The Beach: Packing for Vacation

You would think that would be a no-brainer when packing for vacation but people actually do forget to pack swimsuits. If you forget those, you might pay fifty bucks for a swimsuit that could be bought at your favorite shopping spot at home for $15! Of course, you can go to the Gulf Shores or Orange Beach Wal-Mart and possibly find a cheap one, but who wants to spend precious vacation time in Wal-Mart?

• Beach Towels

These are essential. If you forget them, you will need to bring the ones from your hotel, condo or beach house. We all know that losing a hotel towel will cost dearly on your check-out bill. You might be surprised at the number of people who leave towels and other things on the beach, especially when packing up in a hurry to avoid a sudden rainstorm. Some coastal residents make daily beach runs just after dark to pick up all of the things that are left behind. True!

• Sunscreen or Tanning Lotion

Forget those when packing for vacation and a wonderful vacation can turn into a painful disaster. If you do forget sunscreen, do buy it before you go to the beach. Just a short time in the sun can be more than painful-- it can be dangerous.

• Sunburn Spray

Keep sunburn spray on hand in the event someone doesn’t wear sunblock. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Insect Repellent

It is a good idea to carry bug repellent with you for dusk or evening. Mosquitoes don't hand around the beach that much, but flies do. Deer flies can drive you nuts, and their bite hurts.

• Cooler

It is important to keep hydrated when on the beach. A cooler filled with drinks and snacks will keep everybody healthy and save money too. If you will be on the beach all day, make some sandwiches and pack them in plastic sandwich bags. If you plan on fishing, it is a good idea to bring an extra one just for your bait and the fish that you catch, or maybe even a smaller one that fits inside a large one.

• Vinegar

I know it sounds like a weird item to bring on vacation but vinegar takes the pain out of jellyfish stings.

• Sunglasses

When packing for vacation, don’t forget to pack sunglasses to protect your eyes while sunning or playing on the beach.

• Toys for the Children

Bringing sand pails and shovels for the kids is much cheaper than buying them at beach stores. You can get them at the dollar store, but they will cost you between five and ten dollars at a beach shop.

• Fishing Rod and Tackle Box

For those that enjoy angling, this is a must! If you have been fishing on the beach, bring what caught fish the last time. If you have a saltwater license, don't forget it. If you don't have one, you can buy one at the Gulf State Park Pier or a tackle shop when you get to the beach.

• Flip Flops or Sandals

Wearing flip flops or sandals will help to keep your car less sandy than if you wear sneakers.

• Camera

Beach shots can preserve memories. A camera is especially great if you plan to stay on the beach to watch the sunset.

• Baby Wipes

Baby wipes aren’t just for babies anymore! They are great to use on the back of your neck if you begin to feel overheated in the sun. They stay cool in the pouch if they are kept out of direct sunlight. Putting the package in the cooler will be a refreshing way to cool down.

• Battery-operated Misting Fans

These little personal misting fans are great for the beach. They can be found for a buck and are well-worth it! Fill them with water and install the batteries and you will be comfortable all day.

• Zipper Bags

There are so many uses for zipper bags at the beach. You can use them to put any shells that you have collected in them. They can keep your wallet, keys and cell phone dry and free from sand. You can even hear the phone ringing through the plastic! If you are surf fishing, bags will keep your natural bait separated from the rest of your things. If you don't feel secure leaving jewelry at your lodging or in your car, it's a good idea to remove it and make a mental note that you have placed it in a bag. People lose literally tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry each year on the beach.


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