If you're going on holiday at the beach, pack comfy flats and sandals. Bring a pair that you can use on the sand and a pair you can wear to drinks and dinner. If you're planning to go trekking or sightseeing inland, swap out a pair of sandals for light sneakers.

For an efficient beach holiday in 2026, the "Golden Rule" is usually three pairs of shoes. First, a pair of high-quality flip-flops or waterproof slides is essential for the sand, pool deck, and communal showers. Second, you should bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers; these are usually worn on the plane to save luggage space and are necessary for exploring local towns, hiking, or if you encounter a rainy day. Finally, a pair of "dressy-casual" shoes—such as leather sandals, loafers, or stylish wedges—is needed for evening dinners and nightlife. If you plan on doing specific activities like snorkeling in rocky areas or professional-level hiking, you might need to add water shoes or specialized boots, but for 90% of travelers, the "Flip-flop/Sneaker/Sandals" trio covers every possible scenario from sunup to sundown. Packing more than this often leads to "over-packing," as beach vacations are primarily informal, and you will likely find yourself spending the majority of your time either barefoot or in your most comfortable sandals. Lightweight footwear is a priority to keep your suitcase under the standard weight limits.