5 Essentials When Hitting the Beach This Summer

Summer is right around the corner and beach season will be here before we know it. I was inspired by the good folks at Tripping.com to share what essentials I absolutely, positively, without a doubt, need to hit the beach.”

Whether you live near the beach and visit regularly (like I do), live in the mountains and plan a week or two at the beach, or head to your favorite theme park area and take a day trip to hit the beach and chill, what you NEED to pack is the same. Renting a home on the beach is a great way to make sure you have all the essentials you need at your fingertips and you can find beautiful homes on the beach in Florida on Tripping.

Sunscreen

I always make sure to have a good protective sunscreen. I personally like a spray-on for all over and a stronger cream for my face. Hitting the beach with sunscreen is a big mistake that so many make and can really ruin your vacation. Nothing worse than suffering with a burn!

Sunglasses

Oh those squinty eyes!! I’m not sure what is worse – sunglass shaped tan or squinty eye lines tan! I prefer the sunglass shaped tan personally since seeing what’s going on around me at the beach is so much easier with a good pair of sunglasses. I also have a “cheap” pair just for the beach since I don’t like to risk loosing the pricey ones in the water.

Lip Balm

A good lip balm with a higher SPF rating is essential. Did you ever see all those people with puffy, red, sore looking lips after a day at the beach? Between the salt air and the sun, your lips can get damaged in a very short time.

Snacks and Water

I usually keep some water bottles in the freezer in the summer so that when I’m ready to hit the beach I have frozen water to take with me. It doesn’t take long before the ice starts to melt and I have a nice bottle of iced cold water to sip on while relaxing on the beach. Once I’m all set up and relaxing, the last thing I want to do is have to get up and hunt down a cold drink or a snack. The frozen bottle of water will also keep any food you bring with you that you want to stay chilled. Snack sized bags of my favorite cookies, chips or crackers are also a must. Each little bag contains just the right amount and there is no waste.

Moist Hand Towelettes/WashCloth

After applying sunscreen or getting sand on your hands, who wants to eat a snack. O.K. I’m a bit of a clean freak so I like to clean my hands and make sure they are free of sunscreen or sand before diving into my snacks! No need to spend money on moist hand towelettes – just pack a wet washcloth in a zip-lock bag (perfect for hands and face!)

All of these essentials are easy to keep on hand all summer long or to bring along on a vacation. If you stay in a rental home or condo at the beach (like one you can find on Tripping.com) these essentials will be a must for hitting the beach!

What do you take along to the beach with you?