Everything in My Beach Bag for a Day in the Sun & Sand
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It’s always summer somewhere, which means all you have to do is book a flight and pack a beach bag to put yourself in the middle of surf and sand. Even though I live in a warm climate, I still crave the salty air and the sound of crashing waves at least once a year. Something about a beach fix just sets me right.
In this post, I’ll share the items I find most useful to have in my beach bag. Of course, if you are driving to the beach, you’ll have the benefit of loading up your car with inflatables, beach tents, umbrellas, and picnic coolers. Those of us who are less hard-core, just take the elevator down to the beach access exit. Either way, you’ll need some essentials to have a fun (and safe) day.
Beach Tote
Let’s start with most obvious. My favorite beach tote is a lightweight, water-resistant neoprene bag (feels like a scuba suit). It is durable, sporty, and best of all, it can easily be machine-washed and air dried for my next adventure. These are available in several different colors, but my favorite is the perforated white.
Beach Towel
Most resort beaches provide a chaise lounge chair and towel. But, I still like to have my own. These Egyption cotton towels roll up surprisingly small for their size and are ultra absorbent. For days when I’m laying on the sand, a sand-resistant beach blanket is a must.
SPF for Body, Face, and Lips
Sunscreen is no joke especially when you are by the water. Before I leave my hotel room, I’m already covered from head-to-toe. Then, I have my arsenal with me for re-applications. For my face, I love the Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50. But, for my body, I have to have a spray at the beach, like Supergoop Play. Otherwise, I end up with sand mixed in with my sunscreen and it is unpleasant. Finally, a lip balm with SPF helps protect against UV damage and wind-chapped lips all-in-one. Elta MD UV Lip Balm is my everyday go-to.
Cosmetic Bag
I prefer to keep my beauty essentials in a separate pouch to avoid getting lost in the bottom of my tote or covered in sand. Beach days are often minimal make-up days for me, so just a small zip-pouch is all I need. I love these splash-proof and easy-to-clean bags from Aloha Collection. They come in a variety of fun designs and sizes to help keep things organized.
Waterproof Mascara
As I was saying, beach days are pretty close to make-up free for me. However, a little waterproof mascara goes a long way if you are so inclined. The Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara is my go-to even on non-beach days.
De-tangler Brush
A wide-tooth comb or Tangle Teaser brush is a long-hair essential, especially if I’m going to be getting my head wet. Otherwise, I have a complete nightmare on my hands. I also like to travel with a small bottle of tangle spray for longer beach trips.
Hair Ties
Anti-breakage hair ties are another girl’s best friend. For keeping my hair from sticking to my face full of sunscreen, these braided ponytail holders by L. Erickson are perfect for the job. I also love the fact that they come in a box of 15 because I am constantly misplacing or losing mine!
Sun Hat
I am usually partial to baseball caps, except when at the beach. I need a wider brim to cover my ears and neck. I’m all about these hats that accommodate high buns, ponytails, or whatever mess I have going on. My straw hat is also crushable – so great for travel! We all love the big sun hats, but they aren’t packable. So, save them for the country club pool and get ye one of these dandies.
Sunglasses
No one is forgetting sunglasses, but the challenge here is finding a pair that you aren’t worried about getting ruined or lost — but still look great. My favorite brands at the moment are Quay and Gemma Styles. They aren’t ultra cheap, but not designer-expensive either. And, I love the on-trend styles and fit.
Beach Slides
Slides, flip flops, sandals…whatever feels good on your feet that’s easy to kick off and slide back on. I prefer materials that I can get wet (it’s the beach afterall). My Havaianas flip-flops are always a safe choice. This season I’m debuting a new pair of OluKai slides that have super cushy straps and arch-supporting soles, which will be great for walking.
Insulated Tumbler
Hydration cannot be overstated. Be sure to take your largest insulated tumbler or water bottle, like this 40-ouncer and refill often. The sun can and will absolutely take it out of you, so consider to-go electrolyte powders or tablets that you can easily mix in to replenish what is lost from sweating.
Snacks
Speaking of replenishment, always have snacks. Especially if you are beaching with a Ken or kids. Hanger and the munchies are real things. I like to pack trail mixes, granola bars, almonds, and hard candy. You know yourself and audience best;)
Waterproof Phone Pouch
If you will be wading into the water with your phone for some selfies or ocean life photography, a waterproof phone pouch will turn your phone into a an underwater camera and safeguard it from accidental drops. The material is transparent, so you can still use your touch screen and take great photos without any cloudiness.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
For longer beach vacays, we’ve started packing our portable bluetooth speaker instead of using our phones. The sound quality and battery-life is so much better. No comparison really. The JBL Go 3 speakers are waterproof and dustproof, which means you can anchor them in the sand and keep your phone or tablet safely tucked away.
Playing Cards and Beach Reads
People-watching only holds my interest for so long. So, for a little towel-based entertainment, I like to throw a magazine, romance novel, or pack of playing cards into my bag — depending on my mood and my company.
Beach Sports & Games
Last, but not least, don’t forget the fun! What is a day at the beach without fun and games? While you might not want to haul down a wagon of toys, consider packing a paddleball set, volleyball, football, frisbee, or kite. For a more low-key activity, some old-fashioned sandcastle building is always a good creative outlet.
As someone once said…Life takes you down many paths, but the best ones lead to the beach.
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