What to Pack in Your Beach Bag
There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach. Feeling the sand in your toes, splashing in the water, and soaking up the sun makes for a fun and relaxing time, but if you’re unprepared, the fun can quickly come to an end. As nice as the beach is, you can’t just pack a swimsuit and a towel. Fun in the sun requires protection and planning. After all, you don’t want you or your family to end up with a bad sunburn or dehydration. You also want to make sure you can make the most out of your beach adventure, so it’s important to bring items that can enhance your time by the ocean. But what should you pack besides clothes for a vacation? That’s exactly what we’re sharing with you.
Read on to learn what must-haves always belong in your beach bags.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an absolute must when prepping for a day at the beach. It’s not enough to apply it before you go out. Over time, it can wear off, especially if you’ve taken a dip in the water. For that reason, you’ll want to make sure you reapply sunscreen regularly, especially on children who have highly sensitive skin. When choosing a sunscreen, pick one with an SPF of at least 30. That is what dermatologists recommend because it blocks out 97% of UVB rays. You can always choose one with a slightly higher SPF, but know that no sunscreen can block 100% of UVB rays. Besides layering on the sunscreen, consider buying rash guards for the whole family for added protection.
Sunglasses
The bright rays from the sun aren’t just harmful to your skin. They can also hurt your eyes. That is why it’s essential to pack sunglasses in your beach bag. Whether you’re heading to the beach by yourself or bringing the whole family, make sure everyone has a pair of UV protective sunglasses. However, keep in mind: not all sunglasses provide the protection you need. To guarantee you’re getting the best pair, look for features like polarized lenses, full UV protection, and bigger lenses.
Hairbrush
Going for a dip in the ocean is an experience that never gets old, but the salt water can wreak havoc on your hair. It can dry out your strands, which will lead to tangled knots. If you don’t address these right away, it can feel impossible to comb them out. By bringing a plastic or nylon brush in your beach bag, you can tackle any tangles as soon as you get out of the water. This is even a good idea for trips to the pool!
Water
Water should be on the top of your list when you’re packing your beach bag, and you can never bring too much! Even if you plan to spend the day lying in the sun, the heat and the UV rays will quickly deplete your body’s water levels. If possible, try to bring several water bottles, or make sure that everyone in your family has their own large, insulated water bottle. That way, your water will stay ice cold, and everyone will have more than enough to keep hydrated all day.
Wipes
You might not think wipes are a must-have for your beach bag, but you’ll be happy you brought them! Salt water, sweat, and sunscreen can leave your skin feeling sticky and your pores clogged. With wipes on hand, you can freshen up your skin whenever you need to. This is an especially great idea if you aren’t going home to shower right after the beach. You’ll be able to quickly clean up and run errands without feeling uncomfortable.
Beach Towels
Towels are an obvious item to bring to the beach, but you want to make sure to pack the right towels. Regular towels you use at home aren’t going to hold up for a day at the beach. Instead, pack a few large, fluffy beach towels. These are perfect for spreading out in the sand for snacking, reading, or lounging around. Since beach towels take up so much space, it’s a good idea to pack them in extra large canvas tote bags.
Moisturizer
Besides sunscreen and sun-protective swimwear, you want to make sure to bring a high-quality moisturizer. Not only can a day in the sun dehydrate your body, but it can also quickly dry out your skin. Your hands and feet will be especially susceptible to dryness from the sand, so bringing a small bottle of lotion will combat this.
Sun Hat
Sunglasses will protect your eyes, but you should try to protect your face from the sun too. The skin on your face is very delicate and sensitive to the sun. You can prevent sun damage, such as sunspots and burns, by wearing a wide brim sun hat (in addition to sunscreen, of course). Not only will this help your skin, but it will also help keep you cool. For convenience, it’s best to get one you can fold and fit into your canvas tote bag.
Swim Cover-Up
Going on a stroll on the beach to collect seashells or taking a break to get food on the boardwalk is always pleasant, but you might not want to take a stroll in just your swimsuit. That’s why you should pack vacation maxi dresses. These are lightweight, breezy, and are perfect for throwing on over a damp swimsuit. They also provide the comfort and modesty you might want when exploring the beach.
Pack these nine items in your beach bag to keep your family protected, and most importantly, have a great time!