You know it better than anyone: summer has a beautiful way of bringing the family together.
Whether you're piling into the car for your annual beach trip or boarding a plane to head somewhere completely new, there's nothing like the anticipation of sunshine, salt air, and sandy feet that are just around the corner.
Of course, traveling with the whole family also means packing for the whole family. And if you've ever realized the sunscreen was left on the kitchen counter—or found yourself buying beach gear at a souvenir shop because there wasn't room to pack it. We’ve got you covered.
From your first setup to your last sunset, we've rounded up everything you need for an easier, more comfortable beach vacation whether you're loading up the car or catching a flight.
Road Tripping? Pack the Gear You'll Actually Want to Bring
One of the biggest perks of driving is that you aren't as limited by luggage space. That means you can bring the beach gear you actually love instead of settling for whatever's waiting at your destination.
Bring Chairs You'll Want to Sit In
Beach days have a funny way of lasting longer than you planned. One swim turns into three. Lunch becomes an afternoon snack. Before you know it, you're watching the sun start its slow trip toward the horizon.
If you're going to stay awhile, comfort matters.
The Shibumi Chair was designed for exactly those kinds of days. Lightweight enough to carry with ease, it features breathable DreamWave™ fabric, a powder-coated aluminum frame built to last, and four reclining positions that make it surprisingly difficult to convince yourself to leave.
Tip: Bringing chairs for the whole crew? Two-Chair Carry Clips let you carry two at once, making the walk from the parking lot just a little easier.
A Beach Shade That Travels Surprisingly Well
The Shibumi Shade Classic packs down small enough to fit inside a checked suitcase, making it easy to bring your favorite beach setup almost anywhere your travels take you. Weighing less than four pounds, packing into a checked bag, shading up to 8 people, and setting up in about two minutes once your toes hit the sand, there really is no better shade option for a travel beach vacation.
And if your trip is just for you, your partner, or a smaller family, the Shibumi Shade Mini provides all of the same benefits as the Classic Shibumi Shade, while fitting in your carry-on! Talk about a gamechanger.
Flying This Summer? Pack Smarter, Not Bigger
Flying to a beachy destination with its own kind of excitement. New coastlines, different beaches, restaurants you've never tried. The feeling that this year's trip will likely be one everyone references for years to come.
But flying also comes with one unavoidable challenge: the biggest being, you only have so much room. Thankfully, thoughtfully designed gear makes a big difference.
A Beach Shade That Travels Surprisingly Well
The Shibumi Shade Classic packs down small enough to fit inside a checked suitcase, making it easy to bring your favorite beach setup almost anywhere your travels take you. Weighing less than four pounds, packing into a checked bag, shading up to 8 people, and setting up in about two minutes once your toes hit the sand, there really is no better shade option for a travel beach vacation.
And if your trip is just for you, your partner, or a smaller family, the Shibumi Shade Mini provides all of the same benefits as the Classic Shibumi Shade, while fitting in your carry-on! Talk about a gamechanger.
Thinking About Bringing Your Favorite Beach Chair?
We get it - once you've found a chair you actually love, it's hard going back. Some diehard Shibumi fans have been known to check their chairs, so if the idea has crossed your mind, don’t worry! You’re not crazy!
If you're devoted enough to fly with your Shibumi Chairs, first off, we couldn’t agree more; and, secondly, you have our respect. Some comforts are worth making room for.
Beach Essentials Every Family Should Pack
No matter how you're getting there, a few beach-day staples deserve a spot on every packing list.
Tip: Pro tip, copy and paste the checklist below into your notes app. You’ll never leave an essential behind again. (At least for this trip…)!
- Swimsuits and lightweight beach clothes
- Beach towels
- Sun hats and sunglasses
- Sunshirts and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottles
- Plenty of your family's favorite snacks
- A cooler for drinks and lunch
- Beach toys, games, and a football or frisbee
- A speaker for your favorite summer playlist
A few extra minutes spent packing at home usually means a whole lot fewer "I wish we had..." moments once you’ve made it to paradise.
The Best Beach Days Start Before You Get There
The best family vacations aren't remembered because everything went perfectly. They're remembered because everyone was together. A little preparation simply makes it easier to enjoy those moments once they arrive.
At Shibumi, we believe great beach gear should make getting outside feel easier—not heavier. Whether it's lightweight chairs that take up minimal space in the trunk, a beach shade that fits your whole crew but won’t weigh you down, or thoughtful designs that simplify setup, every Shibumi product is built with one goal in mind: for you to spend less time managing your gear and more time making the most of summer.
Because the best part of any beach trip isn't what you packed. It's who you packed it for.
