What to Bring When Going to the Beach
ÒYou have been stressing over your work to the point that you are suffering from a bloated stomach. You snarl at your officemates for no valid reason. You think of resigning at least twice a day. Well, if you are feeling this way, maybe it is time for you to look for another job. Or maybe it is high time you take a break from your desk and all the paperworks piled on top of it. When three cups of coffee are not enough to perk you up, you better file a vacation leave soon. Put your worries in a box and bury it. Go to a place you have never been before and rediscover yourself. With the clear water and soft sand, there is nothing more peaceful than a day or two at the beach. You may want to consider a tropical destination for your sabbatical.
Since you are going back to your work at some point, make the most out of your getaway. I will leave the choice of beach to you. With all the beaches around the globe, thatò€™s not something I want to get myself into. What I am going to help you with is the packing. I get it. You are excited to go to the beach. Iò€™m all for it. But before you actually go, let me check your backpack. I just want to be sure that you got the essentials.
Sunscreen. Getting a tan is part of the beach experience. Getting skin cancer, on the other hand, is not the plan. You want to look like youò€™ve been kissed by the sun not burnt to the toes. If you donò€™t like lotion, donò€™t pass it as an excuse. There are those which are sprayed on. By the way, SPF 30 is considered the minimum. Leave SPF 15 to ChapStick.
Sunglasses. The sun seems bigger and brighter in a beach setting. Unless you want the glare of the big yellow ball on your eyes, get a pair of shades. The darker the glasses the better. It protects your baby blue eyes and you look cool with one. Yes, itò€™s like hitting two seagulls with one Frisbee.
Beach towels. If you think the hotel you are staying at gives every guest a brand new towel, you are in for a rude awakening. You do not want me to go on about the hazards of sharing a towel, would you? You cannot possibly enjoy a vacation if you are infected with some sort of fungi. Although it is big compared to other beach items, do not even think of leaving home without one.
Swimsuits. You are planning to swim, right? I mean, you are going to the beach after all. Although skinny dipping has its merits, it is best if you include a swimsuit or two in your luggage. It is one the legal ways I know to flaunt your assets. If you are worried about your stretch marks or bulgy stomach, thatò€™s what cover-ups are for.
Binoculars. How can you enjoy the view without a good pair of binoculars? No matter how good your vision is, you better cover all your bases. Check out the lifeguard at Station 1. I can go on and on about the boons of binoculars.
Water to drink and food to eat. There is a huge difference between the crystalline water and potable water. Bring your own mineral water or Perrier or whatever it is you drink to quench your thirst. Oh, and donò€™t forget the cooler with ice. Drinking warm water while you are in a warm setting is unheard of. If you are going to get thirsty, itò€™s natural youò€™ll get hungry too. Pack your favorite meal, fruits, and chips.
Beach ball and Frisbee. Letò€™s get physical. Donò€™t be a slouch the whole day. Get your muscles moving. Beach volley ball and Frisbee are cool ways of making acquaintances.
Camera. You are having the time of your life. You definitely want to capture it. Bring your trusty digital camera, along with the batteries, and shoot away. The water, the sunrise, the sunset, the lifeguardò€¦ They can work as cheap but tasteful postcards. And photos can be evidence that, once in blue moon, you know how to let loose and have fun.
All set? Then off you go. If, by any chance, you forgot something, there are always shops near the beach.