Hello, lovely readers!
School’s out, and summer is here, so what better time to get away from the hustle and bustle than with a beautiful vacation! Who wants to think about the best sunscreen or the softest beach towels when you’re planning your dream vacay? Luckily for you, I just got back from Corpus Christi, TX, and learned what to bring to the beach. Whether it’s Santa Monica or South Padre, your beach essentials will be the same, and I’ve got you covered with the ultimate beach bag essentials list (in no particular order)
1. SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN
As someone who gets a sunburn after standing outside for ten minutes, I can’t say enough about how important sunscreen is! Not only will it keep your delicate skin from getting painful sunburns, but it will also prevent premature aging and skin cancer. The best way to prevent these terrible conditions is to use sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply every two hours (or every hour like I do because of my pale skin). Sunscreen is arguably the most important product in this list of beach essentials.
Want to get a tan without getting these nasty side effects? Get a spray tan or DIY at home! You’ve got an endless supply of amazing at-home tanning products.
2. Beach Towel
The second essential is a soft beach towel with a cool design! Not only will you look beautiful lounging in paradise, but you will also protect yourself from gritty sand (better left for under your toes). Trust me, your towel will be your BFF after swimming for 30 minutes.
3. Sunglasses
Protect those beautiful eyes with a pair of chic sunglasses! Sunlight can damage your eyes, so carrying a good pair of polarized sunnies with you is always a good idea. And they make an outfit go from 60-100 in a second.
4. Slides
When I got to my hotel in Corpus, I couldn’t believe I had forgotten the sandals! I had a minor freakout before realizing that I was in a beach town with about 100 stores with a generous supply. After carefully looking for the cutest, beach-appropriate pair, I came across an adorable pair of slides for just $10! That’s the beauty of beach sandals, you won’t have to wear them anywhere else, so just pick out a cheap pair that’ll do the job! Save those extra coins for your souvenirs.
5. A Reusable Water Bottle
No one likes trash in the ocean, but everybody has to drink. That’s why a reusable water bottle will be your right-hand man when you get to the shore. Pick out the most intricately designed bottle to store your water in. It has to be cute if it’s going in my beach bag! I love this monogrammed water bottle from Anthropology.
6. Your Phone
Heard the phrase, “I never leave home without my phone”? It’s normally made fun of, but it’s imperative when you’re in a new place. How else will you order your fave beach-side drink? And, of course, for safety reasons.
7. Swimsuit
Whether it’s a bikini, tankini, or one-piece, you’ll look amazing as you glow in the sunlight! Remember, everybody is a beach body, so wear it with pride!
8. Goggles
This one is a must if you’re planning on swimming in the ocean. As we know, the ocean is made up of saltwater with sand at the bottom. Do you want all of that to get into your eyes? I didn’t think so. Do yourself an enormous favor and buy a pair of goggles. Trust me, you’ll thank me for it.
9. A Swim Cover Up
No one wants to sit in a restaurant in nothing but a soaking wet swimsuit. That’s why cover-ups are an essential part of a great beach vacay. They cover the swimsuit while making you look like the beach babe goddess you are!
10. Beach Bag
Now that you have gathered all your beach essentials, where will you put them? In a beach bag, of course! Now more than ever, beach bags are becoming more of an everyday style, from straw to rattan. This is lucky because more styles are popping up every day! Find a roomy one that can fit all of your products easily. You won’t have trouble transporting it from place to place.
Until my next post, fashionistas! I hope you consider my advice when going on your next beach vacation! Check out my Spring and Summer Wish List for more summer fashion inspiration.
As always, I love my lovely readers!
xx,
Lauren Hochman
Lauren Hochman is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Lifestyle on a Budget and THE TEEN RUNWAY. She has over a decade of experience giving women advice through her writing. When she isn’t at her laptop, you can find her exploring Texas with her fiancé, Alex, and dog, Mr. Cantaloupe.
Just from a beach vacay but forgot like 6 out 10 in this list. It’s good to know I won’t ever again. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, George! Hope you had fun on your vacay! 🙂 xx, Lauren
Great list of essentials Lauren!
So glad you emphisized the importance of sunscreen – so important to stay safe in the sun! I always forget my goggles so I appreciate your reminder 🙂
Hi, Laura! Thanks! 🙂 xx, Lauren