5 Best Beach Towels For Travel in 2023

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, thoughts turn to summer vacation. Whether you’re going on a beach vacation or just lounging by the pool, a good beach towel is essential.

Traveling can be quite a hassle, especially when you have to pack light. You can’t just take your extra thick cotton towels and put them in your beach bag but you still want to enjoy fluffy towels when you are traveling. We have good news for you: Packing light doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or comfort, especially when it comes to your towel. 

We’ve rounded up the best beach towels for travel, whether you’re looking for something lightweight and compact or fluffy and luxurious. We’ve got options for every budget, so you can find the perfect towel to suit your needs.

1. Rainleaf Microfiber Beach Towel

If you’re looking for a luxurious, super-absorbent towel that dries quickly and is light to carry, then the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is for you. This towel is made of ultra-absorbent fiber that soaks up water faster than traditional towels, and it takes just minutes to dry – not hours. It’s also lightly weighted, so you can easily take it with you on trips without feeling bulky. Plus, it comes in multiple colors and designs, so you can find one that matches your style perfectly.

If you’re looking for a luxurious, super-absorbent towel that dries quickly and is light to carry, then the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is for you. The XX-Large version measure 40 x 72 inches and only weighs 0.9 pounds, making it large enough to use as a beach towel or even a picnic blanket while being lightweight enough to take with you on any trip.

This beach travel towel is made of ultra-absorbent microfiber that soaks up water faster than traditional towels, and it takes just minutes to dry – not hours. We love how soft it feels on the skin, and that it comes in 10 different colors, so you can find one that matches your style perfectly.

Plus, this large towel has loops with snaps in the corners so you could just tie it up to something and let it hang out and dry. There’s also a small pocket with a zipper in one corner for storage of small items like your phone or keys. 

Overall, we were extremely impressed with the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel and would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new travel towel.

2. WET CAT Turkish Beach Towel

When it comes to beach towels, we always thought that microfiber towels were the best choice. However, after trying out the WET CAT Turkish Beach Towel, we may have to revise our opinion. This towel is made out of OEKO-TEX certified natural dyed yarn and feels incredible on the skin. It also measures 38 x 71″ but only weighs 8 ounces, making it perfect for travel.

Plus, it comes in 24 colors so you’re sure to find the perfect one for you. And since it is machine washable, you can keep it fresh and germ-free for your coming beach trips.

We were really impressed with how well this towel performed. It was super absorbent and actually didn’t hold any sand, which was a huge plus. It also dried relatively quickly compared to other Turkish towels we’ve used. Plus, it’s durable and designed to last, even with repeated washes.

Even though the packing size of this cotton beach towel is a bit larger than microfiber towels, you can still easily fit it in your suitcase when rolled up or folded flat.

Overall, we were really impressed with this cotton towel and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a new beach towel for travel.

3. Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel

The Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel is a great choice for travelers who want a compact and absorbent beach towel. The large version measures 32×72 inches, making it great for beach days.

Like most other travel towels, it’s quick-drying and super soft, making it perfect for drying yourself off after a swim. Its thin, luxe design means it takes less space in your bag. Plus, the quick-snap hang loop is handy for hanging it up on the go.

According to Youphoria, this quick-drying travel towel can hold up to five times its weight in water. We haven’t measured it but you can bet your bottom dollar that it’s absorbent!

We love that it comes in 10 different colors and the mesh carrying bag allows you to easily carry your towel with you.

The only downside is that it’s a bit smaller than our top 2 picks, but overall, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a towel that’s easy to carry and doesn’t take up too much space.

4. Wise Owl Outfitters Beach Towel

Measuring 4 by 7 feet the Wise Owl Outfitters Beach Towel is the biggest beach towel for travel on our list. It’s big enough to comfortably lie on, even for 2 people, or you can cover beach chairs, or use it as a picnic blanket. No doubts that it’s made for multi-purpose use.

Despite the size of this towel is ultra-thin, weighs only 20 ounces, and packs down to 12.5″ x 3″. 

Just like other best travel towels, this beach towel is super absorbent and dries quickly, so you won’t have to spend your vacation laying around on a damp towel while you are waiting for it to dry. It also has a hang dry strap, so you can easily hang it up to dry when you get back to your hotel room. And if you’re worried about sand getting all over your towel, don’t be! This large beach towel is sand repellant, so the sand will just brush right off.

One of the downsides is that it doesn’t come with a carrying case or pouch, but you can easily store it in a lightweight packing cube.

We love that it looks like classic cabana striped towels.

Some travelers also shared that they don’t find the material to be as soft as some of the other options on our list and we agree. But if you are looking for a large, lightweight, and quick-drying beach towel, the Wise Owl Outfitters Beach Towel is a great option.

5. 4Monster Travel Towel

Another great travel beach towel on our list is the 4Monster Travel Beach Towel. Measuring 35 x 71 inches, it’s a good size for one person.

It’s super-absorbent, light, and compact, and it’s made with natural plant dyes, so it won’t fade after use. The stitching and other accessories are also top-notch, meaning that this towel will last you for a long time. And, because it’s made with 100% clean fabric, you can be sure that there won’t be any weird smells after you use it. The fact that it’s treated with a SILVADUR antibacterial treatment is also a huge plus.

