Top Tips for a Fun Day at the Beach
When the sun is shining and you want to have a fun time with family or friends, there’s nowhere quite like the beach. Surveys show that beaches are among the most popular spots for vacations and summer fun, and countless people flock to their favorite sandy spots whenever they get the opportunity, ready to sunbathe, play games, stroll along the sands, dip their feet in the water, or simply relax and leave their worries behind.
Whether you’re heading to one of the best beaches in the world in some exotic destination like the Caribbean or the Florida coast, or simply driving out to a local beach you’ve always enjoyed over the years, there are several ways in which you can make the day as magical as possible, along with a few key things to keep in mind to make sure everyone stays safe. Read on for the best beach tips to help you have a great time among the sand.
Find a Shady Spot, or Make Your Own Shade
Spending all day out in the sun isn’t the best choice for your skin, and it can quickly lead to discomfort if you start feeling dehydrated or getting too hot, so it’s wise to try and find a shady spot when you arrive at the beach in order to help everyone stay cool and comfortable. Even if you plan on doing a little sunbathing, your fellow beach-goers will surely appreciate a little bit of shade to relax in as the day goes on.
Often, it can be hard to actually find naturally shady areas on the beach, but there are plenty of ways to make your own. Shelter tents for a day at the beach are perfect for this, and they’re actually far more efficient than classic beach umbrellas which can easily blow over in the wind and fail to provide adequate coverage as the day progresses.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Even with your own beach tent or shady space, you’ll still probably be exposing your skin to a lot of sunlight over the course of your day at the beach. Studies have shown that spending too much time in the sun without protection can be very dangerous, massively raising a person’s risk of skin cancer or other less serious but still unpleasant issues like sunburn.
Effective sun protection in the form of sunscreen can help to reduce your risks of cancer and keep you safe, so make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF rating and apply it liberally and repeatedly throughout the day. Don’t forget those often-overlooked parts of the body too, like the nose, ears, and the back of the neck.
Stay Hydrated and Bring Your Own Snacks
If you’re heading to the beach, it probably means that the weather is warm, and when temperatures start to rise, our bodies need even more water than usual to stay healthy and happy. If you don’t drink enough at the beach, you might find yourself suffering the side effects of dehydration, like fatigue, headaches, and nausea too.
So be sure to pack some bottles of water before you go, and you may want to invest in insulated bottles that can keep your water cool and fresh throughout the day. It’s also wise to pack your own snacks, like energy bars and trail mix, to keep energy levels high, as you might not be able to buy any food when you arrive or the prices could be quite high.
Pack a Beach Bag
Packing is never much fun, but it’s an important step before vacations or day trips to the beach, and the items you pack could prove very valuable later on, so prepare a checklist and make sure you take the time to pack all the essentials you might require. We’ve already mentioned sunscreen, water, and snacks, but there are plenty of other items to fit in your beach bag too.
Towels, for example, will surely be needed if you or your children splash around in the water or if the sand is a little wet, and it’s always wise to pack one or two more towels than you think you need, just in case. Toys for little ones are great for keeping them occupied too, and books or gadgets for you to relax with can make the day much more relaxing. You might want bug spray too, and perhaps some extra clothing and accessories in case the weather isn’t quite what you expect.
Final Word
The beach is an awesome place to be, but beach experiences can be ruined if you don’t prepare properly. Make sure to keep these tips in mind ahead of your next trip to ensure you have the very best time.