May 12, 2026

Today: An excellent beach (or pool or park) bag. Plus …

Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

Pretty much any bag can schlep your stuff to the beach, but a dedicated beach bag that’s durable and easy to clean (and, sure, cute) is worth it. After our latest round of testing, we’ve found two new favorites for lugging all your stuff around the sand — including a mesh, waterproof tote that’s flexible enough to pack down small.

It’s the kind of bag that you can throw anything in without a second thought: dripping sunscreen bottles, damp towels, and wet swim gear galore.

Extremely easy to pack into the bottom of a suitcase or duffel→

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Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

The right personal-item bag that’s easy to stow and satisfyingly packed with all of your creature comforts is essential for a stress-free flight. We found a few excellent options, including a handsome leather shoulder bag and a convenient nylon tote.

4 great underseat luggage and personal-item bags→

Our favorite women’s swimsuits From supportive bikini tops to a one-piece with the right amount of coverage→

The best beach towels Our favorite is super absorbent and feels luxuriously soft draped over the skin→

Cute (and cheap!) sunglasses After testing 95 pairs, we’ve found the best, including a sturdy, stylish option and sophisticated shades that look luxe→

Protect yourself with a sun hat Our top pick offers the highest possible protection level from the sun, as well as generous coverage of the ears and neck→

Posh Tech Store

This little leather strawberry can hold a famously ugly Apple AirTag — and it can attach to purses, backpacks, suitcases, or anything else you’re trying to keep track of while out and about.

It’s 25% off today→

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Our experts have collected dozens of gifts — including a very cute fanny pack and sleek toiletry containers — to make flights, long customs lines, and hotel stays feel less arduous and a bit more fun.

Including an actually good neck pillow→

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