We all love a beach vacation. The chance to escape from your everyday life for a while, take in some stunning sights, and enjoy the deep relaxation of being by the sea; what more could you want? However, if you’ve ever had a less-than-prepared beach trip, you know it can quickly become a nightmare. That’s why our writers compiled this list of tips and tricks to guarantee that your next beach vacation will succeed.
Let’s get to it.
1. Research Your Beach
Not every beach is built equally, so you should decide what you want from your beach vacation ahead of time. You can look for quieter beaches, beaches with great restaurants nearby, tourist hotspots, or even beaches that are perfect for families.
When you’ve found the perfect beach for your trip, check it out online. Many beaches have specific rules about when to arrive, where to park, and what activities are permitted or banned on site. Learning these details before you set off will make your trip a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone.
2. Always Hydrate
It goes without saying that hydration is essential for having a good time at the beach. It’s always better to over-prepare and take water home with you than it is to run out of water part way through the day. You might want to bring a cooler to guarantee you’ve got space for the amount of water you’ll need throughout the day.
If you’re planning a boozy beach trip, all the more reason to remember to pack water. Alcohol can leave you feeling dehydrated faster than usual when you’re in the sun all day. Pack enough water so that you can have a break between alcoholic beverages; you’ll thank yourself later!
3. Remember UV Protection
Understandably, you might want to catch a tan while enjoying the sea and the sand. However, it isn’t worth the UV damage, painful burns, and skin cancer risks associated with overexposure to the sun’s UV rays. Pack sunscreen with the appropriate SPF for your skin type, and bring some extra in case anyone else forgets.
The key to using sunscreen is to reapply it throughout the day. If you go into the sea, make sure you reapply your sunscreen when you come out. You should aim to reapply your sunscreen once every two hours when you’re in the sun.
4. Protect Your Eyes
Just as the sun can damage your skin, it can also damage your eyes. Packing sunglasses is essential for any excellent beach trip. Squinting all day will leave you fighting off a migraine, effectively ruining the entire point of a relaxing beach vacation.
You should also bring appropriate headwear to keep the sun off your face. A baseball cap, a bucket hat, or a straw sun hat is the perfect accessory that also keeps you cool throughout the day.
5. Choose Sensible Footwear
Think about what activities you want to participate in your beach trip. You have to hike a considerable distance to reach some beaches, and some are made chiefly of pebbles rather than sand. You might prefer to wear trail shoes or hiking boots that you can take off when you’re settled at the beach rather than the typical sandals.
Flip flops are a beach classic, but you’re likely to chafe or otherwise hurt your feet if you have to walk around on hot sand. Slides are a good alternative for those still wanting to wear open-toe shoes at the beach.
6. Decide When to Arrive Ahead of Time
The best time to arrive at the beach is very early. It’s not great to wake up early enough to get to the beach early, but you can always have a nap once you’ve found the perfect spot. The beach is quieter in the early hours, giving you plenty of space to choose where to set up camp for the day.
Alternatively, you might prefer to arrive later in the day if you’re more interested in camping out (if the beach permits it). As the sun goes down, most beach-goers will move on to restaurants, bars, or even just go home. The beach will empty more, letting you find the perfect spot for a campfire.
7. Safe Storage
If you’re going to the beach alone or in a small group, it can be frustrating to head off to the facilities or take a dip in the sea whilst keeping your belongings safe. Rather than split up every time you want to do something, you can try various methods to keep your valuables safe on the beach.
Don’t try to bury your significant items like some people do; it’s far too easy to lose your spot. Instead, you can try storing items like money or car keys in waterproof bags in an empty thermos. It’s easier to keep them safe and away from prying eyes while you’re away from your setup.
Beach vacations are supposed to be a relaxing time to let loose and unwind with a good book or some of your favorite music. Use these tips to make your next beach vacation a great experience that you’ll never forget.
