What to Pack for a Beach Holiday

You can guarantee, when going on holiday, there is always something you leave behind. Some things are pretty obvious, but having a list of everything you need when packing will help you be more organised, causing less hassle and stress when you're rushing around in a panic throwing everything in your suitcase! Sun Cream Obvious, I know, but this is one of the most important items you will need for your beach holiday. Always pick a SPF to suit your skin type. Take enough with you so that it can be re-applied as much as is needed. A lip balm with sun block in it is also a good idea. Cover- Ups/ Protective Clothing Sun Cream on it's own is not adequate protection for long periods in the sun, especially in southern climates where the risk to burning is higher. A wide-brimmed hat that protects the face and back of the neck are great. Other beach clothes like dresses, t-shirts, shorts and kaftans are ideal for covering up and won't make you too hot. Swimsuits You should take at least two bikinis with you so that one is always dry. I would also suggest packing different styles for different activities, you will obviously want a more supportive and reliable suit for water-sports than what you would for sunbathing. Different designs will help to minimize tan lines. Don't forget to pack ample of swim nappies for young children. Footwear We all take our sandals and flip-flops, but beach shoes like the Tusa Beach Walker, are also a necessity for a beach holiday. If there are stones, or sharp objects underwater, beach shoes will prevent any mishaps and keep you quite sturdy on your feet too. Beach Towels Each person in your group should have their own towel, it's no fun sharing one wet towel between four of you. You want to make sure it dries overnight for the next day at the beach or around the pool. Cooler If you're planning on taking snacks and drinks to the beach with you, pack a small cooler. Not only will it keep your items nice and cool, but it will prevent bugs, sand and birds from feasting on your lunch. Water Bottled water is a must, not something you should pack in your suitcase, but something you should buy out there. Constant exposure to the sun and lots of activity rapidly dehydrates the body. Water will refill your body's water reserves and prevent sun stroke, heat frustration and tiredness. Bucket & Spade You can't head to a sandy beach without sandcastle building tools! A bucket and spade and other moulding tools will keep the kids entertained for hours. Toys Great toys to pack for the beach are inflatables, like balls, lilos and rings. Other toys for kids improving their swimming are toys which sink and they have to retrieve. Don't forget armbands for the younger children that haven't yet built their confidence in the water. For out of the water fun, take a frisbee or volley ball if you have room in your case. For long journeys, don't forget hand-held video games, MP3 players, books and magazines. Water Sports Items Take your mask, snorkel and fins set with you to enjoy a bit of snorkelling while you're away. Boogie boards are also great, but don't worry, you can normally buy them out there as it's unlikely you're going to want to pack one in your suitcase. Underwater Camera You can have great fun with your underwater camera, capture all those fun times on the beach and in the sea! Dry Bags A waterproof bag or two will help keep valuable items like phones, cameras, cash, keys and I.D safe from water ruining them. A couple of plastic or zippered bags are also handy for wet clothes and easy disposal of rubbish. After-Sun After-Sun gel is a must for sunburn. It provides cooling relief and helps to heal the burn. Some after-suns can also help to maintain your summer tan for longer too. Beach Bag A large beach bag with numerous pockets and compartments is a necessity for keeping all your day-to-day items together. I would suggest getting a hard-wearing bag like a canvas bag. Mesh bags are also good as they prevent sand gathering in the bottom of them. Insect Repellent Don't let bug bites ruin your holiday. Take a insect repellent spray, wipes or cream and apply it before going out, especially in the evening when they seem to hang around.