Does spending the week sitting in a cubical under florescent lights make you dream of warm, sunny days with your feet in the sand and the sound of waves rolling in? If so, it’s time to plan a trip to the beach! Whether it’s a day trip or a week excursion, organizing your beach essentials doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips to get you relaxing in the sunshine:
You have your high SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and the latest celebrity gossip magazine, but what are you going to carry it in? Look for large, bag that is sand friendly. Consider a bag made of study mesh so the sand falls out when it is time to go home. While the beach is a great getaway, it doesn’t need to end up in your carpet.
If you are bringing electronics, like an Ipod or a camera, put them in a Ziploc or waterproof bag to protect them from the sand and water. Protect all your beach essentials and keep track of your beach spot with a bright umbrella. Consider purchasing one that clips to your beach chair as a light and portable option.
Whether you have kids in tow, or you are a kid at heart, the beach is the perfect place to find fun. Why not turn a beach towel into a game board? Paint a checker board on one side, and a tick-tac-toe board on the other.
Forget the overpriced sand toys, just look around your kitchen. Yogurt cups, Tupperware containers and ice cream scoops make great sand castles. Carry them in a laundry basket so when it’s time to go home, you can toss them all in the basket, and rinse the basket of toys off in the surf. Don’t forget to pack Nerf balls, Frisbees and a bucket to collect seashells. Find the best seashells by using a mesh colander as a sifter.
If you are craving an ice cream cone, hit the boardwalk, but for other beach friendly treats, pack an insulated tote. Make sure food that needs to be kept cold is packed closest to the ice pack. Pack treats that can withstand the heat like peanut butter sandwiches, whole fruit and granola bars. The salty water will leave you parched, so fill up your Nalgene with mostly ice cubes or freeze your Vapur bottle with water before you leave the house.
Before you head home, fill up an empty squirt bottle with beach water. This way you can keep your sexy beach hair for the next few weeks. Also, make sure you dispose of all your trash and rinse your feet before the drive home.
Feeling the sting of too much sun? Put some tea bags on your burn for relief. If the sunburn is larger than a teabag, fill the bathtub with hot water and a few teabags for a nice, long soak. Just skip lemon slices and straw.
When it comes to a day at the beach, even a cloudy day can be fun. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!
