When packing for the beach it’s best to stick to the “less is more” philosophy- hard to follow for any fashionista. Discover which one clothing item you can bulk up your luggage with to get the maximum variation out of your vacation wardrobe.

Packing your favorite swimwear is always a good idea, since they’re easily packed and usable for any occasion. Any style is versatile and comfy, plus will always give a fantastically beach-inspired look to every outfit.

Throw on a bikini top instead of a bra underneath your favorite sundress or skimpy top for day activities and you’ll get a super-sexy pop of color. Pair patterned and brightly colored bikini tops with neutral dresses for a funky, unique look. For evening, try pairing a one-piece swimsuit with a long, breezy skirt for a stye that’s both fun and comfy.

Just hearing the word “Malibu” evokes glamorous visions of beautiful starlets in bikinis and handsome leading men frolicking in picture-perfect sand and surf, with not a care or worry in the world.

It’s one of the greatest draws of Hollywood, a beautiful beach just a short drive from Tinseltown.  Throughout the summer, celebrity magazines are filled with photos of the hottest stars in the tiniest swimsuits.  But even celebrities have to take the time to cover up and steer clear of overexposure.

Award-winning singer Rod Stewart shows how he and his family cover up from harmful rays, but still look glamorous, at the beach in Malibu.  His wife, Penny Lancaster, wears a sexy pink cover-up and trendy straw cowboy hat, while Rod himself sports a flowy white long-sleeve button-down shirt with a very cool hat.

The family, with son, Alistair, even use beach umbrellas, just like regular people.  Sun protection doesn’t get much more glamorous than this famous family!

Any beach-lover is seriously missing out on an amazing vacation spot if they’ve never been to Florida’s Key West. Gorgeous sands are perfect for relaxing in that new bikini from Betsey Johnson swimwear or another trendy desginer, to-die-for crystal clear water is ideal for splashing and swimming, and the landscape- pure perfection.

Divers and snorkelers will fall in love with the abundance of treasure hunting tours and sunken ship sites to explore.  You can also find that perfect tank zip tank suit that bodyglove swimwear has that is all the rage. Since it’s Florida, of course the weather is perfect all year long- ideal for packing every one of your swimsuits so you can wear a different one every day.

Key West has more to offer than just an amazing beach and ocean, however. Check out attractions like the historic lighthouse tours, enthralling aquariums, then sit down for a bite to eat at one of the cozy seafood shacks.

Don’t miss out on this amazing vacation destination and schedule your own trip soon.

Coney Island is a beach and peninsula in Brooklyn, New York, which borders the Atlantic Ocean. Brighton Beach and Manhattan Beach are located to the north of the district, with Seagate to the west.

A boardwalk spans the entire length of the beach. The proximity of this boardwalk to a range of eateries and attractions means that the area as a whole, rather than just the beach, is a beacon for tourists and locals alike. The Coney Island area plays home to the New York Aquarium and the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team, with a variety of sporting tournaments – mainly involving baseball and volleyball – being held there. In addition, Coney Island has become synonymous with amusement park-style entertainment, with a variety of amusements and attractions coming and going from the area over the years.

Coney Island Beach’s firm place in the popular culture of America is often tied to its reputation as a tourist attraction. Romantic dates, fond memories and days spent lolling about in swimsuits lapping up the sun are often linked to the area. Popular films such as “9 ½ Weeks”, “Bugsy”, Uptown Girls” and “Sophie’s Choice” all make use of this imagery.

With a length of approximately 2.5 miles, Coney Island Beach is a popular destination for swimmers. This rings particularly true for the Polar Bear Club, swimmers who frequent the waters – without protective insulated swimwear – throughout the winter months regardless of the cold. A popular New Year’s Day tradition for many New Yorkers is to put on their bathing suits and join the Polar Bear Club in taking an icy dip. In summer, Coney Island Beach is tremendously popular with young families. Recognizable by their bright one piece swimsuits, young children can often be seen frolicking on the sand and in the water, building sandcastles and chasing one another. The layout of surrounding attractions and buildings means that the beach is bathed in warm sunlight for almost the entire day, making Coney Island Beach the perfect spot for a family day out. Rock jetties act as barriers which divide the beach into smaller areas. These are a good option for people who prefer not to swim in crowded areas, or who like to wear their swim suits in relative privacy.

