Here are six essentials to make sure you pack for your next beach vacation.
1. Water-Friendly Period Products
This one seems obvious, but you’d never want to find yourself at your favorite beach without appropriate period protection! You may not always be able to choose a vacation time that works well with your cycle. To avoid embarrassing leaks and stains, it’s crucial to bring period products that work well in the water. Otherwise, you might not have the confidence you need to enjoy the water while you’re on your period.
Some great water-friendly period products include tampons, menstrual cups, and menstrual discs. Many women don’t realize there’s also period swimwear available for purchase that provides another layer of protection. Made with a special lining to absorb liquid, period-proof swimwear offers additional security and confidence during menses. It also fits snugly to help keep tampons and other period products securely in place.
2. Dry Bags
Have you ever dozed off on the beach and gotten rudely startled awake from your slumber by the rising tide? This is a common scenario that’s resulted in more than one ruined cell phone or portable speaker. Unfortunately, a standard beach bag offers little protection from unexpected waves. A dry bag, on the other hand, can keep your belongings secure and safe from water damage.
A dry bag is a waterproof bag that’s typically secured with a roll-top closure as well as a buckle. Backpackers, kayakers, hikers, and snorkelers often use these types of bags to prevent water damage to their belongings. You may wish to keep your cell phone and other electronics in a dry bag during your beach vacation. That way, you don’t need to worry about them getting ruined by water exposure.
3. Sun Protection
As wonderful as it feels to soak up the sun, too much sunlight can result in a painful sunburn. If you get burned on your first beach day, it could ruin the rest of your vacation. Make sure you pack adequate sun protection for the duration of your stay. This may include sunscreen, a sun umbrella, a sun hat, sunglasses, and cover-ups.
When choosing a sunscreen for your beach vacation, consider selecting a “reef-safe” product. This means that it’s formulated with ingredients that aren’t harmful to the complex ecosystem in the ocean. They typically contain mineral-based ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. For optimal protection from the sun’s rays, choose a product that has a minimum of SPF 30.
4. Beach Towels and Chairs
Unlike regular foldable chairs, beach chairs tend to be small and minimally bulky. Each person in your party will want to have one so they can relax comfortably in the sand. You should also plan to pack at least a couple of beach towels so you always have a dry one within reach. Beach towels can also provide sun protection if you start to feel the sting of excessive sunlight exposure.
When shopping for packable beach chairs, look for lightweight options that won’t add too much bulk to your luggage. They should also be easy to carry and come in a storage pouch for added convenience. Your ideal beach chair might also have a cup holder and attached umbrella for optimal comfort and protection.
5. Underwater Camera
Do you plan to do some snorkeling during your vacation? If so, consider investing in an underwater camera so you can snap plenty of photos. Make sure the camera comes with some sort of strap or handle so you don’t accidentally lose it while swimming. GoPro and other quality brands manufacture reliable waterproof cameras. You can count on them to capture your underwater adventures in stunning detail.
If you plan to take underwater photos with your cell phone, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most modern cell phones are actually water resistant, not waterproof. That means they can handle some water exposure with limitations. To avoid ruining your expensive device, it’s wise to put it inside a protective waterproof hard-shell case. Most smartphone cameras aren’t optimized to take pictures underwater, so you might get better pictures by using an underwater camera instead.
6. Beach Cooler
There’s nothing quite as heavenly as soaking up sunlight on the beach without a care in the world. However, all of that heat can raise your body temperature and make you feel parched pretty quickly. If you aren’t prepared with a cold drink of some sort, you run the risk of experiencing dehydration or heat stroke. Packing a beach cooler can help you avoid these unpleasant scenarios.
Choose a cooler that’s large enough to hold several drinks for each person in your party. It should also be well-insulated and have an advertised ice life of at least two days. Your cooler should be tough enough to withstand a tough environment of hot sand and abrasive sand. Finally, it should have rugged wheels for maximum mobility in the sand.
Your upcoming beach vacation should be as relaxing and stress-free as possible. To avoid last-minute scrambling and unnecessary expenses, it’s important to plan what you’ll pack in advance. Use this list to ensure you don’t forget any of these six beach vacation essentials!