Beaches are the most popular destination for families during summer vacation. Aside from offering a much-needed break from a busy lifestyle, it is also a great venue for activities for kids and adults alike.
But there’s one thing that many people dread when going on a family beach getaway: packing.
If you’re the president of packing in your household, you need to make sure you have everything you need for an enjoyable time at the beach. Aside from the obvious, there are several other items you might forget to bring without proper planning.
To help you avoid this problem, below is a list of eight must-haves for your family beach vacation:
Clothing
Clothing is probably the first and foremost thing you pack for your family for a fun day at the beach. Of course, there are a couple of accessories you need to have with you so that your family can make the most out of your summer beach vacation.
Below is a list of specific items under this category you should never forget to pack:
1. Swimming attire
Be sure to bring a complete swimming ensemble for every member of your family. This includes rash guards, swimsuits, swimming trunks, sundresses or skirts, and flip-flops or water shoes. Also, don’t forget to take sunglasses and hats to protect your brood from the hot summer sun.
2. Casual ensemble
While the most popular activity on the beach is swimming, some destinations, like the Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi, offer Friday brunches and other casual gatherings where you and your family can lounge and relax to your hearts’ content. This means that you should also bring some extra clothes that are appropriate for non-swimming-related activities. Wear something comfortable yet stylish when visiting local restaurants and tourist spots other than the beach.
Among the things you should have are:
- Jeans or trousers
- Cool cotton shirts, tank tops, blouses
- Sandals, sneakers, or slip-on shoes
3. Sleepwear
Whether or not you’re planning to go on a trip that would last more than a day, it’s best to bring at least one pair of pajamas or any comfortable sleepwear in case you have to stay overnight. You can also opt to pack shirts and trousers made of cotton or other comfortable material that can double as casual attire and sleepwear.
Personal Care
Personal care should always be one of your priorities during an out-of-town getaway. Here are some things that should always be present in your luggage to keep you and your family comfortable during your beach vacation:
4. Tissue, toothbrush, and other personal hygiene items
Be sure to bring more than one set of toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, soap, and shampoo, to accommodate the needs of each member of your family. Kids tend to have different hygiene needs, so be sure to take this into account when packing.
5. Sunscreen
Since you and your loved ones will be basking in the warmth of the sun, you need to bring sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to make sure the fun isn’t ruined by painful sunburn. While you can choose any type of sunscreen, it is recommended that you use those that are labeled “reef-friendly” as they don’t harm sea creatures that swim with you at the beach.
6. Personal fan
While warmth is what most people are after when going to the beach, there’s still a chance that you might get too hot for comfort. This may dampen the fun not only for you but for the rest of your family as well.
A personal fan offers you a way to cool off without having to leave the beach. You can also use it to help children cool off after playing too long under the sun.
7. Portable water container
Aside from a portable fan, you also need to have a portable water container handy while on the beach. This will help keep you and your family hydrated and avoid heatstroke.
8. First aid kit
Your first aid kit should contain basic tools for checking and treating injuries and other physical conditions even when away from home. This includes a thermometer, gauze pads, alcohol pads, bandages, tweezers, and medical tape.
Also, don’t forget to pack emergency over-the-counter drugs like antacids, pain relievers, and medicine for motion sickness, allergies, and fever. You should also bring maintenance medications for family members with asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments.
Family Fun in the Sun
Fun under the warm sun is the main attraction that beach vacations offer for your family.
To make sure you get the most from the experience, make sure you pack all the essential things you and your brood require for your beach getaway mentioned here.
AUTHOR BIO
Soraya Abdul Azis is the Marketing Manager for Saadiyat Beach Club in the UAE, the very first beach club on Saadiyat where guests can enjoy and celebrate a world of fine living, health and well-being. Soraya has worked in Design, Advertising and PR in Dubai and Beirut for the past 4 years.
