Must Haves for a Great Beach Trip
You just finished a four hour drive in 90 degree weather to get to the beach and you’ve now arrived at your nice air conditioned condo. The kids are grumpy and everyone is hot. You have a full week of sand and surf planned (after everyone gets a good night rest). What are the best beach accessories to make sure you make the most of your family beach time experience?
I grew up on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and spent several summers as a life guard on those same beaches. I now have 3 kids and we visit every chance that we get. Here are my tips to make your beach trip the most fun with family in tow.
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Don’t Overdue it
Taking several trips back to the car to get more stuff or feeling up everyone’s arms to the limit is just not fun. There are a lot of accessories that can definitely make your trip more enjoyable but if you bring too many things you’ll spend more time taking care of your stuff and not as much time enjoying the trip.
Start with – a Collapsible Wagon
I recommend getting one with larger tires but one that can get down to a small size. Plan on putting everything that you are taking in the wagon. If it doesn’t fit then you might not want to take it. These wagons are great with a number of kid activities and are really versatile.
Then add a small cooler
I like the bag coolers the best. You don’t need anything too big. It needs several bottles of water, electrolyte drinks, fruit (like grapes and apples), and some small snacks. We usually bring cheese sticks and PB and J sandwiches. Go simple. I don’t plan on feeding the kids a full meal but they do like cool snacks while out in the heat. I try and get the smallest bag cooler that fits these things.
Find a Beach Blanket and Towels
I have a folding water resistant picnic blanket that I love to use at most of our outdoor activities. It folds nicely and easily cleans. You can also try rolling beach mats but I like the blankets better. I find that towels end up crazy sandy. Still bring a few towels to dry off but it’s better to sit on a blanket.
Then you need shade
We bring a small umbrella. Make sure it has a pointed bottom so you can get it father in the sand. Some times we bring a small beach tent when we have a baby with us just for some extra shade. Make sure whatever you bring is compact and easy to set up.
Pick out your Sunscreen
This is the most important part of your beach bag. Everything else is optional but do not forget the sunscreen!! Aim for 30 SPF or higher and apply 15-30 minutes prior to going outside to prevent sunburns. If you’re swimming in the ocean or natural areas consider getting reef safe sunscreens. Some sunscreens may be damaging to reefs and are starting to be outlawed in some areas. The most concerning chemicals are oxybenzone and octinoxate. Zinc Oxide sunscreens may be more expensive but are generally preferred for safety, effectiveness and environmental impact.
I Love this Powder Sunscreen –
Color Science Sunforgetable spf 50 Powder Sunscreen
I have to admit – I paid no where near full price for this Color Science Sunforgetable Spt 50 Powder Sunscreen but it’s great. I’ve had it about 2 years. We use if fairly often for the 5 of us and we still have half a bottle left. This fits easily in a purse and is not a liquid so no problems going through security at the airport. I still apply base layers of lotion sunscreen. Where this product is especially handy is if you forget to apply sunscreen before you leave the house or when you’re worried about applying a sticky, sweaty cream. You just dust it on. No screaming kids. The kids love to put it on and it works. I can not vouch for the other brands since this is the brand that I have but it may be worth trying a cheaper option. It’s just really nice to have an easy, no fuss sunscreen option that’s always ready to go if needed.
Also Find SPF Clothing and Hats
The sun can be brutal and can ruin a vacation in one day. Err on the side of SPF clothing and hats especially for the little ones. There are many stylish choices and generally it’s pretty affordable.
Sunglasses
Be sure to wear sunglasses that block out 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Protect those eyes (even on the little guys). Conciser sun glasses that have a nice head strap for the little guys. Otherwise glasses can easily become one use items.
Puddle Jumpers
Beach Toys
I just usually pick up something at a nearby store. Some beaches are starting to have bins for people to recycle their toys – I love this idea. Kids usually want a shovel, bucket and a net – that’s generally it. Sometime we bring a boogie board but anything else just seems to be too much work.
White Vinegar
For Jellyfish stings. I carry a small bottle. Ice can also be helpful.
Baby Powder
To prevent sand from sticking. This really only works on a short trip (like photography session). If you’re swimming and there for the long haul – you’re car’s just going to be sandy.
Solar Recovery Spray
If you happen to get a little too much sun – this stuff is A-MA-ZING. I love this Solar Recovery Spray (for travel size click here). We discovered this spray when M got too much sun while staying in Seaside Florida. It was recommended to us by one a local clerk and I now I do not travel to a sunny location without it. Any time we get too much sun I use it to treat the sunburn. I grew up on the beach and I have tried everything to help with sunburns (yes, we use a lot of sunscreen but there is only so much sunscreen and shade and clothing can do when you’re on a boat all day). This is so much better than any other product I have tried. This spray significantly decreases redness, pain, dryness and itching. If you are going to be in the sun and you have a little room in your bag – Solar Recovery Spray is a must.
Need more advice on treating a sunburn? Then click here.
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