With everyone gearing up for summer break, you know what’s next? A beach trip! Summers are practically synonymous with all of our fondest get-away memories. A nice, relaxing and fun-filled day hanging out in the sun. With you off from work and the sun in all its glory, how about a trip to the beach? Sounds like a pretty great plan, if I do say so myself.

A trip to the beach undoubtedly sounds like a great idea. In hindsight, it actually is. Provided you plan right. With any vacation or trip, you’d have to plan accordingly. If you’re going to visit friends and family, your luggage would be different than to a beach. Planning and packing aren’t cumbersome at all. I know, packing is usually considered to be the most tiring part of any trip. However, that’s only when you don’t plan to keep necessities in mind.

Picture a beach. You’re probably picturing loads of sand, loads of people sunbathing and even more with wake-boards. That is the definition of a beach trip. However, you need to look beyond the swimsuits and sunhats to find what would suit your needs accordingly on your trip. The emphasis here is on you and your needs. So, let’s get into it.

Sunscreen and Chap Stick Are As Important As Your Keys and Wallet

I’m pretty sure no one on the face of the planet is going to take cancer lightly. However, what’s almost dumbfounding is the fact that our seriousness rests on a theoretical value. All of us are very well-versed with the risks of sun exposure. I mean, there have only ever been a million adverts ever on skin cancer. However, only a handful out of the target audience actually uses sunscreen.

If you thought a sunburn was your biggest concern, I have news for you. Here’s the fact of the matter: don’t make your trip turn into an ugly memory. Always bear in mind the weather conditions of whichever place you’re visiting. This doesn’t go solely for beach trips. It can be implied on any destination trip you take.

Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen isn’t meant to be applied only once. It’s meant to be reapplied after a certain amount of time. Annoying? Sure. Important? Definitely. Other than sunscreen, your chap stick is more or less your best friend on this trip. In fact, any sort of skincare essential is, well, essential on a beach trip. However, the importance of sunscreen and Chap Stick can never be overlooked.

How to Have Fun

This might sound pretty odd to a person given how beach trips are usually synonymous with fun. The fact is, they’re only fun if you know how to make them that way. You can’t just go to Miami and expect a great time. You’ll have to plan your entertainment needs. This can seem like an add-on for a beach trip and not a necessity. It is, however, quite the opposite.

If you’re going on a solo trip, your needs would be different than if you were going on a family trip. On a family trip, you’d have to bear in mind that there are kids here. It’s far harder keeping a kid from nagging than an adult. Always pack a couple of sand toys, such as shovels and buckets for your kids. I actually think it’s a great idea to let your kids tune into their creative side on any trip. Imagine the different sorts of sandcastles they’ll build with all sorts of backstories.

Should you bring handheld devices such as phones and tablets? I mean, you would have to bring them in your luggage overall. However, it makes little to no sense that on a beach trip you’re huddled away in a corner watching YouTube videos.

If you’re one for taking pictures and selfies, then bring your phone or camera along with protective water-proof wear. Nothing can beat you lying in the sun under an umbrella on a beach chair. You with your sunhat tipping and a book in your hands.

Get the Most Out Of It

Like I said, packing isn’t at all hard provided that you pack right. In this case, we’re all familiar with packing beach mats and swimsuits. Maybe even sunscreen. There are, nevertheless, a number of products that many beachgoers are unaware of. For example; the sun can take a great toll on your hair. This is why packing along lean on hair conditioner can save your life.

Likewise, there are a number of items such as zip lock bags, wakeboards, and umbrellas. All of them sound like a hassle to bring around – they aren’t. They’re actually meant for a great time. The trick to packing for any trip is to know that there is an underlying difference between a trip and a vacation. A trip is more come and go, a vacation is a come and stay ordeal.

Getting the most out of a trip means packing lightweight, and bearing every necessity in mind. These necessities have to be written down in a checklist in the days leading up to your trip. Keep updating that list as the days go by. Trust me, nothing stings more than forgetting that one thing that you told yourself to bring but can’t remember now.

Conclusion

To conclude, let’s agree that there’s nothing quite as fun as a day of soaking up the sun. The beach calls for a great, fun-filled and relaxing time. Not to mention the fact that you’ve been aching for a holiday for so long now.

Getting the most out of a trip means packing lightweight, and bearing every necessity in mind. These necessities have to be written down in a checklist in the days leading up to your trip. Keep updating that list as the days go by. Trust me, nothing stings more than forgetting that one thing that you told yourself to bring but can’t remember now.

Pack your bags, pack what you need and then some. Have fun!