Packing for beach type holiday - Help!

[Mumneedstea]

Hi all,

We're finally going on a beach type resort holiday after ages - been doing self catering holidays around the UK for the last few years. Leaving in 3 weeks and I really need some help with what to pack, so that I don't overdo it - going with DH and 2 DS (9 and 5)

I can't remember the last time I wore a swimsuit and I really don't know how often I'll actually be going into the pool/ocean. But I'm thinking I'll need at least 2 swimsuits? Do the boys also need 2 each or can we get away with 1 each?

Where do I shop for nice but not so expensive beach coverups? Last summer holiday was within the UK in nice weather and all I took was a few pairs of shorts and a t-shirt for each day. While I'm not someone who would ever be associated with fashion (😕), I would like to be a bit more out together, without having to pack a dress for each evening.

TIA!!

*put together, not out together!

Also, is figleaves still the best place to shop for a swimsuit for big boobs? Any other recommendations? Would ideally like something with also some tummy control.

M&S have a really nice range of swimwear and matching coverups. I'd take two suits for you but kids typically dry off. I'd get them rash vests so that you don't have to worry about sunscreen so much.

I'd recommend 2 swim suits for your kids too, mine would wear one in the morning, then change for lunch, then put a new costume on after lunch. I couldn't bear the thought of trying to get them back in to their wet costumes if I'm honest!
Most of my cover ups I've collected over the years from various high st retailers. I got a lovely one in Matalan last week, it wasn't with the holiday stuff though, it was right at the back of our store, with the bags and shoes! Primark has given me loads of great cover ups too. I've had some of them over 13 years and they have fit me at every size I've been (12-20!).
In terms of packing for my 2 boys, I take around 10 tshirts and 7 shorts for a 7 day holiday. 2 hoodie in case of cool evenings. Trainers and shoes suitable for the poolside. Then the usual underwear and socks. 3 pairs of pjs. For me I take all my cover ups, 3 day time causal outfits in case we leave the hotel, but also to wear for breakfast and lunch. 7 dresses for the evening and 2 cover ups, either cardi or jacket.
What else would you like to know?

I'd check out eBay or vinted - easy to pick up coverups which lets face it you'll wear for a day or two this year so why spend a lot of money?

Yes, mine have rash vests also, 2 caps, one for wearing in the pool, one for when they are dry.

Good shout re: vinted.
This is a cover up that I have - bought 10+ years ago but one of my favourites as it comes in under the bust so is flattering.

Thanks all!

@Clymene good tip about the rash vest! Will get those.

@Rainsdropskeepfalling I hadn't thought of second hand, but will have a look at them tonight

@ThisMustBeMyDream thanks! That a pretty comprehensive list. I'm guessing I also need to take some kind of beach/pool bag? We're planning on leaving the hotel on most days (not booked AI), so I may need more than 3 day outfits. Do the dresses need to be very formal? It's a 4 star resort. I don't live the kind of life where I would have 7 formal dresses and not keen to buying something that I may not use later.

Can kids get away with crocs or do they need flipflops for the beach/pool?

No, not formal at all. To be fair, I wear a lot of dresses. Just wear whatever you'd like in the evening! I find dresses better for me to keep me cooler. My dresses are all the floaty flowery type.
I just use our hand luggage pull along bag for beach trips. I've also made my boys wear their back packs with their own swim stuff and bits and bobs in.
Crocs absolutely fine!

Is it a package holiday with a luggage allowance? If so I wouldn't worry about overpacking. My goal is to be just within the weight limit.

When my boys were that age I'd take at least three pairs of trunks plus rash vests. Wet trunks chafe so Id change them before lunch. Also take vaseline for the same .
For 7 nights Id take 5 pairs of shorts and 10 tee shirts for children.
For me 3 bikinis, one full swimsuit, 2 shorts, 5 dresses.

Not formal dresses at all! You don't need a different one every day either. You could have 3 or 4. No one is going to care if you wear the same dress twice.

If you're limited on space/weight, you can buy beach towels there and leave them behind

I going on a beach hol for a week. Taking 4 night time dresses, 2 bikinis, 3 cover ups, wedges for night time, flip flops for day time. Beach bag and night time bag for me. For kids, 5 night time outfits, 2 swim suits, rash vest and 5 shorts and t shirts. Pool shoes, sandals for night time. Some things will get 2 wears.

Get a big tote as a beach bag, one with a little zip pocket on the inside is handy, you just want to be able to fling everything in.
Clothes pegs to clip towels to sun beds. Talc for getting sand off at the beach.
I find anything goes in the evening but if you are dining in the hotel some do specify men in long trousers and some also request a collared shirt in the restaurant in the evening.
Zip lock bags are always in the case, they come in handy for everything. We always take our water bottles and one of those foil lined lunch bags just for the odd snack and that.

Thanks all!

@AlliumFairy it is a package holiday with luggage included, but I want to be careful about overdoing it :)

Thanks @Penny31 for another comprehensive list!

@AtleastitsnotMonday those are some great tips! I would never have thought about the pegs!

Shoes wise, I'm thinking I'll wear trainers and take flip flops and something for the evening?
The boys can surely get away with just trainers and crocs right? Or will it be too hot for them to wear trainers in the evening when we go out?

I should have said that it's expected to be mid 20s which we're there

No, they will be fine with trainers and crocs. Mine will have trainers and sliders, which is what we took last year. Absolutely fine.

Decathlon for swimwear (you can do click and collect on their website). They have loads of reasonably priced swimwear and slides etc. Get the kids to wear trainers to travel in and then get some pool slides/sandals to wear while there. Or crocs if they prefer.