It’s time to pack up your bags and head out on vacation. Beaches, sunshine, sandcastles – what more could you ask for? The only problem is that packing can be a challenge when trying to figure out what you need. To help make the process easier for you, we’ve created a list of 10 things that every family should bring on their beach vacation.
1. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is so important when you’re going to be out in the sun all day. Make sure that everyone in your family has sunscreen and reapplies as needed throughout the day. The last thing you want is for someone’s vacation to end before it starts because they got a nasty burn!
If there are young children with you, bring a sunscreen stick. These are much easier to apply for small hands, and they won’t get in the eyes or mouth of your child if they fall while playing.
2. Hats
Hats are another great way to protect your skin. The sun is at its strongest between the hours of 11 am and around three in the afternoon. This means that you should be wearing a hat during these times, even if it’s cloudy outside! If there are minor children with you, consider buying them hats too, so they don’t burn their delicate baby skin.
If you’re going to be sitting under an umbrella or near a beach hut, make sure that your hat has a wide brim so it will cover the majority of your face too! This is especially important if you are spending any time in the water because once you get out of the ocean and take off your wet bathing suit, you want to be protected from the sun.
3. Beach towels
Beach towels are a must when it comes to going out to the beach. These large, soft towels will make your day much more comfortable and enjoyable. Beach towels can also double as blankets if you want to take a little nap in between sandcastle building sessions! Ensure that everyone has their towel, so there’s no fighting over who gets to use the nice, clean one.
Have a beach towel that’s not only big enough for your family but also sturdy and thick so it will be able to dry you off after a long day in the waves! The last thing you want is for someone on vacation with their kids to have wet skin or, even worse – no towels!
4. Swimwear
Swimwear is a must when you’re going to be spending your day on the beach. Make sure that everyone in the family has their swimsuit and bring more than one if necessary! You never know when someone might forget theirs or decide they don’t like it and want another one.
The best swimwear for family vacations is brightly colored because it will make you more visible to people on boats and jet skis. We recommend penbrooke swimwear as it is made of the best quality material. You can also look for swimwear with UV protection built into it, so you don’t have to worry about applying sunscreen before going out in the water.
Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit for yourself too! Even if you’re not going in the water, who wants to sit on the beach all day with wet skin? It would help if you had something that would keep your body dry and protected.
5. Beach Shoes
Beach shoes are a must if you’re going to be walking around on the sand all day. Chances are that you’ll find yourself in some deep, wet sand at least once during your family vacation, and it’s essential to have something sturdy and well-made between your toes for these times. The best thing to do is go with a pair of waterproof shoes that will keep your feet dry and supported. Make sure that the water drains out quickly, too, so you don’t have wet socks!
Don’t forget flip-flops for when you’re going in or near the water or even while swimming itself. These are especially important if there’s any chance of stepping on a sharp shell or rock and cutting your foot. Flip flops can also double as shower shoes if there isn’t any changing room where you’re staying.
6. A first aid kit
There are also many other things that you might not have thought about bringing on your family vacation. A first aid kit is essential because there are bound to be injuries of some kind. You must have bandages, antiseptic cream, and other items for dealing with cuts, scrapes, or even jellyfish stings!
Ensure that the kit has a pain reliever like ibuprofen, too, because no one wants to deal with sunburns, mosquito bites, or headaches.
7. Baby wipes
Many people forget to bring baby wipes on family vacations, but these are some of the most valuable things that you can have. Baby wipes will make it possible for you to stay fresh while out in the sun all day and keep sand off your skin too! They’re also great for wiping down chairs or other surfaces before sitting down and can even be used to clean your feet before you put on flip flops.
8. Waterproof camera
A camera is a must, and we recommend waterproof cameras because you never know when there might be something fun to snap a photo of. You can’t bring your nice DSLR on vacation with you, but don’t worry – there are plenty of great options for family vacations that will make it possible for everyone in the family to get their snapshots!
There are so many unforgettable moments to capture while at the beach! It might be your kids building their first sandcastle or seeing dolphins jumping out in front of you, swimming around, and playing with each other. This kind of thing only happens once in a lifetime, and you’ll be glad that you have these memories documented. Make sure to bring extra batteries for your camera, too, so you don’t miss out on all the fun!
9. Swim goggles
Swim goggles are also essential to bring on any vacation where there will be water activity, including snorkeling! There are a lot of different kinds that allow you to see above and below the water, or even ones that have both so you can switch between them. Goggles also protect your eyes from sand and saltwater, which is excellent for all ages!
10. A trash bag
Don’t forget to bring a trash bag with you when you head out for your family beach vacation. You are going to need it! It’s easy to go through several of them because there will be so much sand and shells that get left behind after digging in the sand, eating at picnics or snacks by the water, etc. It’s important to be conscientious of the mess you’re making because there are probably other people who will want to enjoy this beach after your trip.
Final Thoughts
Having a great family vacation is all about enjoying yourself and making memories with the people you love. We hope these tips help your next beach trip go smoothly and that everyone has a fantastic time!
