What to Pack For a Beach Day?
With the pandemic hitting the globe at a massive scale, travel has become a distant dream for many – thankfully though, as more and more countries action their vaccination plans, and the numbers of vaccinations administered rise – there is hope in sight, to travel again, both within our own country and further afield.
For now though, the majority of usually tightly-packed and closed spaces in tourist locations are closed to the public. However, nature’s bounty-like beaches provide ample space for social distancing – to ensure your health and safety.
If you are planning for a beach day or holiday, now more than ever, you need to ensure that you carry everything you need like a pair of crocs – for your safety and convenience, and everything should fit in your ‘beach’ bag.
Further Reading: Holiday Checklist and Packing Tips for Travel with Small Kids
The Beach Day Packing Checklist
1. Type Of Bag
Before knowing what kind of things you should carry, you need to first check what bag you’ll be carrying. First things first and we highly suggest you do not pack heavily. The main purpose of a beach day or holiday is to relieve your stress levels, so ensure that your bag is lightly packed – prioritising is key.
Some of the most common bags prefered for a beach day are specifically designed ‘beach bags’, duffle bags, carry-on weekend style bags, and depending where you’re going, and if they have a boardwalk or pier – wheeled bags.
Further Reading: Is There A ‘Right’ Age For Baby’s First Vacation?
2. Consider Buying A Packing Organiser
As you are going to carry one single bag and place all your checklisted items into it, you need to provide the right partition. This could be done with the help of packing organisers. Packing organisers do exactly what ‘they say on the tin’ – they help to save space in your bag by creating compartments and even compressing clothes. They also give you the feel you’re picking your packed items straight from a drawer. Just ensure to use zipper compartments for keeping liquids, for example; toiletries, sunscreen, and makeup.
Further Reading: Travel Insurance After Covid-19 – What Will It Look Like
3. The Basic Items That Need To Be Packed
These are the basic items that demand space in your bag if you are planning for a day at the beach.
- Bottled Water and snack.
- Sunscreen.
- Towel.
- Swimsuit.
- Hat, flip-flops, lightweight clothing such as a tanktop and shorts.
- Phone and charger pack.
- Shampoo and Conditioner.
- After-sun and moisturiser.
- Waterproof bag for wet clothing.
- Polarised sunglasses or big frame sunglasses.
- A good book.
- Local map or guide.
Further Reading: Travel the Island of Ireland
4. The Extras to Pack
Depending where the beach day or holiday takes place – in your home country or a flight away, really has an influence on the personal items and documents you need to carry. If it’s a local beach then there’s a good chance you’ve driven or gotten public transport – either way make sure you have a secure place to keep you keys or tickets while beach bumming it.
When travelling further afield important travel documents should be kept in your hotel room safe. If you want to be extra careful email yourself a copy of your documents and passport, or print a copy of your documents to keep with you – again find a safe compartment in your bag and always keep it within sight. An example of documents include; photo identification, credit card and boarding passes.
Further Reading: 5 Fab Places For Your Post-Coronavirus Travel Bucket List
5. Why It’s Important To Pack Health-Related Products
In most cases the geographical setting of the beach is completely different from what you experience on an everyday basis. So, to stay safe and healthy and not get adversely affected by the change in the environment, it is suggested to carry some health-related products.
- Hand Sanitiser. With the pandemic still a priority to your health, it’s very important you continue to carry hand sanitiser. And if you plan on using public picnic tables or benches then there’s no harm in packing antibacterial wipes too. Just remember to bin them afterwards. LEAVE NO TRACE is the motto to stand by.
- First Aid Kit. A small first aid kit is something we often forget but unfortunately might need. From antihistamines for allergies, your daily medicine or even for a plaster for those new sandals you haven’t quite broken into yet. You’ll be glad you packed this little kit.
Further Reading: Parenthood: Planes, Trains and Automobiles – Tips for Travelling with a Toddler
We hope this checklist is of value and get you thinking about your next beach day or holiday. Remember to travel as light as you can. Leave your valuable jewellery at home or in the hotel room safe. If travelling to the beach alone, share your travel itinerary with a friend. And enjoy!
Photos of Kerry, Ireland by Tommy Kwak – CCO Licence
PIN: Checklist – What to Pack for a Beach Day or Holiday
Follow The Life of Stuff on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram