Beach Bags: 6 Tips for Packing

Tip: Make a list and check it twice. Forgetting something as small as a pair of sunglasses can ruin the day.

Good beach bags can solve one of the real challenges of going to the beach: all of the stuff you wind up carrying! A beach bag can be anything from a plastic bag from the grocery store to a sturdy bag made specifically for the beach. Whatever kind of bag you use, it's a good idea to think through what all you might need before you even start packing that bag.

Okay, so... I'm a little paranoid. I tend to want to make sure I'm prepared for an have packed supplies for every conceivable situation that may arise. And while that's great for beaches where parking is close and I can leave a bunch of stuff in my car, it can be a real problem for beaches where I need to travel some distance to where I'm going to set up for the day. Which is most of them!

All it takes is a little planning to pack beach bags that both leave you prepared and able to, you know, walk. Whether you're going with a group, your family or by yourself, these tips will help you prepare for a great day in the sun.

1. Use a Sturdy Beach Bag

Nothing can ruin a great day at the beach like discovering your sun block, wallet or car keys fell out of the bag and are lost (especially your wallet!). Make sure your bag is sturdy and is free from rips and tears. A bag that zips or has some other sort of closure is also helpful for keeping your things inside the bag and the sand out.

When I go to the beach I often end up with a beach chair and cooler to carry. A bag with long handles that can go over the shoulder make carrying all the beach accessories much easier.

2. Make sure you recognize your bag. At a crowded beach there will be many people using a beach bag. Getting one that has some distinctive colors or patterns can help you pick yours out of the crowd. Which is very important if somebody tries to walk off with it.

3. Decide how you're going to spend the day

What you pack will vary depending on how you plan to spend your day. Sometimes my plan is to lie on my blanket or mat reading in the sun. Your plan may include playing a game like volleyball or Frisbee. Remember to bring all the games and equipment that you'll need. And maybe a first aid kit if you really plan to get down and dirty.

4. Plan for food and drink

If you are going to a beach you are familiar with or that you know is close to shops or a boardwalk you may decide to only bring light snacks. If you are going to a more secluded location, however, you'll need to bring something to eat. Try to choose foods that are immune to the heat or bring along a cooler to keep them fresh. Whatever you are bringing, zip lock bags can help keep the sand out of your food.

You do need to stay hydrated when you spend a day in the sun. So bring along at least one big bottle of water for each person you are responsible for. Freeze the bottles for an hour or so before you go. That will help keep the water cold and will also help your food stay cool.

Remember that caffeinated drinks like soda actually dehydrate you so those aren't the best drink to bring. Also, please remember to collect all your trash and dispose of it properly.

5. Other items

Depending on what you have planned and who you are with there are a variety of other items you may want to pack in your beach bag. One thing that you can count on is that if you have small children you want to make sure to click on the link for specific items for toddlers. to bring to the beach.

6. Pack the basics

• Sun block: Skin damage and cancer are extremely common! Bring along plenty of lotion that is at least SPF 30 and apply it often. Remember the tops of your feet, ears and head along with your lips. There are great spray products now that help cover your entire back in case you can't reach all areas yourself.
• Sunglasses: A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from the glare of the sun.
• Beach blanket or towel: What to sit on at the beach is a matter of personal preference. There are great beach towels, mats, blankets and hammocks to choose from.
• First Aid Kit: This can simply be a small kit with some ointment and bandages. One of the most common injuries at the beach is cut feet and scraped skin from sand and rocks.
• Camera: There are great waterproof and underwater disposable and digital cameras available now. But remember: expensive cameras are always in danger of being stolen at the beach. If you do bring a more expensive camera be sure to store it properly to avoid sand damage and to keep it safe.
• Extra Towels: If the beach you are going to has showers, it feels great to have a clean towel that hasn't been covered in sand at the end of the day. Keep your extra towel clean in a zip lock bag or tied-off grocery bag if you like.
• Extra Money: An ice cream treat tastes great on a sunny day. If your beach is on a Boardwalk you may also find a souvenir that you just can't live without. Be prepared with cash on hand.
• Book: Reading the latest summertime bestseller is a great way to enjoy a day at the beach.
• Extra Clothes: Depending on your plans, a lightweight shirt to offer some sun protection or a sweatshirt for when it cools down in the evening is great to have.
• Hat: Whether it's your favorite baseball cap for beach sports or a wide brimmed sunhat to keep your skin safe, a hat generally makes the day much more comfortable.

With all of the items listed above your beach bag will have a tendency to get pretty full and heavy. And you still may need a beach chair and umbrella! If you are bringing any sort of beach shade or other toys and go to the beach frequently, you may want to consider a beach cart. For families bringing along a larger type of sun shade or body or skim boards these can be a great investment.

Top Ten Tips for Toddlers

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