If you’re someone who loves spending time at the beach, and you’re also somebody who dislikes spending ages packing a bag, then you know how much easier it can be to have all your essentials in one place. This not only makes it easier for you to leave the house quickly, but it also ensures that you have everything you need for a fun and comfortable day in the sun.
I am also not gifted with massive organisational skills, so keeping everything in one place, and where practical already packed, means I don’t waste too much time preparing to go.
I find it easier to have too much stuff ready to go and take out the things I don’t need for a particular trip rather than trying to waste time trying to find the extras. I may or may not need the beach games or portable speaker, but if they are stored with the essentials then it just makes things easier when trying to leave the house – often difficult enough with, in my case, a 5-year-old.
If you forget everything else always make sure you have sun-protection and water!
During the summer months I always leave a small bottle of SPF50 near the front door as a visible reminder as I leave the house – I can either quickly apply or take it with me.
Get a Dedicated Beach Bag
Invest in a bag that’s specifically designed for the beach. Look for a bag that’s large enough to hold all your essentials but not so big that it becomes difficult to carry. Some bags even come with separate compartments for wet items like towels and swimsuits.
Make a Checklist
Create a checklist of all the items you need for a day at the beach; and pack your essentials in advance. Take the time to pack your beach bag the night before if you can.
After each beach trip, take the time to restock your beach bag with any items that you used up or forgot to bring. This way, your bag will always be ready to go when you are!
The Essentials
- Water – enough for everybody (reusable water bottles). If you take a couple of bottles each then put one in the freezer the night before or fill it full of ice before you go – at the end of a long day it might still be refreshingly cool.
- Sun Protection (I have my preferred/nice sunglasses and cap but I always keeps an old/emergency pair packed. Experience has taught me that turning up at a sunny beach to suddenly remember that my sunglasses are on the table, or my hat is hanging on the coat hooks under several jackets) :
- Suncream – Use a sunblock or sunscreen of at least factor 30 sunscreen preferably SPF50+
- Sunglasses – make sure it offers full UVA and UVB protection. Sunglasses with ‘UV400’ protection will filter out 99% of UV light. It’s important to remember that the darkness of your sunglasses lenses has nothing to do with UV protection
- Sun Hat – ideally a broad brim hat with a UPF50+ rating
- A small first-aid kit
- Snacks
- A bag for rubbish – never leave any rubbish on the beach and always take it home with you if you can
- Credit Card and Cash – like a lot of people I don’t use cash much these days, but sometimes coffee huts and ice-cream vans near the beach don’t always have a connection to use card and some coins for car-parking or toilet facilities.
The Almost Essentials
Depending on where you are going, your plans and preferences any of these might or might not be on your list:
- Coffee in a Thermos
- Pop-up beach tent with sun protection
- Swimwear and Towel
- Beach blanket or large towel
- Bucket and Spade
- Beach Shoes/Aqua Shoes – most of the time I’m happiest when the sand is between my toes, but some beaches have sharp stones or broken shells so it can be handy to have good pair of aqua shoes or waterproof sandals.
- A book
- Notepad and pen – in my case I carry a small set or colouring pencils
- Change of Clothes
- Headphones
- Power bank and cable
- Portable Speaker
- Beach Games
A trip to the beach is a fun and (sometimes) relaxing day out, don’t waste your time packing, with a little preparation you can spend more of your day on the beach and less time looking for your sunglasses and swim shorts!
Enjoy your day at the beach, your number one priority is probably to have fun, don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen to keep yourself hydrated and protected from the sun.
Even in the UK on a cloudy day the sun can cause damage. Use a sunblock or sunscreen of at least factor 30 sunscreen preferably SPF50+, cover up with suitable clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
Sunglasses – make sure it offers full UVA and UVB protection. Sunglasses with ‘UV400’ protection will filter out 99% of UV light. It’s important to remember that the darkness of your sunglasses lenses has nothing to do with UV protection.
Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October. Find a shady spot if you can or a beach tent with UPF50+ UV Protection.
Sun protection and Sun Safety
Suncream and Sunscreen
Sun protective clothing
Beach and Sun Shelters
Sunglasses
