Written by Chiara Bisignani (Guest Post).
If you are a travel enthusiast drawn to beaches, preparation is the key to having a great time and a memorable experience in the sand and sea. Things like bad weather, bug bites, sunburns, and unexpected events can happen, and it’s best to be prepared for them. It helps to know some travel hacks that can enable you to enjoy your next beach vacation to the fullest.
Careful planning, packing for essentials, and bringing the right items to make your vacation more enjoyable and safer are required so you can have a great time on the beach and enjoy your cabana brunch and other activities. Most importantly, bring along your sense of humor and a positive attitude.
1. Find the right beach spot
You have probably visited several beaches already or heard about some of the must-explore coasts. Would you like to revisit those or try something new? Finding the right beach for the kind of experience you want is the first thing you must do.
Do you prefer a tranquil place or a crowded one? Do you plan to spend more time in the water or on the sand? Are you travelling alone or with someone, such as your significant other, family or friends? Take the time to find the best beach destination that offers the kind of environment you will enjoy most.
If you want a different experience, choose a beach resort club. You’ll get to enjoy a more serene space, such as an outdoor chilled pool with private cabanas overlooking a beach with clear turquoise water.
2. Protect yourself from the sun
Nothing is more disappointing than having to deal with a sunburn and bug bites in the middle of your outing. So make sure to bring along with you the following:
UV-Resistant Clothing
When you’re on the beach, wear UV-resistant clothing. This will not just keep you cool while you’re out and about, but also protect you from the damaging rays of the sun. Don’t forget to bring along a beach hat with UV protection to prevent your face from getting sunburned.
Sunscreen
Apart from wearing UV-resistant clothes, use sunscreen, too. Choose one that you can use both for your face and body, and take an extra bottle to ensure that you won’t run out. If you plan to spend most of your time outdoors, use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours or more frequently if you are sweating excessively. Since water will increase the amount of UV exposure, you must come out of the water every two hours, dry off, and reapply your sunscreen.
Sunglasses
The sun can also harm your eyes, so make sure to wear a pair of high-quality UVA/UVB sunglasses. Read the labels and avoid investing in eyewear that doesn’t provide excellent sun protection.
Water shoes or sandals
Walking barefoot along the shore is a pleasant experience, but the hot sand can burn your soles, and the sharp rocks or pieces of debris can cut your feet. As such, bringing a pair of beach-friendly shoes or sandals is important. Choose a pair with a nylon webbing strap as this offers a snug but comfortable fit. It is also breathable, lightweight, and fast-drying.
Chair with built-in shade
When possible, you must stay in the shade when the sun is too hot, which is usually between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bringing along a chair with a built-in shade guarantees that you have something to use, so you enjoy the sand while protecting your body. Otherwise, consider bringing a pop-up nylon tent or a beach umbrella.
3. Be prepared for emergencies
Even with a well-planned vacation, mishaps can still take place. So make sure to anticipate what could possibly happen during your beach vacation.
Sunburn
Sunburn can be prevented with proper clothing and sunscreen products, but you need to know how to deal with sunburn pain. Besides, you can get sunburned even during a cloudy day. Also, some medications can make you highly vulnerable to sunburn.
So ask your doctor if your medication falls under this category and what precautions you should take to minimize possible sun damage. Most importantly, ask for recommendations regarding the best sunburn remedies and treatments to relieve sunburn pain.
Insect bites
Bug bites can ruin your vacation, so be prepared to relieve the swelling and itching. For instance, pack insect bite relief treatment or an antihistamine. Most importantly, you must know how to manage different allergy types and symptoms correctly and quickly, especially if you are severely allergic to insect bites.
4. Pack other essentials
Here are other essentials you must bring with you:
First aid kit
Aside from sunburn and insect bite relief, you should also be prepared to treat other injuries and ailments. Always have a first aid kit in your car and another in your bag. It should consist of first aid ointment, several bandages, alcohol wipes, tape, and sterile gauze bandages. Make sure to check the content’s expiration dates and replace everything that’s close to expiring.
Snacks and water bottles
Bring as many snacks with you as you need, especially if you are travelling with your kids. Cut them into bite-size pieces so you can eat them quickly and conveniently.
You should also bring water bottles to save money and keep you from drinking sugary snack beverages. Water is still the best option to keep you hydrated while having fun.
Ziploc bags
Ziploc bags are the best solution for most beach day challenges. These help protect and secure your towels, book, camera, and other things you carry with you on the beach. Clean them in the evening and allow them to dry overnight so you can reuse them the next day.
Make your next beach vacation more enjoyable and remarkable. Choose the right destination and pack all the essentials. Enjoy!
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Chiara Bisignani is the F&B Marketing Executive at Saadiyat Beach Club. She oversees website maintenance, PR requests, marketing initiatives and all general guests’ enquiries for the company’s destinations of KOI Restaurant & Lounge, Boa Steakhouse and Caramel Restaurant and Lounge in Abu Dhabi.
Great post! Snacks and drinks are definitely a must for us to have a successful beach trip. 🙂
Thanks for reading. Yes, we totally agree with you. Food and drinks are very important aspects of trips.
Great tips! Beautiful captures too!
Never forget sunscreen! 🤩
Yes. Thanks for reading.