Spending a day at the beach enjoying the sea, sun and sand is a lot of fun. The coolness of splashing around in the water is the perfect accompaniment to the warmth of the sand. There is always something to do such as play with a beach ball, read, take a leisurely walk, enjoy a game of volleyball or simply lay beneath the sun and relax. Unfortunately, when everything necessary is not brought along it can potentially be a nightmare.
Bringing specific articles to the beach is a type of protection against sunburn, hunger, boredom and discomfort. Although there are often vendors selling some of what is necessary, prices are generally high and it is easy to spend more money than intended out of necessity. To be properly prepared, simply bring along all of the articles listed below to ensure the day is peaceful, enjoyable, fun and relaxing.
Sunscreen is an absolute necessity at the beach for protection against the sun. It is extremely easy for unprotected skin to burn beneath the rays of the sun. Even with sunscreen, getting a golden tan is not difficult. To avoid a painful burn, bring sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Keep in mind sunscreen will wash off due to a combination of sweat and playing in the water. Make certain to reapply throughout the course of the day. This is still true with waterproof sunscreen.
A swimsuit should be comfortable and make the wearer feel confident to maximize time at the beach. There are different types of suits for every body type including one-pieces, bikinis, suits with frills or ruching, high-waisted bottoms and simple cuts. Some people prefer something trendy, others the classic bathing suit while certain individuals want something unique that stands out from the crowd. Receiving compliments when first setting foot on the sand will brighten anyone's day. Take the time to find the best swimsuit and do not simply buy the first one. Some people purchase two or three suits when planning to spend a lot of time at the beach over the summer to ensure a nice variety.
Do not forget to bring a beach towel to comfortably relax on the beach or dry off after taking a swim. Relaxing on the sand without a towel is not possible when it is too hot. Make certain the towel is large enough and place something on top when away to make certain the wind does not carry it off. Look for something unusual or with a monogram so the towel can be found easily. Having a larger towel will also help keep sand out of food, drinks and other beach necessities.
Sunglasses are essential to protect the eyes from the glare of the sun and sea. Even with a hat or umbrella, the reflection of the sun on the water is not only distracting but can also hurt the eyes. A good pair of sunglasses provides critical protection from UV rays when in the water. Bringing two pairs is a good idea. A cheap pair is ideal when in the water and is not catastrophic if lost. Use the better pair while on the beach for both comfort and style.
An ice chest with drinks and snacks is a beach essential to prevent dehydration and hunger. Yes, there are vendors selling a variety of both, but the prices are extremely high and purchasing everything for an entire day is expensive. Bring plastic bottles of water or juice or cans of soda. A combination of sandwiches, fresh fruit, cheese and crackers will sustain anyone through a day at the beach.
Some people believe flip-flops were made for the beach. They can be taken off and on easily even with sandy and wet feet. They are lightweight, easy to carry, perfect to protect feet from the hot sand in addition to beaches with rocky bottoms. Choose a color to compliment the swimsuit and walk in both comfort and ease. Wear them in the water and while walking along the beach and take them off when relaxing on a towel to enjoy the sun.
