Top 10 Things to Pack for a Beach Vacation
By Editorial Staff
Contributed by Dave Buesing, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru
Few things are better than a beach vacation. I mean, you could make a case for a loving family, or chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, but guess what? You can bring both of those things on your beach vacation.
In fact, there are a number of crucial items to pack for any beach vacation. You’ll likely remember the true basics of any vacation (a few changes of clothes and a toothbrush come to mind), but in your excitement to stretch out on the summer sand, you don’t want to forget things that will really make the beach a trip to remember.
Here are the top 10 things to pack for a beach vacation:
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10. Bikinis and bathing suits
You’re going to a beach. Unless this beach is a nudist colony, or you plan on going skinny dipping, you had best pack appropriate swimwear.
This one may seem obvious, but it’s essential to remember at least two different pairs of swimming trunks, so one can dry while you hit up the water for round two. This is also a great time for women to show off that hot bod with an incredible bikini, or for guys to flex their muscles in designer swimwear.
9. Some adult indulgences
While many of you may be making the trip with children, it’s important to remember to set aside some adult time to really get the maximum benefit out of the trip. This can mean something different for everyone, but some ideas include luxury cigars, tropical margarita mixers, or some seriously fine wine.
8. Beach toys
I’d say this one is particularly important for families with kids, but let’s face it: everybody loves beach toys. Whether we’re talking beach balls, Frisbees, inflatable rafts, or floating lounge chairs (they make them with cup holders!), a few toys will offer the perfect break from sleeping in the hot sun.
7. Additional clothing
Yes, you’ll want a couple swimsuits, and yes, you’ll need normal changes of clothes, but you’ll also want beach appropriate clothing for time spent out of the water. A nice pair of sandals can keep the potentially scalding sand off your feet, and men’s and women’s Hawaiian and island-styled clothing can really set the tropical mood.
Perhaps even more importantly, make sure you grab some heavier clothing in case it rains or gets colder at night. Unless you’re taking an Arctic beach vacation, you shouldn’t need a real heavy winter coat, but a pullover fleece or hooded sweatshirt could be perfect.
6. Sun weapons
Despite the fact that the sun often acts as our friend, and is indeed part of the reason your beach vacation is so wonderful, this sun is a sinister sort. Show the sun’s UV rays who’s boss by bringing plenty of sunscreen (lather up in that stuff until you look like you had a giant mayonnaise accident), some high quality shades for your eyes, and a beach umbrella. Then, when you want to work on your tan, soak up those rays of your own free will.
5. Non-beach sporting items
If you set up your beach vacation through a knowledgeable travel site, you may be able to tie in some of your favorite sporting activities. This means bringing your golf clubs, tennis rackets, or any other equipment when you pack for a beach vacation.
4. Six Pack
Although this is easier said than done, a public beach can provide the perfect motivation to whip yourself into shape. You’ll be walking around showing way more skin than you would in any other situation (aside from maybe belly dancing), and chances are you’ll want to look your best.
Alternatively, you could just say, “Forget that!” Bring a six pack of beer to the beach instead. Chances are you’ll feel just as confident this way, and probably even more content.
3. Snacks and a cooler
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you don’t need to eat. Plus, when you’re out in the hot sun all day, you’ll want to make sure you have cold, refreshing beverages at your disposal. The ultimate advantage of bringing your snacks to the beach is that you never have to leave the scene if you don’t want to.
2. Towels and a beach bag
If you’re lucky, you won’t need the towels to dry off because the weather will be so perfect you’ll just air dry naturally. Still, when you lay down you’ll want some sort of cushion against the sand, particularly if it’s hot.
The beach bag should contain any books, magazines, or puzzles you’d like to do while relaxing on the beach. There’s nothing quite like soaking up the sun while reading a new page-turner, so be sure to pack a few.
1. Magnetic shark repellent
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Although it is highly unlikely that you will even see a shark (strangely, your chances decrease even more on inland beaches), you can never be too prepared. This way if you see Richard Dreyfuss running along a beach you can be the one to save the day. You won’t have a bigger boat, but you will have packed something even better. Good thing you came prepared, huh?
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