Whether you’re getting away for the weekend or you’re going on a family retreat, the beach is the best way to unwind. When you’re in the sun and sand, it seems like everything is all right in the world. You’ve just got to be sure you have the right essentials. There’s no such thing as packing too much for the beach. You probably won’t have WiFi so close to the water, right? You have to be prepared.
This list is equipped with the best beach essentials inspired by BeachRated, the top source for beach gear to relax in style. Make sure you stash all these must-haves in your beach bag before your next trip. You don’t want to be caught off guard by the hot sun, melting makeup, or even boredom.
1. A Luxurious Towel
Even if you have no intention of actually getting your bathing suit wet, you need a great towel. Who hasn’t felt the panic of not being able to recognize your towel on a busy beach? If you’re still rocking a plain-old white towel, you’re asking for someone to misplace your space. Choose a towel that stands out and will look great in your Instagram shots. Check out this list of oversized and luxurious beach towels from Travel and Leisure for more inspiration.
Not planning to actually lay out and tan? Opt for a beach blanket instead. They’ll keep you from having to set all your stuff on sand which has the tendency to get literally everywhere, and they’ll protect your feet from the burning sand. The best part about these blankets is you can use a towel as a makeshift pillow and lay on one for the perfect afternoon catnap.
2. Waterproof Speaker
Sure, you could listen to the waves, but that’ll get old fast. We can’t be expected to just spend hours alone with our thoughts today, so crank out your trusty waterproof speaker. Make sure you choose one that’s durable and ready for anything. The last thing you need is for your speaker to fade out if it accidentally gets splashed with your margarita or pina colada.
3. Tote Bag
You have a long list of beach must-haves, but you need somewhere to keep them all. Nobody wants to look like a crazy person trying to balance beach towels, chairs, and the three books you said you’d read all in your arms. An oversized tote bag is a must.
Once again, choose something durable. This bag is guaranteed to be covered in sand by the end of the day. Look for one with pockets for your keys and phone so you’re not endlessly rummaging. Canvas is a great material, and it’ll go perfectly with any bikini.
4. A Sun Hat
We all want that perfect tanned glow that comes from days in the sun, but skin cancer isn’t cute. Unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with skin that can handle hours and hours in the sun. Even with sunscreen, you might need to give your skin a break from time to time. A sunhat is the best way to protect burn-prone skin from that ugly red sunburn.
Pro tip: find a hat you can roll up. If you’re trying to take your look from the beach to a night on the town, you might not want to be lugging your beach hat around after the sun goes down. There are a few different materials and styles that roll up perfectly to fit in your bag for easy storage.
5. SPF Moisturizer
You already know to pack your sunscreen, but what about your moisturizer? As we’ve already said, too much sun exposure doesn’t do wonders for your skin. If you’re swimming in salt water, you’ll have even more damage. The sun and salt can strip your skin of essential oils and moisture. That means you’ll be more prone to wrinkles, and your skin will feel especially dry after a day on the sand.
What’s the solution? Find an easy-to-pack SPF moisturizer to slip into your bag. You want to combine the power of moisture with sun protection. You should use this throughout the day under your traditional sunscreen, and again as you’re leaving the beach to restore your skin.
6. Kindle
How many times have you said you’re going to get around to reading that novel on your shelf or that bestseller your best friend recommended? While there might be distractions in your daily life, you have no excuse when you’re lounging on the beach. Finally, catch up on that to-be-read pile by bringing your books with you.
Choose your Kindle or another e-reader instead of a traditional book because it’s a major space saver, and you can also switch between titles if you decide something doesn’t mesh with your beach vibe. There’s nothing better than a sultry romance novel as you watch the sunset.
Your beach vacation wouldn’t be complete without these must-pack essentials above. Throw them all in your trendy beach bag for a guaranteed good time in the sun. Remember to look out for your skin and wellness. All that sun is good for your soul, but not always for your complexion. All of these things above will make sure you’re not only safe but also prepared for anything.