colors).

Check out a TikTok of the drink holder in action. 

Promising review: "I am obsessed with these! I bought one for myself and immediately turned around and got a four-pack so I can keep extras in my desk at work and my car and give a few to friends. The cardboard carriers that you usually get from restaurants are wasteful and still need to be supported with two hands. With this, I can carry two to four beverages and a bag of take out food all in one hand with a hand free to open doors and such! There is no support underneath so you cannot leave them sitting in the carrier once you're in a car, but I wouldn't trust a cardboard carrier on the seat of my car full of drinks anyway. It is incredibly sturdy and everywhere I go I get constant compliments when I use it! I have run into very few cups that are too large, overall this is a total win! Can't recommend enough." —Allison

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in five colors). 

Promising review: "I am super happy with this cute wrap. I wore it over a bikini to a yoga party. Was comfortable, tied easily and stayed put. The black fit just the same." —MCK

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $6.39+ (available in 28 color combinations).

Promising review: "Bags held up great at the beach and the scoopers are very sturdy. My girls loved the cute bags to keep their shells in." —Kayla

Get a set of two from Amazon for $13.99 (available in three styles).

Promising review: "I used to play Ultimate Frisbee in college and it took me a lot of practice to get my throws down. Wanting to teach my kiddos how to throw, I researched and ended up buying these. I REALLY like them! I bought one set of two. And want to buy more. They are super easy for beginners to learn on and almost always fly true. They also don’t hurt when they hit you and my kids can catch them. Win. Win. Great colors and design! And they can skip a little bit. 🥏💗" —asnowmomma

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in six colors). 

Promising review: "This was an impulse buy and so glad I did it. Took them on vacation and they worked so well on the beach and sand. Must have." —paul molacek

Promising review: "These shorts are so light and airy! They are so comfortable. The only downside is that they do run small, I would size up by one size. I wore them to the beach and they were perfect for hanging out when I didn’t plan on getting in the water!" —Reese Elder

Get them from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 33 colors).

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BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.