Long Beach is separated by water from the south of Long Island in Nassau County, New York. It lies in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Town of Hempstead. The area’s signature white beach is 3.5 miles long, with an equally-impressive 2 ¼ mile long boardwalk to match.

Long Beach is a popular recreation spot for locals and tourists alike. There are worse ways to spend your time than lazing around in the sand in your favorite swimsuit, or bringing the family down for a day of fun and relaxation. Beach sports like volleyball are very popular, and there are few more delightful sights than seeing children in their bright bathing suits splashing around or playing together in the sand. Surfing enthusiasts can also indulge their passion at designated places and times between spring and fall.

The fun, relaxed holiday atmosphere of Long Beach also makes it the perfect setting for a range of other fun activities and events. Many of these, such as an annual free concert series, occur during the glorious days and balmy nights of summer. Other events, conversely, are spread throughout the year. An example of this is the races for which Long Beach has become well-known, with the boardwalk being the perfect setting for fun runs, longer events and swim/run biathlons. On a less formal scale, walkers, joggers and cyclists keeping fit are a common site on the boardwalk all year round.

If you’re after somewhere to shop or have a bite to eat at Long Beach, you won’t miss out either. The laid-back atmosphere of the district is again reflected by the variety of eateries – while there are several pubs and a range of foreign cuisine, this is an area where relaxed seafood restaurants, beach café’s, delis and family diners reign supreme. On the shopping front, shoppers have a choice of two major areas – Park Avenue and West Beech Street. Along with all the usual shops, they can expect to see a good variety of swimwear and surf-wear outlets, which allow both locals and visitors to look their best when showing off designer bathing suits on the beach.

Fire Island is located in the state of New York, southeast of Long Island. East of the main part of New York City, it faces directly onto the Atlantic Ocean. Its permanent population barely exceeds 500 residents, although this figure swells in summertime due to tourists, day-trippers and part-time residents.

In terms of pastimes, few are more relaxing or more fascinating than people-watching. Fire Island is a great place to sit back and observe the passing parade, particularly at the ever-popular Robert Moses State Park. From young children in one piece suits to bronzed tourists in their designer bikinis, beach-lovers in their thousands flock to the region every summer.

It’s with good reason that they do this, too. The 5 miles of well-maintained beach are perfect for surfing, swimming, fishing or just lapping up the rays in your bathing suit. A quick glance down the beach will also reveal that you’re never too old to enjoy building sandcastles. From small children with their buckets and spades to big kids at heart with their elaborate creations, the humble sandcastle is in abundance at Fire Island. The beach is equally popular with young families, teenagers and water sports enthusiasts. Joggers, skaters, cyclists and parents with strollers can regularly be seen. Sports such as volleyball, handball, tennis and pitch-and-putt golf are also popular pursuits, with equipment available to hire at reasonable rates.

In terms of shopping and dining, Fire Island has a relaxing, breezy, “Sunday afternoon” feel. Café’s, beach huts and swimwear outlets line the street, while by night the areas pubs and relaxed family restaurants come to life. It is particularly enjoyable to lap up this atmosphere in summer, when the weather lends itself to spending balmy nights sitting outside.

Fire Island has earned quite a status in New York pop culture for a number of reasons. The film Men in Black II is one of several films and television shows over time to use the Fire Island lighthouse as a picturesque backdrop. On the musical front, disco diva Donna Summer cancelled an appearance at a Fire Island beachside concert in 1979; her replacement, France Joli, quickly rose to fame on the back of that night’s performance. Cult band the Village People also recorded a song called “Fire Island”, making mention of many local landmarks.

Facing the Atlantic Ocean in the USA’s mid-Atlantic region, Jersey Shore is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations. It is colloquially known as America’s ‘playground by the sea’, and attracts over 1 million visitors every year. It has built a reputation over decades as a mecca for family entertainment of all kinds, from beaches to amusement parks and plenty in-between.

Take a look at what is available to see and do at Jersey Shore, and it’s no real surprise why the region has earned this nickname. From the boardwalks lined with rides and games, to café’s, shops and even a water-park, there is always something to see and do at Jersey Shore. Beach-loving holidaymakers can also relax on the white sand in their bikinis and one piece swimsuits, or frolic in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach also provides a fun getaway for families; children in brightly-coloured monokinis building sandcastles together, chasing one another and jumping about in the waves are almost a permanent fixture during daylight hours.

