A beach vacation is an adventure millions of travelers enjoy each and every year, Unfortunately, many of those trips are ruined or severely detoured because essential gear, supplies, and/or personal items are forgotten at home. While something as simple as a phone charger can be easily replaced, leaving behind your medications could end the trip before it begins.
Even if you do your due diligence and make your own checklist, it’s easy to overlook important items, and with that in mind, we wanted to put together a checklist you can use whether it’s a couple of days on the beach or you’re spending a whole week in the surf. So, before you head off to your dream vacation, take a few minutes to review this article.
Protection
The sun can be brutal whether you’re at Marbella’s Beach on the Jersey Shore, and while you may want to work on your tan, you have to protect yourself. Make sure these items are packed first and foremost.
Sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using a broad-spectrum product with at least SPF 30 or higher. If you have a fairer complexion, SPF 50 will block about 98% of the sun’s rays.
Lip Balm
Bring a lip balm that is at least SPF 15, but 30 or higher is even better.
Lotion
After spending time in salt water, your skin can get pretty dry. Bring along some lotion to apply after and rehydrate your skin.
Sunglasses
The sun blazing from the sky and reflecting off the sand can be hazardous to your eyes. Don’t jeopardize your sight!
Hat
Protect your head to help keep you from overheating. Not to mention protect you from a very uncomfortable sunburn on your ears.
Hydration pack
It’s essential that you stay hydrated. As a best practice, take your body weight, divide it by two, and drink that amount in ounces. So, if you’re 120 pounds, 120 ÷ 2 = 60 fluid ounces at a minimum, consider drinking more if you’re on the beach for extended periods or playing a lot of beach volleyball.
Antibacterial Soap/wipes
Sand is next to dirt, so make sure you have something to disinfect your hands before you eat and wipe the sand off of your belongings when you head back to shore.
Beach Accessories
Now that protection from the elements is taken care of, here are a few accessories you won’t want to forget.
Reusable Bag
For toting everything from the room/car to the beach.
Trash Bags
Always clean up after yourself and do your part to keep our oceans and beaches clean.
Portable waterproof charger
Don’t get caught with a dead phone.
Waterproof Phone Case
If you like to document your time out in the sun, consider a waterproof phone case to keep your tech protected.
Swim Goggles
For both protection and fun.
Fun Stuff
Don’t forget things like an e-reader, a beautiful kite, games, a beach ball, and sandcastle supplies.
Portable Rechargeable Speaker
Just be courteous to your neighboring beachgoers.
Knitwear swimsuits
You may want to take more than one each. Cold, wet swim gear is never fun to put on.
Beach Towels
Same advice as above; take more than one each. You don’t want to have to do laundry every day of your vacation.
Beach Umbrella
Another useful tool for protection and cooling down in the shade.
Beach Blanket
To have something comfortable to lay out.
Beach Chairs
Sitting in the sand all day can get uncomfortable.
Lightweight Clothes
Linen shorts and shirts, long-sleeve options for the evening (the beach can get quite cold at night), and appropriate clothing for restaurant outings.
Shoes
Sandals or flip-flops are generally the go-to option for the beach but don’t forget a pair of tennis shoes or dress shoes for nighttime activities.
Picnic Basket
Along with staying hydrated, you have to make sure you eat. So why not make it an old-fashioned beach picnic?
Aside from the above, don’t forget your medications, prescription glasses, toiletries, pet food, supplies (ensure you take waste bags), and extra clothes “just in case.” With the above checklist, combined with your personal items list, you can ensure that you’re properly packed for a wonderful beach vacation.
