Use these twenty items as an essential checklist when packing for a beach vacation to be sure you have all necessary clothing, toys and accessories for a fabulous getaway!
Every vacation requires basic supplies: ample clothing, essential medication, and general toiletries. A beach vacation, however, needs specialized equipment and unique accessories to insure that everyone enjoys a safe, fun getaway.
20 Beach Vacation Necessities
1. Sun block: This is one of the most important items for a beach vacation. While SPF 15 sun block is adequate for normal wear, sand and water reflect and intensify sunlight, and there is very little shade on the beach. SPF 30 protection or higher is recommended, and a waterproof variety of sun block is the best choice. Lip balm with sun block protection is also a wise precaution. Be sure to pack enough sun block for frequent reapplications, even if it is waterproof.
2. Protective Clothing: Sun block alone is not adequate protection from long sun exposure, especially in southern climates where the burn risk is higher. A wide-brimmed hat protects the face and the back of the neck (a baseball cap will not), and a light swimsuit cover can help prevent overexposure. An oversized t-shirt is a good choice, or a variety of different styles can be purchased anywhere that sells swimwear. Sunglasses with ultraviolet coatings are also necessary.
3. Swimsuits: At least two swimsuits should be packed per person so that one is always dry. Different suit styles are useful for different activities: sunbathing versus surfing, for instance, and different designs help minimize tan lines. Ample swim diapers should be packed for young children.
4. Footwear: Old, sturdy sneakers or aqua shoes are necessary gear for beach vacations. Especially in ocean or lake settings, sharp underwater objects may be unnoticed until an injury occurs, and sturdy footwear prevents any mishaps. Multiple pairs can be packed to allow each one to dry thoroughly before reuse, since wet footwear may cause blisters.
5. Beach Umbrella: An oversized beach umbrella creates an oasis of shade and shelter from the wind on an open beach. It also serves as a landmark for wandering friends and family.
6. Beach Towels: Towels provide a soft surface for sunbathing, eating, or sitting, as well as a colorful beacon for wayward family members. They should be large enough for everyone to use, or numerous towels can be packed so children need not share. A large sheet is a perfect choice for beach use because sand sticks less to cotton than to most towels.
7. Cooler: A small cooler is a necessity for carrying drinks and snacks, and it keeps food cool to prevent spoiling as well as keeping bugs, seagulls, and other animals away. Reusable ice packs insure everything stays dry, or regular ice can provide additional drinking water as it melts.
8. Water: Constant exposure to the sun and frequent activity rapidly depletes the body's water reserves. Plenty of bottled water, sports drinks, and fruit juice will keep everyone hydrated and prevent sunstroke, heat frustration, and crankiness. Avoid too much soda or alcohol, since these beverages can create rather than quench thirst. Juicy snacks such as apples and grapes provide more moisture and are healthy treats as well.
9. Sandcastle Tools: No beach vacation would be complete without a sandcastle construction project. Buckets, cups, spoons, dull knives, small shovels, and other molding and sculpting tools will help create a masterpiece. A family flag is another detail to add fun and spirit to the occasion.
10. Floating Toys: Beach balls, inner tubes, inflatable mats, and foam noodles are all delightful water toys. Sinking toys, such as diving batons, are not recommended for ocean or lake beaches, since the currents could easily carry them into dangerous areas.
11. Other Activity Items: Not every moment will be spent in the water, and beach-oriented toys such as kites, Frisbees, volleyballs, and footballs provide hours of entertainment. Older children will appreciate a handheld video game or portable music player, and adults can indulge in light reading such as paperback books or magazines.
12. Water Sport Items: Goggles, swim fins, snorkels, and boogie boards are all great water sport items to include on a beach vacation. Not only do they encourage plenty of exercise, but children and adults alike will enjoy exploring the undersea world.
13. Underwater Camera: A waterproof or underwater camera captures all the great memories of a beach vacation. Certain models are usable for both underwater pictures and regular shots, but be sure to read all instructions to guarantee great photographs. Even if no underwater activities are planned, a waterproof camera helps safeguard more expensive equipment from potential damage.
14. Waterproof Pouch: A small, waterproof vinyl or plastic pouch will help keep cash, keys, identification, and medication safe and dry during a trip to the beach. Belt models are available that insure such vital items will not be lost.
15. Zippered Plastic Bags: Zip bags are an indispensable tool for collecting shells, storing wet swimwear or other clothes, or collecting trash for quick, easy disposal.
16. Burn Relief Gel: In case of a bad sunburn, a supply of cooling gel can help provide relief and protection to help everyone enjoy the remainder of the vacation.
17. Eyeglass Cleaner: Cleaner and moisturizer for eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses is a necessity for beach vacationers. Hot temperatures and steady breezes dry out eyes quickly, and blowing sand and salty air coats glasses. Pack adequate cleaners to insure everyone has a crystal clear view of all the fun.
18. Beach Bag: An oversized beach bag with multiple pockets and compartments helps organize loose items and keeps everything in one central location. Mesh bags prevent sand from collecting in the bottom of the bag, while waterproof bags safeguard against accidental soakings.
19. Warm Clothes: After the sun sets, beaches cool off quickly because the sand cannot retain heat. Long sleeved t-shirts and jeans or other clothing suitable for mildly cool temperatures will insure that the day's fun doesn't end when the sun goes down.
20. Bug Spray: Even though there are fewer grasses and plants for bugs to feed on, tidal debris and standing water on beaches frequently attracts swarms of pests that can make any vacation unpleasant. A supply of bug spray will protect against these tiny invaders.
Each of these items is essential for a worry-free, relaxing beach vacation. Whether you will be basking along Florida's coastline, strolling California's boardwalks, catching waves in Hawaii, or simply enjoying a leisurely getaway on a local stretch of sand, these necessities insure everyone's safety, health, and enjoyment. Grab the sun block, strap on some fins, fill the water bottle and let's hit the beach!