The beach isn’t the only place where you can show off your designer swimwear, however. The Runaway Rapids water park is immensely popular with tourists of all ages – from the very young to the young at heart. Toddlers in their cute bathing suits as well as slightly older children have their own dedicated areas, while rides from the exhilarating to the relaxing cater for other tastes. If you need a break from all the action, just stretch out on a banana lounge in your bikini and soak up the atmosphere.

 For people who don’t fancy getting wet, amusement rides, fire-works and festivals might do the trick. A trip to Jersey Shore is a thrill for a child, and a trip down memory lane for an adult – old-school rides such as bumper cars, merry-go-rounds, roller-coasters and ghost-houses are always enjoyable.

Once the sun goes down it doesn’t mean that the fun stops. Firework displays throughout summer are a great way to cap off a day trip, and in recent times Jersey Shore has become a popular live music venue for listeners to enjoy up-and-coming-bands.

 Orchard Beach is located in the Bronx district of New York City, to the west of Long Island Sound. Known for its unique shape and breathtaking views, the beach is actually man-made. In spite of this, it maintains a lovely natural feel due to the surrounding coastline and forest areas.

Despite the relative newness of the actual beach, the area in which Orchard Beach is situated has a colourful history. Native American tribes once inhabited the area, while in more recent times private estates and orchards (from which the beach got its name) were located in the area. Orchard Beach was opened on July 25, 1936.

Orchard Beach is a very popular destination for sunbathers and swimmers of all ages. Young families on day trips, tanned tourists sunning themselves and people playing beach sports of all kinds are everywhere to be seen in summer months. As such, the array of swimwear on display is eye-catching – adorable, bright children’s one piece swimsuits, sexy designer bikinis, slick men’s bathing suits and much more.

The beach itself is part of the larger area of Pelham Bay Park. Like all parks and most beaches in the area, Pelham Bay Park is very family-friendly. This is reflected in the types of community facilities that are available. The park and beach offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity to swim, stroll, play or just relax. Two playgrounds can keep young visitors occupied, while 26 courts – suitable for handball, volleyball and basketball – are available for sporty types to have a game or two.

The specialty shops and eateries of the area also reflect the ‘family’ feel of Orchard Beach. Stores and stands selling sunglasses, swim wear and souvenirs are dotted along the streets, while an array of relaxed café’s, pubs and concession stands cater for hungry and thirsty visitors.

Orchard Beach, like most beaches in the area, is very family-friendly. This is reflected in the types of community facilities, stores and eateries in the area. Pelham Bay Park offers the opportunity to swim, stroll, play or just relax. Two playgrounds can keep young locals and visitors busy, while 26 courts –suitable for handball, volleyball and basketball – are available for sporty types to have a game or two. Specialty shops – many of them selling souvenirs or swim wear – are dotted along the streets, while an array of relaxed café’s, pubs and concession stands cater for hungry or thirsty visitors.

 Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk are situated on Long Island’s South Shore in New York City. With Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Park and Arverne nearby, they form part of the largest urban beach precinct in the US. 

The area has an interesting and varied background. The origins of its name have been traced back to the Chippewa Native Americans, with “Reckonwacky” (meaning “place of our people”) being one of its several indigenous names. Over time the area became the stomping ground of many of New York’s richest citizens, due to its isolation from the rest of the city. The construction of a railway station bought an end to this isolation, and the start of Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk as they are known today.

In 1999, as a result of extensive refurbishment, the boardwalk in its entirety was opened to the public. Part of this refurbishment included repairs and restoration of the boardwalk, construction of children’s playground equipment, increased accessibility for the disabled and a number of marine-themed murals.

With its huge variety of shops, eateries, attractions and other things to see and do, Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk have something for everyone. People who love to shop can explore the outlets lining the streets and dotted along the boardwalk. Swimwear, souvenirs, sunglasses and more can often be picked up for a bargain. Sporty visitors can play basketball, handball, tennis or roller-hockey, or else go for a walk or jog along the boardwalk. The area has several playgrounds that are ever-popular with families; the addition of “Whaleamena” – a sculpture originally from Central Park – has provided plenty of laughs and photo opportunities. After dark, the area’s bars and pubs with their live music are a draw-card for older holiday-makers.

Aside from everything else to see and do, many people come to Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk purely to relax and have fun on the sand and in the water. From swimmers in their skimpy bikinis or one piece suits to those who prefer to cover up, frolicking in the waves and soaking up the sun is a favorite pastime of many New Yorkers. Hordes of children can also be seen building sandcastles together or splashing about in the shallows.