Must-Haves for a Trip to the Beach

If you've never been to a beach, you're in for a treat. Going to the beach is very different from going to a public pool, though, or even hanging out at your own pool. Because you're out under direct sunlight, and you're also going to be walking on sand A LOT, there are a few things that you need for a trip to the beach that are must haves. This blog post will provide some information on those things.

1. Sunblock - This is a must-have any time you're going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time during the summer, but it's especially important when you go to the beach. The type you choose depends on what you're going to be doing, and how easily you burn, so be sure to read labels carefully. For example, if you know you're going to be in the water a lot, you'll want to choose a water-proof sunblock. Be sure to apply sunblock before you go out in the sun, and continue applying every so often even when you're outside, because sunblock does wear off after a while. Women may want to put a higher SPF sunblock on their face than they do on their body because the skin on the face is a lot more susceptible to sunburn. 
2. A hat with a wide brim - In addition to sunblock, women especially will want to wear a hat with a wide brim to protect their faces and their scalps from sunburn - take it from someone who's gotten sunburn on their scalp a few times, it does not feel good. 
3. (for females) Something to cover up your bathing suit with when you're not sunbathing or out in the water, and/or when it's windy. This could be a little sundress. If you don't have anything to cover your bathing suit up with when it's windy, you'll get cold, and when you're not sunbathing or out in the water, you'll want some extra protection against sunburn. 
4. An umbrella to sit under when you need to get out the sun - It could be difficult to find shaded areas at the beach, so you definitely want to bring an umbrella with you to stick into the sand and put your beach towel or beach chair under when you want to get out of the sun. 
5. Sandshoes - You don't want to wear sneakers or flip-flops on the beach, especially if you're going to Florida, because the sand is very fine, and you will sink down in the sand. You can find sand shoes that are specially made for walking on sand at just about any beach shop though. 
6. Lots of water - It's important to stay hydrated even when you're sitting or laying out on the beach, because you're still sweating and therefore, losing water. 
7. Solarcaine or aloe vera gel - If you do get sunburnt, Solarcaine or aloe vera gel will help take the pain away and dry up the sunburn. Be sure to apply it often to the sunburnt areas. 
8. Music to listen to when you're conversing with friends - Who doesn't like to listen to music, especially when they're out on the beach? If you have Amazon Prime, some good playlists to listen to on the beach include Beach Music Anthology   or Beach Party Music. 
9. Something to read when you're not conversing with friends - If you're out on the beach alone, and you enjoy reading, you may want to bring a book or magazine with you. When I went to  Florida, I started reading a book called 61 Hours by Lee Child. If you're looking for something little lighter though, check out this list of 30 summer beach reads from Woman's Day. 

I hope this list provides some useful information on things you should have for a trip to the beach. If you know of anything that I missed, please feel free to comment.