Eco-Friendly Solo Travel Essentials for Going to the Beach Alone
How do you fly away on a solo beach vacation, or on a vacation with anticipated beach activity, knowing you’re fully prepared? Through many solo trips, even flying carry-on only, I’ve come to figure that out and now share with you my comprehensive list of eco-friendly, solo travel essentials for going to the beach alone for worry-free single travel.
Like this? Share it with others!
This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. For products, the goal is to first provide direct links to eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable companies, and then to those same type (i.e., Climate Pledge Friendly Certification), of brands that use Amazon, if possible. Therefore, you may see multiple links for one option. Should you make a purchase through any link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my Disclaimers & Disclosures and Privacy Policy for more information.
How can I enjoy beach vacation alone?
If this is your time taking a solo trip or your first solo beach trip via flying, check out my top tips for being alone at the beach.
My tips can help you pick the best beach destination for solo travel as well as help you decide what you’ll want to do on your beach holiday alone.
Solo Beach Trip Ideas
- Amazing 4 Days in Maui Solo
- Belize Solo Travel: 7 Things to Know Before You Go
- How to Marine Conservation Volunteer in Belize
- The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Buzios Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Solo Travel: What to Know Before You Go
- 3 Perfect Days in Noosa Australia
- 7 Best Europe Beach Destinations for Solo Travelers
- Best of Split Croatia Solo Travel in 3 Days
- Barcelona 3 Day Solo Travel Itinerary
- Spectacular South of France in 3 Days
What to do on a beach by yourself?
Like I’ve said in tips for going to the beach alone, don’t be afraid to break out of your comfort zone by trying something that you weren’t planning on doing at the beach.
Conversely, even if you have a line-up of activities you’d like to do to meet people while at the beach solo, but find that when you’re there you just want to be alone at the beach, then just spend time being alone at the beach.
You never know how you’re really going to feel until you get there. So, just enjoy the environment and go with the flow. Feel free to change your mind. It’s one of the best solo trip benefits.
The 25 Must-Have Solo Travel Essentials for the Beach
So, what are the beach essentials for solo travel to pack as an over 50 solo traveler?
The beauty of my packing list for the beach is that some, if not most, of these items will already be on you for your solo trip because they are:
- travel essentials for the plane, especially so as long haul travel essentials,
- they are compact so they will fit in your eco-friendly carry-on bag, and
- all practically eco-friendly or sustainable beach gear to reduce your carbon footprint while you travel.
CORR Eco-Travel Pick
Carry-On Closet by Solgaard
You’ll be fully prepared with these beach solo travel essentials so you can enjoy any day, or multiple days, at the beach on over 50 solo travel. Any beach.
Let’s dive into your travel essentials packing list for the beach.
Beach Bag and Beach Gear
1 – Fold-up bag by Paravel
Not just for your beach bag, but also perfect as an extra personal item bag, if need be. Bring this Fold-Up Bag by Paravel for all possible travel situations. It can also come in handy for souvenir shopping without using single-use plastic bags.
Made from 10 recycled plastic water bottles, this eye-catching eco-friendly bag comes in an array of colors and can be monogrammed for a personal touch. It folds up so well it takes up very little space in your carry-on.
If you’re needing something more sportier for adventure beach going, try Cabin Zero’s eco-friendly dry bag backpacks.
2 – Reusable 1/2 gallon bag by Stasher
Pack this handy reusable 1/2 gallon bag by Stasher for your all-day beach snacks and your wet bathing suit at the end of the day. You’ll be ready to go out and deal with your wet suit later.
Made of flexible, heavy-duty, clear plastic with Pinch Loc seal so you can see all contents and know nothing will escape.
Microwave, stove, oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe, it’s fully versatile that beats any single-use plastic bag and will last much longer. That’s more sustainable.
3 – Waterproof pouch with waste strap by BO KAI LUN
One of the best ways to keep valuables safe at the beach and dry, is with a fabulous waterproof pouch with waste strap by BO KAI LUN.
They are 100% waterproof and float in the water. Sold as a set of 2, which is a deal.
