The time is now here, Summer is coming in HOT (although the temperatures have made us feel Summer Vibes well before it got here)! Each year our family takes a big beach vacation to spend some time in the sun & enjoy super exciting excursions. This year will be a little different now that we are taking not one but two little people with us (kids are such a blessing)! Here is a list of essential must haves that we take on summer vacation.
- Sunscreen- Sun protection is so important as it protects us from damaging UV rays and to decrease chances of skin cancer & discoloring of the skin. For our kiddos we use unscented sensitive skin sunscreen; SPF of 30 or higher (per the American Academy of Dermatology). Our specific go to Sunscreen is Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin SPF 50 or Babyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen SPF 50. For us adults we use Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 60.
- Beach Towels- Definitely a must have. Who would want to get out of the pool with nothing to dry off with (that would be a bit uncomfortable). We suggest using a hooded beach towel for the kiddos & an oversized quick drying towel for you (they also make for great chair covers while laying poolside.
- Beach Blanket- Love laying out on the beach? We do too, there is nothing like laying belly side down on a nice soft beach blanket while allowing your body to get its much-needed dose of sunlight.
- Swimsuits + Bathing Suits- This is a given…there are millions of beach wear to choose from. Some prefer a chic one piece, eye catching two piece or solid colored swim trunks or swim trunks withstand out shapes or phrases. We love them all! For kids try engaging them in their swimsuit or swim trunk choices (we want them to feel confident in their beach wear too 😊)
- Beach Hats + Bucket Hats-Okay okay the sun is awesome but sometimes a little shade is needed for protection or to prevent you from being caught catching a quick nap. Beach hats & bucket hats do not have to be boring; they can be as stylish as you desire them to be. (I love a good, oversized straw hat I know I know EXTRA right? LOL) For toddlers we definitely go with a character option because they are just too cute not to wear.
- Flip Flops or Water Shoes- Feeling the sand in between your toes is such a therapeutic feeling but what is not so cool is walking back bare feet catching all of the feels of scorching concrete when it is time to leave the beach. If I absolutely had to choose between flops or water shoes, I would choose water shoes if I had to simply because to our family, they are just more comfortable.
- Pool & Beach Toys- Pool noodles, crazy shaped floats, beach balls, sand toys & buckets will ALSO be found in our beach bag (now of course if your vacationing kid free you could skip the sand toys lol). Try to make your vacation as fun as possible, our kids are obsessed with sandcastles, so buckets & shovels are typically our go to inexpensive beach toy (we grab most of these things from Five Below).
- Oversized shades + Sunglasses- These are THE statement accessory (of course we wear them for protection as well lol). I love a nice, oversized pair of sunglasses to help block the sun when needed. My husband is all for a nice pair of Mossy Oaks. Now for the kids I recommend their favorite character or a color that matches their beachwear would be a nice touch too. The options are limitless.
- Cover Ups- Done swimming for the moment or just wanted to go lay poolside or walk along the beach but want to cover up just a tad? Then a nice coverup is key. I do not necessarily have a preference when it comes to coverups because I just cannot They come in sheer & net material, pants or romper style, short or long dress styles…you name it.
- Swim Diapers- Now these will take up a good bit of room in our beach bag. Always pack a few swim diapers & then pack a little more lol accidents happen & when vacationing with children you want to be as prepared as possible. Of course, these are not necessary if you are going kid free or do not have a medical issue that requires swim diapers.
- Wet Wipes- These will come in handy more than you think. Use them to wipe off a public toilet, wipe a little dirt off or to cleanup a mess your children made while just being well ya know...children.
- Water- Staying hydrated is imperative while spending time in the sun. My suggestion is for you to pack a HUGE insulted cup filled with water. We usually place a few extra bottles of water in my bag & insulated cups for everyone to prevent dehydration.
- Beach Bag- Something must carry all of our essentials, right? We love a nice, oversized beach bag to carry our small & sometimes rather sizable items. Make sure to purchase a bag that is sturdy & made of excellent quality, it would be not so great if your beach bag ripped & you have to hand carry back all your belongings (it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world but it definitely wouldn’t be fun lol).
Most importantly don't forget to just simply be happy & enjoy your vacation. That is what vacationing is all about, experiencing fun times & making memories with yourself or the people you love.
*We are not in paid partnership or affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in this blog.