Can’t wait to feel the sand between your toes again? You might feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff that you need (or want) to bring with you. Don’t pack everything and the kitchen sink, think necessities instead. In this post, whether you’re planning a vacation to a beach in Florida or thinking of a coastal safari in Gabon, this list of beach essentials will see you sitting pretty in the sun.
1. Swimsuit
If you’re headed to the beach, there’s no way around it – you’re going to want a swimsuit. This sounds like an obvious choice, but so many people forego it, figuring they’ll either head out on the water in their clothes or slip in au naturel. Don’t make this mistake! Bring a quick-drying swimsuit, and you’ll be able to jump in whenever you feel like it.
2. Cooler
Any day trip calls for some cold drinks and plenty of snacks. Invest in a good, portable cooler that you can take with you, ideally one that is waterproof and comfortable to carry.
3. Sandals
Don’t deal with sand in your sneakers all day. Make sure you bring a comfortable, convenient pair of sandals or flip flops that you can slip into – and easily kick sand out of!
4. Beach Bag
You should always bring a beach bag with you when you head out for the day. This will provide you with a convenient place to stash your smaller items – like your book, towels, shoes, sunscreen, and snacks.
5. Beach Towel
You really can’t forget your beach towel at home when you’re headed to the beach. It’s a good idea to pack a couple, so you have one to lie down on and one to dry off with.
6. Sunhat
If you’re headed to a warm destination, you might want to carry a sunhat. This will keep your head dry and covered from the sun’s harsh rays, and can also help keep you cooler.
7. Sunscreen
Skin cancer is no joke and you don’t want to put yourself at risk on a day that should be all about having fun. Make sure you bring a waterproof sunscreen that is a minimum of 150 SPF, and make sure you reapply it every hour. If you want to wage all-out war on the rays, make sure you take a decent sun shade canopy or pop up beach tent.
8. Sunglasses
Keep your eyes protected from the sun with a stylish pair of shades. This is really a nonnegotiable item on your beach trip packing list. Consider bringing a couple of pairs in case one gets broken, and your eyes will stay protected from the harsh UV rays all day long.
9. Water Bottle
Another non-negotiable item on your beach packing list should be a good water bottle. It’s easy to get dehydrated from the rays of the sun, as well as from sweat loss, so make sure you invest in a good, portable water bottle. An insulated stainless-steel bottle will keep your water cool and is also great for the environment.
10. Water Shoes
Water shoes aren’t a must-have, but can be nice if you’re planning on doing a lot of walking around rocks or cliffs. They’re also good to have if there are sharp objects on the beach, like zebra mussels, that can cut up your feet.
11. A Sun Shade
Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun. A beach canopy or a pop up beach tent are relatively easy on the wallet, simple to pack and a great bit of gear for stowing gear, escaping the rays or changing.
