Have you been planning a relaxing and fun beach trip with your family? Well, that is cause for celebration and excitement. Nothing beats feeling the sand on your feet, building sandcastles, and letting the ocean waves wash away your worries—literally and figuratively.
Family Beach Essentials 101
No family trip is ever fun without ample preparation. You’ve got to bring the right swimwear or swimming gear, make sure you and your kids have Sunburn protection, and that all possible types of mishaps can be avoided.
Fret not, because this blog will provide you with a simple and helpful guide for your upcoming family beach trip. Learn the essentials and must-haves to ensure you and your family are well-prepared before and during your stay at the hot and sunny beach.
To start, divide your essentials into four different categories:
APPAREL
Wearing the proper attire or getup on the beach is crucial. Of course, you wouldn’t want to put on a thick jacket or a pair of pants and boots if you want to enjoy the bright and sunny weather. Your best choice for beach trip apparel is lightweight and breathable clothing to keep you cool and laid back as you feel the waves on your feet and the sun’s rays on your skin.
- Bikini or bathing suits
- Tank tops
- Shorts
- Slippers or flip-flops
- Skirt
- Beach scarf
- Extra undergarments
- Pajamas (for overnight trips)
- Regular outerwear
Always bring extra clothes and even bathing suits whenever you take a trip by the seashore. This could come in handy in case of a wardrobe malfunction, emergency, or unforeseen changes in your itinerary. Not to mention, kids love to explore and play around—especially in a new environment. Expect them to have clothes and slippers filled with sand, spilled drinks, and even food stains all over their attire.
Don’t limit your wardrobe to your swimming outfit. Make the most out of your looks by bringing your regular jeans and shirts. Add a light jacket so you have something comfortable to wear when exploring the local restaurants and shops in the nearby area.
TOILETRIES & FIRST AID KIT
- Beach Towel
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Lip balm
- Medication for motion sickness
- Band-aids
- Hand sanitizer or disinfectant
- Antiseptic
- Ointments for mosquito and insect bites
- Ice pack
- Re-sealable bags
Never leave the comforts of your home for the beach without bringing a first-aid and hygiene kit for your family. Toiletries like shampoo, bath soap, hand sanitizer, and lip balm will come in handy. Exposing your hair to the seawater can damage it when not rinsed and washed off properly. Also, you’ll be covered in sand and sweat for the entire duration of your stay by the shore. A refreshing bath will help you cool off.
Sunscreen is also a definite must-have. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF30 is a good choice because it provides ample protection for you and your kids against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply the sunscreen every 40 minutes or every hour, regardless of whether you submerge yourself into the water or not. Doing so ensures you get continuous protection against sunburn and skin irritation caused by sun exposure.
Your skin is not the only part of your body that needs shielding from the sun. your lips also become prone to drying. Applying a lip balm with an SPF30 keeps your lips moisturized and prevents chapping.
If you or your child is prone to motion sickness when traveling, pack some medication to alleviate their dizziness and discomfort. Make sure to take the medication after meals and preferably at least two hours before hitting the road.
As a parent, it pays to be extra careful and ready at all times. Band-aids, antiseptic, gauze, medication for headache and stomach pain, anti-mosquito balms, ointments for insect bites, and ice packs are some life-saving essentials to ensure a safe trip for you and your family.
Here’s a pro-tip: Transfer creams and balms in travel-sized containers to create more room in your luggage. Put your clothes and toiletries in separate resealable bags.
PROTECTIVE GEARS
- Rashguard
- Vests
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella or tent
- Hat
- Floatation devices and goggles for swimming
Whether you prefer to lounge by the seaside, build sandcastles, play beach sports, or swim, donning protective gear while on the beach makes your vacation more enjoyable. Set up a mat and an outdoor umbrella large enough to give you ample shade when chilling by the sand. Equip your kids with a rashguard, swimming vests, and puddle jumpers.
Shield your eyes from the sun’s brightness especially during noon time with a pair of sunglasses.
ELECTRONICS
- Action camera
- Smartphone
- Charger
- Powerbank
- Adapter
- Portable or bluetooth speaker
Capture every moment with your family by bringing the suggested electronics on this list. An action camera is ideal for outdoor trips because it is more durable. Also, most action cameras come are waterproof, so you can take videos and photos even while underwater. For emergency, communication, and travel purposes, having your trusty phone with you is a must. As such, you need to guarantee that you don’t run out of batteries during your trip. Finally, your escapade will not be complete without some music to liven things up, so bringing your trusty portable speakers is something you should check on your family beach packing list.
Finally, your seaside vacation will not be complete without bringing disposable trash bags in your luggage. Remember, spending quality time with your family is priceless, but that should not be at the expense of the surroundings. No matter where you travel or what type of places you visit, be a responsible visitor. As they say, Clean-As-You-Go. Do not leave your trash everywhere. Place them in disposable bags and discard them in the trash bins.
What are you waiting for? Save or print this mini-guide and start packing for your next family beach trip!