I have these and use them all of the time and can’t rave about them enough. I use them for swimming and snorkeling all the time when I travel.
As a travel blogger, I have a lot of valuables at the beach, so you will not believe how much these babies will hold. Plus, when not in use, they take up zero space in my carry on add no extra weight. This bag is one of the top beach vacation must-haves.
4 – Compact travel / beach umbrella by Totes
Just in case you’re at a beach with no rental umbrellas, or all of the rental umbrellas are taken, take a compact Eco ‘Brella by Totes with you in your beach pack for some sun shade.
It will also be handy if you’re in a tropical area with rain showers, of course.
The Eco ‘Brella canopy is made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles; the frame is made of 70% recycled material; and, the handle is constructed from bamboo – all very eco-friendly materials.
The umbrella opens up to a 44″ arc of coverage and is light weight and compact in your baggage when not in use. It’s a very handy item to have
5 – Quick-dry travel / beach towel by Zumi
Believe it or not, another of the top solo travel essentials is an ultra-light, quick drying towel. Why? Some hotels do not allow their towels being taken to a beach off-site and towels are not available on an off-the-beaten path beach.
So, be prepared with a Zumi Travel Towel. It’s made of 100% soft, Turkish cotton and 50% more absorbent and microfiber, making it more eco-friendly as well.
Compact, weighs only 10.6oz, can handle two adults (29″x59″), and dries 4 times faster than a regular towel. It also comes with a full 1 Year Guarantee.
Beach Travel Clothing Essentials
6 – Eco-friendly swimsuit by Summersalt
Be the envy on the beach with your stylish and eco-friendly swimsuit by Summersalt, or any of these top 10 eco-friendly and sustainable swimsuit brands for men and women.
Summersalt’s swimsuits are WRAP (or equivalent) certified, and made of 78% recycled polyamide, GOTS and GRS certified materials with UPF 50+ protection and poly bag packaging made from recycled materials.
I have two of their swimsuits and love them. Check out the plethora of their one and two-piece styles.
7 – Vera walking shoes by Teva
Sleek and feminine to wear walking everywhere, even to the beach, these Vera walking shoes are ideal for being ready for any hot and sandy, pebbly or rocky beach. Men’s styles also available by Teva.
These are the perfect walking shoe year-round. You can even wear with socks on the plane to keep your feet warm. The contoured midsole and nylon shank stabilizes and supports your foot on uneven terrain.
Teva’s sandals are made from recycled plastic and verifiable REPREVE® polyester yarn by Unifi®, and each saves 2 plastic bottles from ending up in landfills. Last, this style is recyclable through Teva’s TevaForever recycling program.
You can’t go wrong with these on your solo beach vacation, or any vacation for that matter.
8 – Flip flops by Third Oak
Upgrade your throw-away flip flops for the beach with these flip flops by Third Oak. I have a pair of these and love them.
They are comfortable, versatile, and do not take up a lot of room in my carry on bag. These you keep in your beach bag and slip them with a dress up a summer dress walking right off the beach.
These are responsibly made in the UDS from vegan, cruelty-free, and recycled materials and are also recyclable. They are extremely comfortable and well made.
Classic black on black to go with anything, to go with you anywhere. Choose from many different styles and colors for women.
9 – Crinkle tie knot beach dress wrap by boohoo
Walk off the beach in this stylish, black crinkle tie knot wrap beach dress by Boohoo paired with the flip flops by Third Oak, and who would know you were at the beach?
Made from 100% recycled polyester, crinkle material, and black, you can throw it in your beach bag without a worry. The tie-knot wrap style can flatter any figure.
Boohoo also has men’s casual, sustainable clothing for the beach.
Read more about boohoo’s sustainability plan.
10 – Sunglasses by Pela
Lost your shades and need a new pair for the beach? Try these recycled plastic Pela sunglasses.
Made with full UVA/UVB protection, they are durable enough for any beach activity.
These Pela sunglasses are made from recycled materials that are prevented from entering our waterways and oceans.
If you want to upgrade, send in an old pair and Pela upcycles, recycles, composts and properly disposes of the sunglasses through their 360 Program, which has reduced their carbon emissions, water usage and waste. How sustainable is that?
Lots of styles to choose from. Check them out.
11 – Destination sun visor by tentree
For more sun protection for your eyes and face while being sporty at the beach the Destination sun visor by tentree is the perfect option.
I love wearing visors during travel and at the beach because they are easy to pack, hard to ruin in a bag, they are adjustable, and they don’t give me hat-head.
Made from 90% recycled polyester and recycled plastic brim, this visor is adjustable and durable for multiple outdoor activities.
Entertainment Travel Essentials
12 – Portable Solar Charger by BLAVOR
With the capacity to charge 3 devices at once, you can charge your Climate Pledge Friendly mobile phone, tablet and laptop all at once on the beach with BLAVOR’s popular solar-charged 10,000mAh wireless power bank. How much more sustainable can you get than that?
Dustproof, shockproof and waterproof, this compact charger with flashlight is the travel essential you can literally take anywhere and keep your devices charged. It’s reasonably priced, too.
You won’t have to worry about your devices running out of juice on the beach when you have this with you.
13 – Mobile phone case by Pela
Protect your mobile phone through all types of travel – even the beach elements – with a sturdy phone case by Pela, a B Corp.
Pela iphone and Android cases are made from compostable materials that break down completely in a standard compost. They are also designed to keep your devices safe with drop protection and grip features so a safe phone is one that does not end up as e-waste.
Choose from a multiple of fun designs and colors.
14 -Thermal phone case by PHOOZY
Out all day in the sun at the beach is where you want keep your mobile phone from overheating. Do it with this thermal phone case by PHOOZY.
Not so eco-friendly, but ensuring your device does not overheat does help keep it from becoming e-waste. Also, your device’s safety is your safety.
Thermal Capsules float in the water, extend your battery life, and will not interfere with cellular, Wifi, or Bluetooth signals to keep you connected and protected in every condition.
Available in 2 sizes for fitting multiple types of mobile devices.
15 – Waterproof bluetooth speaker by Kunodi
Make friends on your solo beach holiday by sharing good music with your Outdoor waterproof bluetooth speaker by Kunodi.
These little babies are wireless with a subwoofer, enhanced bass and built-in mic.
Waterproof, dustproof and with an aluminum alloy metal carabiner, you can hang this durable speaker anywhere. What fun at the beach or in your hotel room.
16 – Wireless bluetooth earbuds by TOZO
Want to keep the music a little closer to you? Then don’t forget your wireless, bluetooth earbuds by TOZO.
These reasonably priced, popular earbuds are also a a built-in mic system for safer car travel.
Even waterproof for 1 meters deep for 30 minutes, you’ll be comfortable knowing they can’t be ruined at the beach.
They also rechargeable, with a single charge lasting 30 hours, which eliminates repeated battery purchases and battery waste, which we like in our eco-friendly travel, right?
17 – HERO7 Black by GoPro
There is nothing better than being able to take underwater photos or videos at the beach, and you can do it with a handy GoPro HERO7 Black, like I have.
This HERO7 set comes with an extra battery and super suit dive housing case for all of those underwater shots.
GoPro HERO7 is easy to use, works great on a selfie-stick, and can upload content live if you want so you can show all of your friends and family how much fun you’re having at the beach.
18 – Floating selfie stick by Smatree
Don’t forget the Smatree S3C Carbon Fiber Detachable Extendable Floating Pole to go with your GoPro HERO7.
The floating stick means your GoPro won’t sink, and the high class carbon fiber material makes it light to carry and durable.
The fact this stick adjusts to multiple lengths, up to 39.5″, and acts as a tripod, will let you cover all angles and shots to your heart’s content without having to ask someone to take your picture for you as a solo traveler. How convenient.
Beach Travel Accessories Essentials
19 – Reusable water bottle and filter by joypur
Another zero waste option to eliminate plastic water bottles and single-use plastic cups is having your reusable joypur collapsible filtered water bottle.
