1. Pick the Right Place for You

Planning a beach trip sounds simple—sunshine, swimsuits, and a suitcase, right? But behind every effortlessly dreamy seaside escape is a little strategy and a lot of intention. From choosing the right stretch of sand to packing the perfect playlist, planning a beach getaway (especially with friends) means balancing fun, comfort, and those little details that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. Whether you're dreaming of lazy days under an umbrella or a full-on coastal adventure, here’s your guide to planning the perfect beach trip—stress-free, stylish, and full of good vibes from start to finish.

This is where the vibe starts. Choosing the right beach sets the tone for your entire trip. Are you picturing chill hammocks and tropical fruit drinks with zero crowds? Or are you more into vibrant boardwalks, music, and beach clubs with a pulse?

Think about: travel time, affordability, safety, and how easy it is to get around (especially if your group doesn’t want to rent a car).

From experience:

• If you’re into surfing, taco shacks, and sunset bonfires, Nosara, Costa Rica was one of the most effortlessly cool beach towns I’ve ever visited.

• If your group is about fashion, cocktails, and curated Instagram stories, Mykonos or Tulum is your playground.

• For something charming and laid-back, Ischia (Italy’s lesser-known coastal gem) is all about hot springs and sea views, minus the crowds.

2. Book It Early (And Involve Everyone!)

Accommodations can make or break the vibe. A cramped hotel with two beds and seven people? No thanks. You want a place that feels like your crew’s own little paradise—space to spread out, a kitchen for snacks and cocktails, and ideally… ocean views.

Sites like Expedia and Vrbo make this easy and stress-free, believe me.

Pro tips from the beach trenches:

• Get a house with a common area. That’s where the best memories are made—group breakfasts, card games, or late-night heart-to-hearts with the sound of the waves.

• Think about walkability. Trust me, you don’t want to Uber every time someone forgets their sunglasses.

• Assign rooms ahead of time. Avoid the awkward “who gets the master” moment when you arrive.

3. Pack Smart, NOT Heavy

Packing for the beach can be deceptively tricky. You need enough options to go from beach bum to beach chic—but you don’t want to overpack and end up dragging a sand-filled suitcase everywhere.

Here’s my go-to beach bag setup (learned the hard way):

• A light linen shirt (covers you up and looks great in photos)

• At least two swimsuits (no one likes putting on a damp one)

• A portable speaker—bonus points if it’s waterproof

• A microfiber towel (they dry fast and roll up small)

• A turkish towel or sarong—doubles as a wrap, picnic blanket, or pillow

• Baby powder. Yes, baby powder. Sprinkle it on your feet and the sand just brushes off. Total game-changer.

Don’t forget a reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!) and snacks—trust me, hungry beach people are cranky beach people.

4. Build a Flexible Itinerary, Making Sure Everyone is Covered

Here’s the truth: overplanning a beach trip kills the vibe. The best moments are spontaneous—jumping into a beach volleyball game with strangers, discovering a pop-up oyster bar, or wandering into a beach bonfire you weren’t invited to but end up staying at for hours.

But a light structure = less chaos.
Plan just enough to keep things flowing, like:

• Theme nights (taco night, sunset picnic, white-out beach dinner)

• One or two group activities (snorkeling tour, beach yoga, sunset cruise)

• Time blocks for free-roam wandering or naps (those hit different after a swim)

And always… always leave room for a long, lazy afternoon with no plan at all. That’s where the real magic happens.

5. Share Costs Without the Stress

No one wants to be the person Venmo-requesting their friends for $4.37 two weeks later—but nobody wants to cover 100 bucks in group drinks either. Be clear up front: how are you splitting costs? What’s shared? What’s personal?

Here's what worked best for me:

One shared grocery haul on arrival (snacks, drinks, breakfast staples)

Rotate who picks up meals or Ubers to keep things even organically

Have a “fun fund”—everyone chips in $20–50 at the start for spontaneous things like frozen drinks, sunscreen refills, or group taxis

Try to keep the focus on fun, not finances. No one wants to worry about all of that while they're laying out in the sun!

6. Capture the Moments—Without Living on Your Phone

The memories you make on a trip like this? You’ll want to relive them. But trust me—there’s a balance between documenting and disappearing into your screen.

What I recommend:

• Appoint a daily “trip photographer”—one person captures the day, and you rotate

• Start a shared album so everyone contributes and no one misses the good shots

• Bring a disposable camera or Polaroid—instant nostalgia

• Use your phone sparingly, and for golden hour magic

Also: don’t underestimate the joy of a group photo in matching shades, wind-blown hair, everyone laughing mid-shot. Frame it. That’s the good stuff.

7. Bring the Vibe! (and the Unexpected Extras)

The “vibe” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s everything. It’s the playlist that sparks a dance-off. The beach blanket big enough for the whole group. The silly floatie that becomes an inside joke.

Here’s what I always sneak into my beach bag:

• A pack of waterproof playing cards

• A surprise group treat (think: mini bottles of bubbly or matching sunglasses)

• A vibe-setting playlist—sunny beats for day, chill tunes for sunset

• A tiny travel speaker with serious sound (don’t be the group with weak music)

Bonus idea: Create a signature cocktail for the trip. Give it a name. Make a big batch. Suddenly, you’re not just on a beach trip, you’re on a... well... whatever you name it trip!

A Beach Trip is more than just a trip...

It’s a reset button. It’s sandy feet, sun-kissed skin, and belly laughs that echo louder than the waves. With a little planning, a lot of heart, and a splash of spontaneity, you’ll make memories you’ll all be texting about long after the tan fades.

You didn't come this far to hold off. Start planning today!