With summer now upon us, hitting the beach for some much needed tanning and relaxation is no longer a distant dream. British weather permitting, we can look forward to a few months of long balmy days, dazzling orange sunsets and the gentle sound of lapping waves. However, before you begin to wriggle your toes in the sand or enjoy a sea dip, there are a few beach essentials to remember while you are still at the packing stage. Taking the right supplies will save you money and ensure your holiday runs smoothly, with less stress over minor issues.
Picnics are not just a fun summer ritual, preparing your own food beforehand also represents a huge saving on buying snacks from cafes or beach stalls. Take a cool bag that comes with a couple of ice packs to keep your lunch at a minimum temperature - no one wants to reach for a warm drink in the heat of the midday sun. Most cool bags are large enough to carry a number of smaller boxes within. Make the most of this by taking chopped up vegetables, fruits, meats and cheeses. Add them to crackers or soft French bread for a continental themed buffet. Try to be more adventurous with your holiday cuisine; don’t become stuck in a sandwiches and crisps rut. This default packed lunch can get boring; consequently you may feel temped to splash out on a more appealing option, rather than sticking to your picnic.
Another way of making your alfresco beach holiday more enjoyable is by taking a well-made rug and parasol. Having a layer of protection between you and the great outdoors is essential for reducing the risk of sunburn, staying cool and keeping your food free from troublesome grains of sand.
When going on holiday most of us will drive to our beach destination, if you are doing so, remember car insurance cover for your trip. There's nothing worse than getting away for a relaxing break, only to discover your paperwork is not in order.
Protecting your valuables whilst on holiday is vital. Our notebooks and smart phones keep us connected to loved ones, provide entertainment and help organise our social lives, so leaving them at home is not an option. However, safeguarding them around the potential hazards of sand and salt water is a must, as a day on the beach can damage the most robust of items.
In order to still use your phone, chat, surf the net or take pictures, simply slip it into a waterproof case. These clear, flexible plastic skins will mean any accidental falls from wet slippery hands are not a disaster. Plus they come with a handy neck cord, so you can keep your phone with you at all times, for added security.
Getting ready for a holiday is half the fun, but in the hectic weeks before your break it’s easy to forget what you’ll need when you arrive. So along with your shades, sun block and insect repellent, think about including some of these less obvious, but equally helpful items.
Claire Williams, the author of this post, is a blogger living in London.
