Beach Bag Essentials

Summer afternoons are often spent on the beach. In order to have a nice, relaxing time, you need to bring a few key items with you. I've created a list of the Top ten Beach Bag Essentials, without these your trip could be cut short so be sure to pack accordingly.

Sunblock. You need sunblock I you're spending the day outside, especially on the beach where sun is often on the skin at all times because there is no trees for shading. Apply sunscreen about thirty minutes before you head out for the day, and re-apply every hour or so, more often if you're in and out of water.

Next, you'll need sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's ultra-bright rays. You'll avoid a headache and be much more comfortable if you bring sunglasses for yourself and for your children. They sell such cute child-sized glasses now too!

Hats, swimsuit cover-ups and sandals also protect your skin from the sun as well as from hot sand. Spend one afternoon on the beach without proper footwear and your legs and feet will teach you a lesson you'll never forget!

An umbrella is also a must. It will offer shade when you need it, plus it's a landmark the whole family can use to find your spot if they should wander off. Choose a bold, different pattern to set yourself apart from all the solid yellow or blue umbrellas you're sure to see on every beach.

Bring along some spare cash for drinks and ice cream from vender carts. Often times, the ice cream man will come down the beach and if you've forgotten your cash, you're even more likely to want a Popsicle to help cool down! Be prepared and you can purchase a cool treat for everyone! You'll also need cash to purchase beach tags, if necessary.

Towels! You're going to need them to sit or lay on the beach to soak up the sun and get a good tan. You'll also need them for when you come out of the ocean and to wrap around your waist for your walk off the beach.

A cooler bag is another essential item. You can keep drinks cool, and even stick your sunscreens in there to cool it down and provide skin with a fresh, cool burst when you reapply. It also will ensure that your sunscreen doesn't melt, causing you to apply less than you need.

Water and snacks are good, too. Spending the day surfing and sunning makes you so hungry, you'll be glad you brought your own snacks when you check out the prices at beachside cafes or venders.

Chapstick is one other personal must-have. If you use one with SPF built in, you're protecting the sensitive skin on your lips from burning as well as moistening parched, sun dry lips.

Sand toys, a battery operated radio, books or other entertainment ideas. Being at the beach is entertaining enough but after you've done hours of people-watching, you might get bored and want to reach fro something more entertaining. Also, make sure kids have all the san supplies they need to have a good time in the world's largest sandbox!

Preparing in advance will ensure you have a great time when you hit the beach this summer. Don't over-pack, but be sure not to under-pack either. It's better to have a few sodas leftover than to be thirsty, and it's better to have brought a few magazines you never read than it is to sit there bored. Over-packing will result in annoyingly long trips to and from the car or hotel however, so just bring what you'll need, and bring plenty of it, but leave the rest behind.