How to Plan a Beach Trip
It is summer time and many of us think that summer is not complete without at least one trip to the beach. Of course, most of us don’t have a clue about how to plan a beach trip successfully. So we wind up getting sunburned, rained on, hungry, thirsty, spend too much… Should I go on?
So it doesn’t matter if you have rented a condo at the beach or you are more than an hour from it, planning ahead can help you have a more relaxed day so you can enjoy your time rather than spend it worrying.
Here are seven tips compiled from around the web and from personal experience. Hope these can help you have fun on your beach day.
Check out the weather forecast
You don’t want a rain out on your beach day, and if it is too cool you could be miserable. See what the rain chances are. If you are going to a place like Florida then be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms, get there early. If it looks bad all day then reschedule.
Prepare for the sun
Make sure you have sunblock and be generous with it. Put it on before you leave the house. Put it on again when you arrive. Put it on when you or your kids come out of the water. Make sure you have sunglasses to protect your eyes. A hat is also a good idea to protect your head. A beach umbrella can also help. A sunburn will make you tired and sore, and the long term effects are bad. So please protect yourself and don’t forget about the kids.
Be comfortable
If you are making a day of it you will need to stay as comfortable as possible. So to avoid being miserable remember to bring along the essentials such as towels, blankets, umbrellas and beach chairs. Make sure you have two towels per person- one to lie on and one to dry off with. Blankets are even better to lie on as they are usually larger and thicker. The ultimate comfort is a beach chair or even a chaise lounge (don’t forget the umbrella). Many people bring a book to read or their own music to listen to.
Dress properly
Yes, you know you need a swimsuit but that is not all. You can wear your swimsuit under comfortable clothing like a tee shirt and shorts, a beach coverup or a sundress. Make sure you have something extra in case everything gets wet and and it starts getting cooler. Flips-flops or sandals are usually the footwear of choice. Also make sure whatever you wear into the water (swimsuit, shorts, shirt, etc.) is made of material that dries quickly. And here is a little tip: extra clothes make a nice pillow!
Bring fun stuff
This is extra important if you have kids, but it can also help your enjoyment. Things like Frisbees, volleyballs, footballs can keep the whole family entertained and are beach traditions. Things like skim boards or surfboards can also be fun. Just remember to keep an eye on the kids as they may get too daring. Smaller kids love just a pail and shovel to dig in the sand or to pick up shells. Oh, and don’t forget to build a sandcastle.
Pack water and snacks
It is easy to get dehydrated in the sun so make sure you have plenty of water. It is recommended that you have 1/2 gallon of cold water per person. So bring a cooler with ice and keep the water in it. Also use the cooler for pre-made sandwiches and fresh fruit, which also helps with hydration. Carry snacks such as chips and pretzels, and avoid the candy. Bring garbage bags for your trash and put your trash in it immediately. You don’t want to attract the birds (seagulls can be quite a nuisance) and you certainly don’t want them hanging around..
Rest when you get home
A day in the sun can sap your energy. Don’t plan anything big after you get home or back to you rental. A nice calm dinner and off to bed early is the best medicine to end the day.