A woman walking at the beach enjoys a cool breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Picture: Unsplash
As the country continues to heat up, most people are heading to the beach to cool off. A day at the beach or a beach vacation is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The sandy shores, the calming sound of waves, and the promise of relaxation make the beach a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate during summer.
However, the path to a stress-free beach day is paved with careful planning, and knowing what items to carry with you for a comfortable experience.
So if you’re planning on heading to the coast to cool off, here is a list of essential items that you need to pack for your outing.
Beach umbrella or tent
Since it’s hot, a beach umbrella or tent is a must-have item if you plan to spend the day al fresco. The best options easily anchor in the ground and are adjustable so you can move them with the sun's movements throughout the day.
When purchasing your umbrella or tent, choose a design that works for your beach day style or – depending on the amount of shade you may want.
Beach blanket
Another essential item to add to your beach bag is a blanket. It is a versatile item that can act as a mat and create space for you to sit, sleep or have a picnic under the shade of your umbrella or tent.
A beach blanket is essential as it provides a sand-free place to sit.
Portable chairs
If you're looking for beach essentials to bring in your car for a beach trip, don't forget to look for styles that fold up easily.
A good beach chair can make your day on the beach considerably more comfortable, especially when you consider the toll that sitting on the sand for several hours can take on your back and neck.
Bathing suits
Of course, a beach trip requires everyone in the family to have a bathing suit. Bathing suits are important for swimming and allow you the freedom to swim comfortably and without restriction.
You may even want to bring a few extra suits along. It’s also important to make sure that you pack a pair of clothes to change for after getting wet and swimming.
Bathing towels
Having your own dedicated beach towel can be quite useful for drying off after a swim and keeping warm if it gets a bit windy. You can pick up beach towels almost anywhere but a large Turkish towel can make your vacation much more sand-free.
Sunscreen lotion
When heading out, sunscreen is a summer must-have item for the beach to protect your skin from damaging sun rays. Its important to pick a broad-spectrum product between 30 to 50 SPF. It should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Sunglasses
When you’re spending time in the sun, it’s important to protect not only your skin but also your eyes from harmful UV rays. Make sure you wear sunglasses whenever you’re outdoors.
Sunglasses can prevent several eye conditions, including macular degeneration, cataracts and “crow’s feet” wrinkles that are caused by squinting in bright light. So it’s important to always have your favourite pair of sunglasses on hand.
Water bottle
Lastly, spending all day outdoors during the summer can put you at risk of dehydration and heat stroke. It is essential to drink enough water and a water bottle can help.
Aim to drink about a cup every 20 minutes if it is hot outside. Limit alcohol on hot days as it can worsen dehydration.
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