Hey everyone! Today I have my good friend Jackie from The Blonde On Board!
Summertime is around the corner, which means that it’s almost prime time for visiting the beach. Growing up with family in Florida meant that I was at the beach every summer since I was 7 years old. Despite getting sand in some not so great places, I continue to head down there for some fun in the sun year after year.
The problem is I always forget to pack the essentials, or I’ll see someone else on the beach with something and think of how brilliant it was they brought that. In order to keep y’all from making my mistakes, here’s a list of what I think are 12 necessities to pack when you’re headed to the beach!
Water
Water, water, water. It’s so important to hydrate while on the beach, especially if you’re out there for longer than an hour or two. Take it from someone who once passed out from a heat stroke while walking back to the car after a long day in the sun – you don’t want to experience that too!
Baby Powder
As someone who loves and grew up going to the beach constantly, I hate sand. It gets everywhere (and I mean everywhere). And what’s more annoying when you’re leaving the beach and the sand stuck to you is impossible to wash off? Not a lot, but that’s where baby powder comes in. Did y’all know a little bit of baby powder on your sandy skin will take the sand right off of you? I recently learned this hack and don’t know how I managed 20 years of beaching without it.
Radio/Blue tooth Speaker
The only thing worse than a beach day without music is no beach day at all. Remember to pack a small radio or blue tooth speaker so you can listen to your favorite tunes while soaking in the sun. Just remember to be mindful you’re not the only people on the beach!
Umbrella
An umbrella is the perfect way to enjoy the beach without worrying about over heating or sunburn. It provides some well deserved shade and is perfect for posting up with a beach chair. I like to hang out under mine when the sun gets a little too much for me.
Sheet or Blanket
Back to being covered in sand, obviously if I don’t like being covered that goes for my stuff as well. I like to pack an old big blanket or sheet that I don’t use any more and use that to lay out on. It allows me to stretch out as much as I want and also to not have to resort putting my beach bag in the sand.
Hat
Whether it’s a baseball cap or one of those really cute floppy hats, remember to pack something to protect your face from the sun. You don’t need to wear it all the time, but our skin is something we only get one of, so protect it as much as you can!
First Aid Kit
This is something that most people probably forget, but how many times do we all step on a sharp shell or something else in the sand? Having a little first aid kit (even the tiny travel ones) is a huge help. You never know when you’ll need a band-aid.
Snacks
This is important to me because I love to eat and am constantly hungry. But it’s always a good idea to have some snacks packed especially if food isn’t readily available for purchase at the beach you’re on.
Sun blocking Hair Spray
Think SPF for your hair and scalp! Especially people with shorter hair (looking at y’all, gentlemen), it’s important to remember the skin on top of our head and our hair can burn just like the skin everywhere else. This product will keep your hair and scalp looking and feeling like it’s not getting burned alive from the sun.
Sunglasses
Don’t be the person who forgets their sunnies while hanging out by the ocean! They’re not only cute but also necessary to help protect your eyes from the sun.
Good Sunscreen
This. If you’re going to only bring two things to the beach, it needs to be sunscreen and water. Being out in the sun wrecks havoc on your skin so you need to protect it. I don’t use any SPF that’s under 30 and I try to remember to reapply every two hours. My last beach trip I got burnt on the back of my knees – I can’t really think of a worse place for a sunburn.
Entertainment
I’m one of those people where I can’t lay out on the beach for hours without doing something. I need something to occupy my time otherwise I’ll get bored and want to head inside. My go to’s are usually a book or a magazine but I’ll bring a deck of cards or even a football or Frisbee to throw around.
What are your favorite things to bring to the beach?
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