Buzz
Excited about getting ready for your upcoming beach trip? Whether you're going for the whole day or just a few hours, it’s important to pack everything you'll need to fully enjoy a relaxing day by the beach. Whether you're with family, friends, kids, or going solo, one key task is preparing your beach bag with everything essential and extra supplies for any unexpected situations. There are several things to keep in mind when packing your beach bag – not only bringing the essentials but also organizing your items in a sensible way and choosing the right type of bag. Let’s dive into how to pack the perfect beach bag!
Steps
Pick the Right Beach Bag
Choose the right type of bag. You can use a medium-sized handbag, a backpack, or a large tote bag (a bag with an open design and two handles), depending on how long you plan to stay and how much stuff you need to bring.
- If you're traveling with family or kids, it’s recommended to use a large waterproof tote bag. You might need to bring more things compared to when you're going solo or with a friend.
- Don’t bring your favorite bag. It will be difficult to avoid seawater and sand when you're on the beach. Remember to bring a bag you don’t mind getting sandy.
Keep it organized. Choose a bag with multiple compartments and smaller pockets. Since you'll be carrying various items, a bag with many sections can help save time and make it easier to access what you need.
- Compartmentalized bags are essential for separating items that might get sandy (like flip-flops or towels) from those that need to stay clean.
- If you're handy with a needle, you can add extra small pockets to a bag that doesn't have them.
- You could also use an internal bag divider set to create extra compartments inside your bag.
Maximize space. You’ll need to fit a lot in your bag, so it's crucial to arrange your items efficiently to make room for everything. Roll up towels and place them at the bottom of the bag.
- To save even more space, consider purchasing a lightweight travel towel.
- For a better fit, you can roll the towel inside your beach mat, tightly wrap it up, and insert it vertically so it's easy to grab first.
Prepare the Right Items
Bring the necessary skincare products. Don’t forget to pack plenty of insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, body lotion, dry shampoo or hair care products, and sunglasses.
- Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Follow the product's directions when exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
- As a general rule, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outside and reapply every 2 hours.
- A large pair of sunglasses will offer better eye protection.
- Leave your expensive glasses at home to avoid worrying about them getting broken, sandy, or swept away by the waves.
- Store your hygiene and skincare items in plastic bags to prevent any leaks or breakages from bottles.
Pack the necessary clothing. For a day at the beach, you should bring a wide-brimmed hat, a fresh change of clothes, a swimsuit (unless you plan to wear it from home to the beach), a headband, hair clips, a comb, and a pair of flip-flops.
- Roll your clothes and place them near the bottom of your bag, alongside your towel.
- Depending on the weather, you might also need to pack a comfortable sweater or a light jacket.
- Consider bringing an extra swimsuit if you want to wear one all day without getting it wet.
Prepare enough water. According to medical recommendations, an average adult should drink 8 full glasses of water daily. Keep in mind that your body will require even more water if you're under the sun.
- A helpful tip is to prepare 4 liters of water and 2 bottles for each person.
- Use reusable water bottles to save money and reduce waste.
- You can fill half a bottle with water and freeze it overnight, so you'll have cold water whenever you fill the bottle with ice.
- Consider using a water bottle with a filter if you plan to refill from public water stations.
- Use bottles with double layers to keep the water cold.
Bring snacks. Even if the beach you're heading to has plenty of restaurants, bringing along snacks is still a great idea, especially if you're with kids. Just remember not to leave food in direct sunlight when you go to the beach. You can bring:
- A sandwich for each person. Try sandwiches with peanut butter, jam, or banana if you don't want to worry about refrigeration.
- Nuts, raisins, and savory crackers, like Goldfish crackers.
- Fruits.
- Energy bars or granola bars.
- You may need a cooler if your snacks need to stay chilled.
Bring a beach chair and an umbrella (optional). These bulky items are hard to pack in a beach bag. If you need these items for a fun day at the beach, you'll either have to carry them separately or rent them.
- Search online or call the accommodation, resort, or local beach service center to ask if they provide or rent out umbrellas and chairs.
- Alternatively, you might want to check nearby shops at the beach destination you're visiting to see if they offer rentals. In the U.S., most coastal tourist cities have beach stores with rental services.
Bring a whistle (optional). Especially when you're with children, you might find it useful to have a whistle when they wander off on the beach. Agree on a "family whistle" so you can ensure that the kids will come back to you immediately.
Prepare a basic first aid kit. Whether you're with kids or not, it's always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit. The kit should include:
- Band-aids.
- Neosporin antibiotic ointment.
- Benadryl allergy medicine.
- Calendula lotion (chamomile balancing water) for sunburn care.
- Pain relievers for both children and adults.
Bring along additional entertainment items
Pack beach toys. A good tip is to store your beach toys in a soft mesh bag. This will make it easier to shake off the sand once you're done playing.
Take a book with you. Having something to read is always a smart choice. If you're looking to disconnect from the world, what better way than to dive into a captivating book?
Bring a portable speaker. A speaker will definitely make things more fun, especially when you're relaxing in the sun with friends.
- Waterproof cases are available for nearly all types of electronic devices, from iPhones and Kindle e-readers to cameras. A little water or sand can damage these devices.
Pack a deck of cards. While you're at the beach, you can sit on the sand and enjoy a few rounds of cards with your friends.
Bỏ thêm vào túi một chiếc ống nhòm. Nếu thích ngắm đường chân trời vô tận ngoài khơi, bạn sẽ rất thích thú nếu có một chiếc ống nhòm sẵn trong tay.
Lời khuyên
- Thay vì đem theo cả chiếc ví, bạn chỉ cần lấy vài thứ thiết yếu: tiền mặt, bằng lái và thẻ ATM. Cả chìa khóa cũng vậy. Bạn hãy đựng những món đồ cần thiết trong hộp chống nước và bỏ vào một ngăn riêng, tốt nhất là có khóa kéo.
- Đặt các vật nặng (chẳng hạn như sách) ở dưới đáy túi.
- Để các thức ăn mềm (như hoa quả) lên trên cùng.
- Cất các thiết bị điện tử trong túi có khóa kéo để đảm bảo an toàn.
- Bỏ một chiếc túi gấp có khóa kéo hoặc túi ni lông vào túi tote để đựng đồ ướt và khăn tắm dính cát khi chuẩn bị về nhà.
- Đem thêm vài chiếc túi ni lông có khóa kéo với nhiều cỡ để bảo vệ các vật dụng khỏi bị dính nước biển và cát.
- Chuẩn bị túi từ đêm hoặc ngày hôm trước để khỏi căng thẳng hoặc vội vàng vào phút chót.
- Liệt kê những thứ cần đem ra biển để bạn biết mình đã chuẩn bị đủ mọi thứ chưa.
- Nhớ đem theo vài thứ nặng để chặn cho tấm trải khỏi bay mất, đặc biệt là trong những ngày có gió lớn.
- Để bảo vệ những tư trang quý giá khỏi bị mất khi ra biển, bạn có thể giấu trong lọ kem chống nắng đã dùng hết.
Cảnh báo
- Cắt cử một người trong nhóm trông đồ khi bạn tắm biển để đề phòng mất trộm.
