What Essentials To Bring To The Beach

First things first… Choosing your beach destination! If you’re looking to go somewhere in the UK, we have a whole list of fabulous and beautiful beaches. Whether you go to Cornwall or Europe!

We also have beaches for those with furry friends too! Because everyone deserves a sun, sea and sand day out.

If you’re heading abroad or not sure where to vacation, why not check out our lastminute.com blogs? From the best holiday destinations for kids to the best all-inclusive resorts!

Safety first! The sun can be quite unforgiving, especially during those long summer days at the beach. Make sure to pack:

• Sunscreen: Opt for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Reapply every two hours, and don’t forget to cover those often overlooked areas like ears, neck, and feet!
• Sun Hats: Stylish and practical, wide-brimmed hats provide extra shade and protect your face from harmful UV rays. Look for hats with adjustable straps for a secure fit, especially for the kids.It’ll also keep the sun out of their eyes if they’re having a bit of a break from beach fun!
• Sunglasses: Invest in UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your eyes from the glare of the sun.
• Lip Balm: Yes, that’s right! The sun can burn your lips too, so why not invest in some lip balm if you’re heading out on a beach day when the sun is high and hot?

Maximize your family beach day fun with these essential beach items:

• Beach Umbrella or Tent: A portable beach umbrella or a pop-up tent is a lifesaver, offering a shady oasis for relaxation and keeping little ones protected from the sun. Look for one that is easy to set up and lightweight for convenience!
• Beach Blankets or Towels: Comfortable beach blankets or large towels are perfect for lounging, building sandcastles, and drying off after a refreshing dip in the water.Choose sand-resistant or quick-drying options to avoid dragging half the beach back to your car.For those who dislike sand engrained in beach towels, how about investing in a beach mat? It’s easier to wipe off the sand!
• Beach Towel Clips: If you’ve brought beach chairs or the beach already has some (most likely beaches abroad). It’s pretty useful to bring beach towel clips with you too! To ensure your towel is securely laid on on your chair and won’t be a victim to the wind!
• Beach Chairs: Lightweight, foldable beach chairs provide extra comfort for parents and kids when taking breaks from splashing in the waves.Now, your beach setup is complete!

Pack it all up in a spacious and durable beach tote or beach bag that can hold your essentials:

• Water: Stay hydrated! H2O should definitely be on your essential item list! Bring a beach cooler with plenty of reusable water bottles or refillable water containers. Dehydration can ruin a perfect beach day, so make sure everyone has access to water at all times!You may also need water to wash your kid’s eyes if they get salt water in them.
• Snacks: Satisfy those hunger pangs with a mix of healthy snacks like fruits, sandwiches, and granola bars. Not forgetting crisps! Whatever flavour, it’s certainly beach food in my eyes! Prepare some tubs of fresh fruit that will hit the spot after a hot day out on the beach. And if you’re looking to bring something filling, how about cold pasta pots? We suggest you avoid bringing messy foods like chocolate, as they can melt in the heat and create a sticky mess!
• Sand Toys: Keep the kids entertained with sandcastle-building tools, frisbees, inflatable beach balls, and of course shovels!
  A family day at the beach isn’t complete without playing with a ball! Also, a beach-friendly kite is also a great addition!
• Baby Powder: Believe it or not, baby powder helps remove stubborn sand from skin, making clean-up a breeze. A quick dusting of baby powder on sandy feet makes the sand magically fall off, leaving you feeling fresh and clean.
• Baby Wipes: For easy cleaning, use baby wipes to clean those sandy hands! Now, you and the kiddies can enjoy your beach snacks without sand getting in the way.
• An air-tight bag: To keep your valuables safe from water damage, like your credit cards and phones, bring along some plastic airtight bags! Because no one wants a wet credit card…how can you get ice cream after?!
• Dry clothes: No one likes to go home after a beach day in wet clothes, or even sandy ones! So, we suggest you pack something extra, so the kids can come home in dry clothes. Because dry clothes mean happy kids!

Jump into the waves with confidence by remembering these swim essentials:

• Swimsuits: Pack extra swimsuits for the little ones and rash guards for added sun protection. Try to go for bright colours as they’re easier to see underwater. Blue colours aren’t that visible.
• Goggles: Encourage underwater exploration with goggles that let your kids see the world beneath the waves! Goggles are perfect for older kids who enjoy snorkelling and discovering marine life!
• Snorkel: For those who love exploring coral reefs and discovering the fish swimming below, then a snorkel is a must! So, your kids can enjoy longer under the surface of the ocean, without having to resurface!
• Water Shoes: Protect little feet from sharp shells and hot sand with comfortable and quick-drying water shoes. They are essential for exploring rocky areas or coral reefs.

Accidents can happen, so it’s wise to bring along a basic first aid item kit that includes:

• Waterproof Bandaids: For minor scrapes and cuts. Be prepared for small injuries, especially if kids are running around on the beach.Waterproof bandaids also mean they won’t come off if the kids decide to go back into the water!
• Antiseptic Wipes: As well as waterproof bandaids, you need antiseptic wipes to ensure the area is clean. Proper cleaning of cuts and scratches can prevent infections and discomfort!
• Pain Relievers: Be prepared for headaches or minor aches. Sunburns or headaches can put a damper on the fun, so having some pain relievers on hand can be a relief.
• Bug Spray: depending on where in the world you go, bugs may be around! So, it’s advisable to bring some bug spray along with you. Or even sunscreen that has bug repellent in it!

Keep the whole family entertained during moments of relaxation:

• Books: Grab some beach reads for yourself and fun, age-appropriate books for the kids. Reading at the beach is not only enjoyable but also provides some much-needed downtime!Plus, who doesn’t love to sunbathe and read?
• Portable Speaker: Create a beach playlist with your family’s favourite tunes to set the perfect vibe! Also, bring a portable charger so you don’t run out of charge for your speaker or phone.
• Beach Volleyball: A classic beach game that’s perfect for families. Set up a net and divide into teams for some friendly competition!
• Beach Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items commonly found on the beach, such as seashells, beach towels, and beach toys. Split into teams and see who can find all the items first!It’s a fun way to keep the happy vibes going at the beach incase your kids get bored after a while.
• Water Balloon Toss: Fill some water balloons and have a wet and wild time tossing them to each other! It’s a great way to cool off and have some laughs.

While the kids are busy playing, adults can have some fun too:

• Beach Yoga: Roll out your beach towels and enjoy a relaxing yoga session by the water. The sound of the waves and the sea breeze create the perfect ambience for a calming practice.
• Beach Picnic: Prepare a delicious beach picnic with a variety of snacks and sandwiches. Enjoy the ocean view while savouring the flavours of your homemade treats.
• Beach Photography: Capture the beauty of the beach and the joy of your family vacation with some beach photography. Whether it’s with a professional camera or just your smartphone, you’ll cherish these memories forever.
• Adult colouring books: Sometimes, adults like to colour, okay? And there are loaaaads of colouring books for adults nowadays, so you can enjoy a relaxing activity!
• Kindle: If you’re not a physical book person, or perhaps you’re going on a long holiday and can’t take multiple books. Take a Kindle instead and store as many as you like!
• Surfing board: Are you into surfing and heading to a beach where you can ride some waves? Then a surfboard is an absolute must! Take to the waves and enjoy an energetic day out showing off your tricks!