The beach is one of the best places to relax and unwind. The smell of the sea and the cool breeze hitting your face will surely blow your stresses away. Packing for the beach, however, can be a bit stressful especially if you don’t exactly know what to bring. We all had, at one point or another, got so excited that we forgot a few important things making the trip a little less fun than we had hoped. In this article, we list down a simple packing guide to help you pack for that weekend at the beach without worrying about forgetting something. Read on.
Must-haves
These are items that should be in every beach packing list. This is, by far, not an exhaustive list and everyone has different needs so twerk it however you like.
Sunblock
Going to the beach means lots and lots of sun exposure great for having that summer tan. But too much exposure is dangerous so protect yourself with a good sunblock. A good sunblock must be at least SPF 50, water-resistant, reef-safe, and wide-spectrum.
First Aid
You never know what emergencies might happen on the beach so having a small first aid kit is quite handy. This should include antiseptics, bandages, iodine povidone, and some cotton balls. Having a few over-the-counter medicines, like antihistamines and painkillers, are great additions too.
Insect Spray
Bug sprays are really handy to have with you when spending long hours outside like the beach. Aside from being annoyingly itchy, insect bites can also lead to terrible disease down the line so avoiding getting bitten in the first place is crucial. Just a few spritzes and you can enjoy the outdoors in peace.
Ziplock bags/waterproof bags
These handy little containers are awesome versatile containers to have. You can use them to store snacks and other foodstuffs, keep wet clothes and swimsuits, and a makeshift organizer. Ziplock bags are also great for keeping water and sand out of your electronics.
Clothes
Next on the list: Clothes. Although there aren’t any hard rules on what to wear to the beach, the general consensus is that it must be light and breathable. Chances are it’s going to be really hot?probably why you are going to the beach in the first placeso light and comfortable is the way to go.
T-shirts
T-shirts made out of light and breathable materials are perfect for the beach. They are easy to pack and almost everyone has them. Because of this, they are everyone’s go-to outfit on the beach. Go for light-colored ones when packing as it reflects heat away from you.
Shorts
Shorts are breathable and light making them perfect for the beach. Swim shorts made from synthetic materials are the best option. They are durable, quick-drying, and lightweight which makes them a versatile item in your wardrobe. Two to three pairs are ideal depending on what activities you plan on doing.
Loose dress
For the ladies, if the t-shirt and short combo isn’t your thing, a nice and loose sundress is a great alternative. They are airy and very comfortable, perfect for a hot day under the sun. Plus they can be easily packed too.
Swimming gear
This is a no brainer, you are at the beach after all. When picking up swimsuits, make sure that they are made from high-quality materials and that they don’t irritate your skin.
Utility
These are items that let you relax and get comfortable when setting camp at the beach. Some of these may not be relevant to you so feel free to add or remove items depending on your needs.
Beach Blanket
This piece of cloth lets you sit down and lay down on the beach without getting sand all over you and your things. Nowadays, you can get sand-proof blankets that are designed to shake away sand easily. They also have corner eyelets that let you pin them to the ground so it stays in place.
Shade
This can either be a beach umbrella or a tent. This keeps the sun away so you don’t get sunburnt while you relax or take a nap at your camp. This also helps keep your stuff dry just in case it rains all of a sudden.
Water sports gear
Snorkeling is a great activity to explore the beauty of the sea. For this, you need snorkeling goggles with a breathing tube that can be bought online. Flippers are great to have too although you can still enjoy snorkeling without one.
Paddle boarding is another fun activity at the beach. Floating lazily while paddling over calm waters will surely melt your stress away. Inflatable paddle boards from Gili Sports will let you enjoy the sport without worrying about transporting gear as it can be easily deployed and stowed anytime.
Miscellaneous Items
These items are highly optional although still nice to have with you on your trip.
Waterproof phone case
The beach might be an awesome place for you but it isn’t for your phone. Most fancy smartphones these days have ample protection from the elements but it isn’t foolproof. Waterproof smartphone cases let you enjoy your smartphone at the beach without fear.
Action camera
The beach is one of the most unforgiving places for electronics such as cameras so get one that’s designed for outdoor use. Action cameras are specifically designed for activities and environments where traditional cameras can’t go such as underwater. Perfect little companion for your beach outing.
Waterproof speakers
Waterproof speakers are designed to keep the elements away so you can enjoy your music anywhere outdoors. When picking one up, be sure to check if it is rated for outdoor use with water and dust resistance ratings. Also, check its battery life so you don’t suddenly run out of juice in the middle of the day.
Powerpacks
When you do run out of batteries, having a power pack is a lifesaver. These bad boys let you charge up your devices even without a power socket so you can enjoy your gadgets longer. A good 10000mah powerpack is good enough for most needs.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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