As someone who’s constantly chasing tides, hopping between islands, and diving beneath the surface, my travel bag is basically an extension of me. I’ve packed, unpacked, and repacked it enough times to know what’s essential — what actually gets used, what keeps me feeling good, and what fits the life in shades of blue vibe.
Here’s a peek inside my bag — the real, salty, sun-soaked travel essentials I never leave home without 💙
(You can find everything I mention and more on my ShopMy page here.)
🐠 Diving Essentials
Let’s start with the obvious. I’m a waterwoman — so freediving gear always comes with me.
Long fins, a low-volume mask, snorkel, and a comfortable wetsuit (hello springsuit obsession) are non-negotiable. Whether I’m spearfishing in Costa Rica or reef diving in French Polynesia, these basics keep me prepared and streamlined.
Shop the gear I use → Diving Essentials
🌞 Reef-Safe Sunscreen
The ocean has given me everything — so protecting her is part of the plan.
I only use reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen that won’t harm coral or marine life. Bonus points if it’s moisturizing, light on the skin, and doesn’t leave me ghost-white in underwater photos.
My top picks → Reef Safe SPF
🧴 Clean Beauty for Salty Skin
Between sun, salt, sand, and travel, my skin needs a little love. I always bring a hydrating serum, a gentle cleanser, and a nourishing lip balm. Everything I use is non-toxic and ocean-friendly, because I believe your beauty routine should be as clean as your footprint.
See what I swear by → Clean Beauty Favorites
🐚 Coastal Girl Wishlist
This is where it gets dreamy.
Think linen cover-ups, shell accessories, breezy swimsuits, and travel-friendly extras like Turkish towels, coconut candles, and woven beach totes. These are the pieces that make you feel like a mermaid on land — soft, simple, and coastal-chic.
Get inspired → Coastal Wishlist
✨ The Vibe Essentials
A good book for beach days
My journal (salt-stained and sun-kissed)
A reusable water bottle
A shell pouch for beachcombing finds
And a waterproof dry bag — because let’s be real, things will get wet
🧜♀️ Pack Light, Travel Deep
Packing for an ocean lifestyle isn’t about overloading your suitcase — it’s about choosing well. Every item in my bag has a purpose, a story, or a connection to the way I live and travel.
If you're building your own ocean-girl kit, I curated everything I love and use right here:
👉🏼 shopmy.us/ggerbasi
Because life’s better in a bikini, with salty skin and the right gear by your side 💦