The weather is warming up in Myrtle Beach and if you’re like everyone else daydreaming of relaxation, you’ve got one thing on the brain – vacation. And vacation means planning. While you’re busy picking dates, booking your oceanfront stay with Brittain Resorts & Hotels, and organizing your suitcase, there are a few items you need to pack for the beach. Here’s a list of the ‘Top 5 Beach Bag Essentials’ that will ensure you’re ready for a day of fun in the sun.
1. SPF Sunscreen
While moderate sun exposure has its health benefits, i.e. Vitamin D is known to improve mood and aid in a healthier immune system, too much sun can be harmful. Protect your skin from powerful UV rays by packing sunscreen with SPF. As you splash around in the surf, make sure to continuously reapply to avoid sunburn, so you can leave the beach with a bronzed glow instead of looking like a lobster.
2. Sun Protection
Another way to protect your skin is by wearing a hat. Oversized hats are ideal because they provide the most coverage for your head and face. And being cautious with sun exposure doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Oversized beach hats are quite fashionable and you can even personalize your hat with your name or popular phrases like ‘Vacation Mode On’, ‘Do Not Disturb’, and ‘Sun Kissed’. And while those same sun rays can be harmful to your skin, they’re also tough on your eyes. The key to finding the right sunglasses is to make sure they offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. But if you’re going to be spending a lot of time on the water while in Myrtle Beach doing activities such as deep sea fishing, jet skiing, or kayaking, you may want to opt for polarized sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses contain a special filter that provides superior glare protection. And be sure to grab some SPF chapstick to protect yourself from the rays and wind!
3. Beach Towel
While sand between the toes can feel nice, it doesn’t always feel good to have it sticking all over your body. Kids love to bury themselves in the sand, but for those that prefer to sit on something other than sand – you’ll need to remember to pack a beach towel. Beach towels are not only perfect for lounging on the beach but essential when it comes to drying off after a dip in the ocean. Beach towels can be bulky to pack, so instead of folding them, try rolling them up to make more room for your other items.
4. Entertainment
Catching up on those Z’s while listening to the sound of the crashing waves and the feel of the cool sea breeze is wonderful for a while, but you might want to pack some entertainment as well. Load up your e-reader with mysteries, thrillers, or whatever books you love, or pick up the hottest beach reads and a few magazines filled with the latest celebrity gossip. Make sure to pack a Bluetooth speaker or headphones for your phone so you can have some tunes to listen to while you lounge. Inside Tip: Your energy isn’t the only thing getting drained on vacation. If you’re bringing tablets, cellphones, or a Bluetooth speaker – bring a portable battery charger so you don’t have to miss the fun and return to the hotel room to recharge.
5. Beach & Sand Toys
You may be entertained by a juicy beach read, but the kids may need something more interactive. Boogie boards and floats are perfect for riding the waves. For those that prefer the sand instead of surf, you can pack buckets, shovels, and all the essentials for building sandcastles. Other popular beach games that can easily fit into a beach bag include paddleball, bocce ball, and even a simple football. And while you’re busy packing your beach, here are some other tips to consider when you’re thinking about what to bring:
- Keep it cool – Frolicking on the beach can make you hungry and thirsty, so don’t forget to pack a cooler! Coolers are perfect for packing drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.
- Organization is key – Avoid digging around in your beach bag and pack a small zipped bag for your sunglasses, chapstick, and sunscreen. That way these smaller items will be easy to grab when you need them.
- Stay Dry – Sun & surf can cause damage to your personal items like phones and wallets. Dry bags will protect these items from getting wet and scratched.
- Lighten your load – Reduce what you’re lugging to the beach and consider leaving behind the chair and umbrella and just rent them for the week instead. If you arrive and feel like you left something at home, don’t worry! You can stop by any of the Brittain Resorts & Hotels gift shops and we’ll get you what you need. And now that you’ve got your beach bag packed with the essentials – it’s time to hit the beach for some fun in the sun!