BPA-free with its own filter provides protection for your health.
Lightweight and foldable means no clunky water bottle to lug around – simply roll it up and store it away when not in use – perfect for those tight baggage spaces, too.
I also like the Katadyn BeFree collapsible water bottle wit filter, which has not let me down, but I recently got the joypur bottle and like it just as much. It comes with a 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee. These bottles make saving on plastic waste so easy. They also save you money.
For easier carrying when full, I put it in my ChicoBag rePETe water bottle sling made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
20 – Bamboo travel utensil set by Bamboo Essentials
You’ll be passing up the plastic utensils and reducing waste while traveling with Bamboo Essentials’ bamboo travel utensil set. I like mine because they take up little room, are light weight and durable, and come with a stylish pouch (available in 20 different colors), with carabiner I can hook to anything during my solo travel.
Made from natural, vegan, and eco-friendly bamboo, the utensils are sealed in a food-safe wood oil. Wash them by hand or in the dishwasher. Made from bamboo instead of steel prevents setting off any airport security.
Be prepared for any food vendor at the beach with your own set so you can pass on the plastic utensils.
21 – Collapsible cups by ME.FAN
Another product I love… For hot and cold drinks, these little collapsible cups by ME.FAN are perfect for air travel, festivals, and any outdoor excursion, like the beach.
Made from food-grade silicon BPA-free, these are lightweight, fit in small bags, and come in an array of colors.
The little base helps the cup from tipping. It also comes with a lid, just in case, to prevent spillage. They come in a set of four so you have extras or give them away to friends so they can be eco-friendly as well.
22 – First aid kit by Thrive
Safety first is always a good motto in solo travel, and nothing speaks ‘safety’ more than having your own, portable Thrive first aid kit.
It contains 66 pieces all in a convenient pouch that fits in the palm of your hand.
It’s compact and lightweight so it really doesn’t take up much space in your travel or beach bag.
Beauty Travel Essentials
23 – Reef and marine life safe sunscreen SPF 50+ by Alba
I have been using Alba products as my main skincare regimen for 17 years now and do not see me changing to another product any time soon. I simply love Alba Botanica.
This includes their Hawaiian clear spray SPF 50 sunscreen.
Their sunscreen is made with 100% vegetarian, plant-based blend of botanical ingredients like coconut extract, shea butter, and avocado oil without gluten, oxybenzone, or octinoxate, the known chemicals to hurt marine life. It also does not contain titanium dioxide, another chemical found to cause damage to marine life.
It’s cruelty-free, never tested on animals, and recognized by the Leaping Bunny Program.
Before travel, simply transfer it to a 2 oz aluminum spray bottle for easier transport through airport security. The spray application is easiest for best body coverage as a solo traveler. Still, if you’re feeling daring, you can always ask the cute man next to you to help you put it on your back. (smiley face)
24 – Lip balm by Burt’s Bees
Protect your lips and keep them soft at the beach with Burt’s Bees 100% natural moisturizing lip balm.
Made with beeswax and fruit extracts only, these are long-lasting. Get the four-pack for pomegranate, coconut and pear, mango, and pink grapefruit flavors.
Bonus with the pomegranate, as it can add a bit of color to your lips for going out at night after the beach.
25 – Organic coconut oil leave-in spray by Maui Moisture
Maui Moisture nourishing coconut milk leave-in spray is also what you’ll want for going out after the beach.
After rinsing out the salt water from your hair, spray this weightless, leave-in treatment on your hair to keep your hair soft, hydrated and healthy, not dry and brittle from the sun and water. Don’t forget to comb it through with your bamboo wide tooth comb to best protect your hair.
Made from vegan oil, and is silicone and paraben-free, it’s safe for use on color-treated hair and helps defrizz curls.
Transfer it to the other 2 oz aluminum spray bottle before travel.
Let Me Hear From You
I would love to hear if these 25 must-have solo travel essentials for going to the beach alone were helpful in your solo travel over 50. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!
The sound of waves, the feel of the sand, and the act of riding waves can be therapeutic.