Best Vacation Bathing Suits for the Whole Family

When you have a family vacation coming up, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of all the planning. But that excitement can quickly turn to panic when you start packing and realize that the kids outgrew their swimsuits from last year and yours hasn’t been updated in years. Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure you have everything you need for your trip. Instead, be proactive and get shopping. To help you decide, here are some of the best vacation swimwear for a family trip, categorized by destination.

For the Waterpark

Whether you’re headed to an indoor waterpark or an outdoor waterpark, it’s no fun for the kids to try all the slides without you. Enjoy the park with them instead of simply watching from the sidelines, and you’ll make it a vacation they’ll remember. As such, you’ll need a swimsuit that’s up to the task. Whether a men's bathing suit or a women’s swimsuit, one that has a secure pocket for credit cards and the hotel key is ideal. You’ll also want a soft material that supports you in all the right places but isn’t too tight or too loose. Modest suits are a good option for a family-friendly water park. For women, swim shorts are a great option for the waterpark whether you’re floating down the lazy river or braving the tall slides.

For the Beach

When it comes to the beach, anything goes. You might want a sporty swimsuit that can withstand the strongest of currents when splashing in the waves, or you might want something a little trendier and fashion-forward. This is the time to try on different swimsuits and choose something that stays where it should without too many intricate straps that could create odd-looking tan lines. Don’t forget to consider a cover-up too. There are so many cute options available these days that can keep you covered between your hotel room, the beach, and beyond.

For Wherever the Day Takes You

Sometimes you head out on vacation with lots of plans and ideas but you don’t want to necessarily commit to an exact agenda. If your family’s plans are as unpredictable as the weather, you might just want an all-purpose type of swimsuit on standby in case you decide to do go in the water. There are lots of styles and types of swimsuits to consider, especially for women. For example, modest swimwear in tankini style is a happy medium between a bikini and a one-piece, providing a good amount of coverage and also the flexibility to match it with different swim bottoms. Consider getting a couple of tops and bottoms that you can mix and match, such as a bikini bottom or a swim skirt. Just make sure you have enough options in your luggage so you’re prepared for wherever the day takes you without having to wait for swimsuits to dry.

For Intense Sun

Your vacation will be miserable if anyone gets sunburned and has to stay in the shade for the rest of your time away. Remember that kids’ skin is extra sensitive to the sun’s rays and needs more protection. For that reason, rash guards are great. They look like regular shirts but act like a swimsuit. The right kind of rashguard will block 98% of UV rays and also be durable enough to withstand chlorine exposure. A rash guard with an SPF of 50 is especially important for younger kids who may be too fidgety to apply sunscreen or who have extra sensitive skin. A toddler rash guard is great for this purpose because they can run around in it all day without you having to worry about catching them for reapplication. They don’t even have to change out of their suit at the end of the day since it makes a perfectly good shirt too, whether long-sleeved or short-sleeved.

Don’t Forget the Essentials

Any destination that requires you to wear a swimsuit likely requires a beach towel and beach bag as well, even if it is just a pool you’re headed to. After all, you’ll need something to help you all dry off as well as something in which to carry all the towels, sunscreen and whatever else you might need. Consider a personalized beach towel or beach bag for everyone in your family so you know whose is whose.