Preparing For Your Trip: What To Pack For The Beach

Packing for the beach can be somewhat overwhelming if you haven’t done it a thousand times. There are some things worth dragging across the sand to the best spot on the beach and there are some things that just aren’t.  

The best way to start out a full day at the beach is with a delicious breakfast at one of the many options in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. If you missed last week’s segment, be sure to check out Preparing For Your Trip: Where To Eat Breakfast.  

After your belly is full with the most important meal of the day, you should be prepared to spend the entire day (or as long as you wish) in the beautiful Gulf Coast sun.  

Follow these tips for what to pack to ensure your day in the sun is exceptionally fun!

Don't leave home without.... 

1. Your Camera

You can't forget to pack the handy-dandy camera to capture all of those precious vacation memories you'll create while galavanting along the Gulf Coast. Whether at the beach, in the condo, restaurants or wherever you might be, you can't let those precious memories slip away without getting some action shots.

2. A Cooler 

A small, lightweight lunchbox style cooler is perfect for a day at the beach. Nothing too bulky, as that would be miserable to try to lug back and forth from the condo. Stick some water bottles, sandwiches and snacks in there to help you survive the sun just a little bit longer than you could without them.  

3. Chairs

If you aren’t planning on renting chairs and an umbrella, or if they aren’t available in front of where you’re staying, you will want to get some. Laying on a towel may sound appealing, but after an hour or two you will wish you had options.  

4. Towels

Although you probably won’t enjoy laying on one the whole day, you will need them for drying off, laying your belongings on to keep them from getting sandy or just staking claim to your own little portion of beach.  

5. Umbrella

The sun is great and all, but it feels so good to be able to grab some shade for a few minutes while you take a second to cool off and eat a snack. We recommend getting one and burying it as deeply into the ground as you possibly can for everyone’s safety… 

6. Sunscreen

For most people this is a no-brainer, but we want to stress that the more sunscreen you use, the longer you can spend in the sun while you’re here rather than being cooped up in the condo with aloe all over your back.  

7. Reading Materials

If you like to read books or magazines, there is no better place to do so.

8. Beach Toys

Sandcastle building equipment, floaties and whatever else your children (or kids at heart) desire to keep them entertained, so that you can relax and enjoy.

Going to the beach should be relaxing and stress free, but most of the time trying to get your, your children, family and all of the necessary equipment can be stressful and tiresome. We hope this list helped you narrow down what you REALLY need at the beach.

Published on Tuesday, March 1, 2016