My ultimate beach bag would be light as a feather no matter how much stuff I crammed into it. And believe me, with all the junk my young daughter requires we drag to the beach my bag anything but light.
If you are planning a trip to the sand and surf this summer there is a way to get there is a way to do so fashionably and perhaps more importantly, without breaking your back in the process.
First and foremost you need the right bag. If you are traveling with kids you need something durable, stain-resistant and easy to carry (even when it’s filled to the brim). Being able to comfortably lug a beach bag from the farthest parking space in the lot to the edge of the water is critical especially if you are also toting toys, beach chairs, an umbrella, and a boogie board.
I’ve seen affordable and stylish beach bags at Old Navy for less than $20. Wal-Mart and Target also have trendy and large beach bags as well.
Once you’ve got your bag, the challenge is filling it as efficiently as possible. Include:
Sunscreen
Towels
A bed sheet (it’s lighter than a blanket and easier to shake off sand from).
A hat (a wide-brimmed sun hat provides the most coverage though a baseball cap or visor works; a bandana will keep sweat off of your face too).
Headband or hair clip to keep wind blown hair in place when swimming.
Clear Ziploc freezer bags (great for storing greasy bottles of sunscreen and wet swimsuits).
Hairbrush, comb and some leave in conditioner. (I know some people who pack travel size shampoos and use them in the showers at the beach or pool.)
Some form of ID (your driver’s license) and some cash (though you shouldn’t be toting around too much cash unless you are planning to stick close to your belongings for the entire day).
Reading material
When you begin packing, place the heaviest items on the bottom. Next roll your towel up and put it in vertically at one end. Finally, throw in your lighter items and you’re ready to hit the beach.
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