Articles

Four Steps to Make the Most of Your Next Beach Vacation

by Courtney Myers Professional Writer and Editor

Summer is upon us. That means it’s time for long days lounging by the pool, building sandcastles or relaxing beachside. Yet, unless you’re properly prepared for your next beach vacation, you could end up spending more time stressed, busy or sunburnt than making the most of your time away. To this end, let’s take a look at four things you can do before you leave to make sure your sandy getaway is everything you deserve and more.


1. Follow a packing list.


You might think you know everything you’ll need. You pack the basics, your favorite accessories, everything the kids need and hit the road. Then, you get to your hotel or condo only to realize that you neglected to bring bathing suits, sunscreen or toothpaste. While you can always run out and get anything you accidentally leave behind, that can add up quickly and take precious time away from your vacation.


Days before you pack, create a comprehensive list of everything you want or need to bring with you on vacation. From the essentials like daily medications, toiletries and towels to the practical, like your pontoon boat cover or beach bag there’s likely a wide range of items that you’ll need once you get there, but you might not be thinking about them now. Try to picture everything you want to do at the beach and the things you’ll need to do so. Commonly overlooked items include phone and laptop chargers, socks, jewelry, and more.


2. Go on a technology detox.


Yes, you need to be accessible in case someone back home needs you in the event of an emergency, or vice versa. Still, spending the entire day on a sunny beach checking your work emails or scrolling Instagram is hardly relaxing and once it’s all said and done and you’re back to the daily grind, you’ll likely regret that you didn’t make the most of your time away. If you can, try turning your phone on silent as much as possible so you aren’t tempted to look at it every time it dings or those familiar blue notifications pop up. Keep it close by in case you need to reach someone quickly, but slip it into a waterproof case and keep it in your bag for the majority of the time. Focus on spending quality time with your friends and family and remember that almost everything, especially when it pertains to social media, can wait until you get back.


3. Slather on the sunscreen.


Nothing ruins a great beach vacation like getting burnt to a crisp on the very first day. Suddenly, it hurts to put on shoes, you can’t lie down comfortably, and you’re just generally feeling pretty crummy. To this end, don’t forget to lather up completely, head-to-toe with an adequate sunscreen. Experts recommend sticking with an SPF of at least 30, which is known to block 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Remember to re-apply every two hours or when you come out of the water and to keep everyone in your family, including children, properly coated as well.


4. Plan non-water activities for when you need a break.


Especially if you don’t live near the ocean, there’s something magical about time spent by the shore. Still, if you’re on a weeklong vacation, by Day 5 you might be ready for a little change of pace, especially if you’re traveling with younger children who get bored easily. To this end, it’s helpful to do a little research beforehand to discover what non-beach activities are available in the area you’re staying. For instance, there are likely some great seafood restaurants nearby that you can check out. Or, consider ducking into a cool, air-conditioned cinema to catch a mid-day matinee, which won’t set you back as much as a nighttime show will. Other common beach town activities include mini golf, outdoor outlet centers, theme parks and local museums.


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About Courtney Myers Freshman   Professional Writer and Editor

1 connections, 0 recommendations, 28 honor points.
Joined APSense since, February 24th, 2018, From High Point, NC, United States.

Created on Jun 1st 2018 10:13. Viewed 371 times.

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