Tips for the Ultimate Beach Bag

Summer is here and we all know that means time for the beach! But the real challenge of the beach is all of the stuff you wind up carrying. Either you wind up at the beach with too much stuff and the bag weighs like forty five pounds, or you leave important things at home (like sunblock) and everyone suffers - and not too silently!

Here are some tips for packing the ultimate beach bag. It is easy to get yourself prepared for going to the beach or the pool for the day. So whether you are going by yourself or as a family, these tips will help you pack the ultimate beach bag to enjoy the day of fun in the sun!

Tip #1 Start With A Sturdy Bag
What do you use as your beach bag? Ideally your beach bag is waterproof and has long handles that you can sling over a shoulder and will fit neatly under your arm. Obviously if you have a family - you are going to need a larger beach bag than if you are just packing things for yourself. Make sure that your beach bag does not have rips or tears. A great beach bag could also have a zippered top, so you could keep items from spilling out. Some bags when you purchase them you can get a monogram or your name on them. This is terrific and will help you keep your beach bag identified from the other hundred or so beach bags available on the beach that day.

Tip # 2 Plan Your Bag By Activities You Want To Do
People like to do different things at the beach. Some people are very active at the beach and like to dive in the water, perhaps looking for shells or just doing fancy dives. Others like to play games, like volleyball or hackeysack. Some like to bake in the sun, working on their tan. Your beach bag needs to be organized to compliment your activities. If you plan to do a specific activity, make sure that you have the needed equipment. If you are going to play a game on the sand, remember to bring a small first aid kit in case someone gets a scrape or another injury. Planning for your activities makes things easier.

Tip # 3 Don't Forget Mealtimes and Snacks
Some people plan to buy meals at the snack shack or perhaps the local hot dog vendor at the beach. This can be a great plan because it makes things easy. But you will also want to remember to stay hydrated, and buying one twelve ounce caffeinated soda will certainly not hydrate you for a day on the beach. As a matter of fact, drinking caffeinated sodas will dehydrate you. Pack at least one large bottle of water for each person in your group. A great tip is to freeze the bottles for an hour before you go, so that the center of the bottle ices over. This will help to keep your water nice and cool for longer than it would otherwise be cool. Pack easy to eat snacks that are good for you such as nuts or fruit or granola bars. Always follow the rules of the beach you are at about food and drink and disposing of your trash.

Tip #4 Always Bring A Great "Trashy" Read
Time at the beach is made for reading a fun book. This is not the time to tackle War and Peace. This is more like the time to read Jacqueline Suzanne's Valley of The Dolls, or a romance novel or a terrific mystery book. Reading a book will help pass the time while you work on your tan. Just remember to look up once and awhile to check on the kids!

Tip #5 Some Other Things You Might Want To Bring
Here are some other things you might wish to include. Extra towels can be helpful, especially if your beach has showers and also a towel to lie in the sun. Bring your camera to take some great family shots of everyone enjoying the beach. Kickboards or swimfins can be great for the kids at the beach (check with the beach, not every beach permits them). You'll want to bring your sunglasses to protect your eyes, and lots of sunscreen. Remember your beach pass, or money to pay to get into the beach. Bring some extra money, especially change to buy sodas or ice cream while you are at the beach.

Life's A Beach, enjoy your summer!