Like the other travel towels that we are recommending in this list, the towel comes with a loop for hanging, so you can easily dry it off.

We really love the EVA carrying case that keeps your towel clean and easy to store. It comes with little air vents that allow the towel to breathe and dry. As an extra bonus, the company adds a carabiner so you can easily attach it to your bag.

The only drawbacks of this towel are that it’s not sand-resistant and that you have to wash it in cold water, but overall, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and compact travel beach towel.

Beach Towel Buying Guide: Things to Consider While Buying Beach Towels For Travel

When purchasing a beach towel, there are several factors you should consider in order to make sure you’re getting the best possible towel for your needs. In this guide, we’ll go over what to look for in a good travel towel, including absorbency, anti-microbial properties, comfort, features, material, size and packability, and weight.

Absorbency

Absorbency is one of the crucial factors to consider when selecting a beach towel. You want a towel that will be able to quickly and easily soak up water from your body or from the sand. Microfiber towels are typically very absorbent.

Sand Resistance

No matter how carefully you shake off your towel, there’s always going to be some sand left behind. To avoid bringing the beach home with you, look for towels that are treated to resist sand and other debris.

Anti-microbial

Anti-microbial properties are also important in a beach towel. This helps to prevent bacteria and mold from growing on your towel. Many microfiber towels have built-in anti-microbial properties.

Comfort level

Comfort is another essential aspect you cannot ignore while selecting a beach towel. You want a towel that is soft and gentle on your skin. Microfiber towels are typically very comfortable.

Features

Features are also something to consider when choosing a beach towel. Some towels come with unique features, such as pockets for sunglasses or phones or loops attaching to a bag or chair. Consider what features would be most beneficial to you before making your purchase.

Material

Material is also an important consideration when purchasing a beach towel. You want a material that is durable and will last through many washes. However, there are several types of materials that include

Bamboo, linen, microfiber, and Turkish cotton. These are all great materials for beach towels. They each have their pros and cons that you should consider before making a purchase.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a lightweight material that desiccates faster. It’s also eco-friendly as well as hypoallergenic. The downside to bamboo is that it isn’t as absorbent as some other materials on this list.

Linen

Linen is absorbent and dry quickly. It’s also a durable material that will last you for years. However, linen can be quite expensive.

Microfiber

Microfiber is a synthetic fabric that’s very absorbent. It dries quickly and doesn’t require much maintenance. The downside to microfiber is that it’s not as environmentally friendly as some other materials on this list.

Turkish cotton

Turkish cotton is a luxurious material that’s absorbent and durable. It’s also quite expensive. The downside to Turkish cotton is that it’s heavier than some other materials on this list.

So, which material is the best for travel towels? It really depends on your personal preferences. Consider what you value most in a towel and make your choice based on that. 

Size and packability

Size and packability are also significant factors to consider while selecting a beach towel. You want a towel that is large enough to comfortably lie on but not so large that it’s difficult to pack. Many microfiber towels can be rolled into a solid size, making them easy to pack.

Weight

Weight is the final factor that you need to check. You want a lightweight towel and easy to carry, especially if you’re traveling. Microfiber towels are typically very lightweight, making them ideal for travel.

Conclusion

When choosing a travel beach towel, there are several factors you should consider, such as absorbency, sand resistance, comfort level, durability, packability, and weight. Microfiber towels are typically very absorbent and lightweight, making them ideal for travel. Turkish cotton towels are also absorbent and durable, but they aren’t as packable as microfiber towels. Consider what you value most in a towel and make your choice based on that. We hope our reviews of the best beach towels for travel helped you make a decision!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the perfect size for a beach towel?

The perfect size for a beach towel really depends on your personal preferences and size. If you want a towel that is large enough to comfortably lie on, you should look for one that is at least as long as your height.

What material is the best for travel beach towels?

There are several types of materials that are great for beach towels, including bamboo, linen, microfiber, and Turkish cotton. Each material has its own pros and cons, so you should consider what you value most in a towel before making your purchase.

Is a microfiber towel suitable for beach trips?

Yes! Since microfiber beach towels are lighter and dry quite faster than regular beach blankets. These qualities make them an ideal choice for beach trips. check our given list to know about the best microfiber beach towels for travel.

What factors should I consider when choosing a beach towel?

The most important factors to consider when choosing a beach towel are its size, weight, materials, sand resistance, and absorbency. Additionally, you may want to look for towels that have extra features such as built-in pockets or loops. Finally, you should consider your budget and choose a towel that fits within your price range.

What are some of the best beach towels for travel?

Some of the top beach towels for travel include lightweight and compact options such as microfiber towels, as well as heavier, more luxurious options made from natural materials like cotton or terrycloth. Other factors to consider when choosing a beach towel are its durability and packability, as well as any additional features like pockets or loops that may be useful while you’re at the beach or pool.

How do I care for my beach towel?

It depends on the material. Most towels can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle, but some require special care. Check the care instructions on your towel before washing to make sure you’re using the right method.

Are Microfiber Towels Worth It For Travel?

Microfiber towels are a great option for travel because they’re lightweight and compact. Additionally, they’re quick-drying and have excellent absorbency. They may not be as soft as cotton towels, but they’re a good choice if you’re looking for a towel that’s easy to pack and care for.