How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

How To Pack The Perfect Beach Bag

in Travel, Uncategorized on

Beachday Beachbag

Summer’s here.  It’s time to start dreaming of long sunny days, the glorious heat, sand between your toes and those picture perfect moments as you escape reality and take off for weekends far away with your family.  It’s time to head to the beach!  Before you go, don’t forget to pack your most essential bag of the season, your beach bag.  Whether staying at a posh resort, or walking down a grass laden path to the local sand dune, the perfectly packed beach bag can make the difference between a perfect beach day and a day stuffed full of frustration.

Here are my essentials when headed for the sandy shores and warm blue waters.

First; you must pick the perfect bag.  I prefer a bag that is water resistant and has multiple pockets.  Think large but not gargantuan.  If it’s too big, you will just make it too heavy.  One that fits the bill?  The Hurley Beach Active Tote.  It’s simple, stylish and retails at about $50.00.  A great investment.

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Looking for something a little more posh?  This may well be my next splurge for the beach, the Longchamp Large La Pilage Tote.  Found at Nordstrom in a variety of fabulous colours and sizes.

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Isn’t she pretty?  Once the perfect bag has been acquired, I’m ready to pack!

Here’s what’s in my beach bag.

First, a little “bagception”. Inside the beach bag I stow away a smaller bag!  (why not have an excuse for a second bag?)  Inside this smaller pouch or make-up size bag I stash some of my wee essentials:

  • cash
  • license
  • debit card
  • car keys or room key
  • Pain Reliever
  • lip balm with SPF

Then I’m ready to fill the pockets and the rest of my bag.  To make sure I’m ready for whatever the day may throw at me I add:

  • iPhone with water resistant cover.  My Lifeproof cover keeps the sand and water out and my precious phone safe.
  • water resistant camera
  • sunglasses
  • hair ties – you can’t have too many
  • brush
  • Hand Sanitizer. My new addiction Body Shop Coconut Hand Cleanse Gel.
  • Sunscreen ~ Currently in my bag?Screen Shot 2016-07-10 at 11.48.29 PM NEUTROGENA® ULTRA SHEER® WATER-LIGHT® Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 60.  It’s light weight, water proof and perfect under make-up too!  My girls prefer the COOLDRY SPORT Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, it’s easy to apply, plus it’s water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes.  Travel tip of the day: My new favourite (because nothing travels better) product is the NEUTROGENA  ULTRA SHEER Face + Body Stick.  This unique wide-faced stick is ideal for both face and body, and its convenient, hands-free, no-mess application makes it great for travel.  It goes from purse, to carry-on, to beach bag beautifully.
  • A rolled up towel – extra long please!
  • A long matt for the beach to keep the sand awayA good beach read or indulgent magazine
  • Floppy hat
  • Refillable Sigg water bottle
  • Invisible Deodorant
  • Flip Flops
  • Frisbee or Beachball
  • Cover-up
  • Bonus Tip: Does the sand make you crazy like it does my SassyHubby?  Then throw some baby powder in the trunk of your car.  Simply sprinkle a little baby powder on your arms, legs or feet when you return from the beach and the sand will magically rub right off.

If the weather is going to be super hot and sticky, be sure to add a sun umbrella to your list of “beach must haves”, and stock a small cooler full of water and refreshing drinks. After all, the best way to enjoy a day at the beach is to go with family and good friends, find the perfect spot, and of course, be prepared with the perfectly packed beach bag.  Enjoy!

    • Comments

    2. You’ve got an awesome list and it’s so very thorough. I’ve never heard of the baby powder trick but as long as it works, that’s what matters.

    5. Great picks – I really love the Hurley bag you mentioned!

      Two things I always add to my beach bag – a bottle of water & a good book/magazine

    7. I constantly over pack and underpack my beach bag, thanks for the list, especially the tip about baby powder! (now to figure out how to de-sand the dog 😛 )

    9. Great list. First time I heard of the face and body stick sunscreen. Pretty beach bags.

      • We travel quite a bit and I adore the stick sunscreen, especially when we fly. It’s the only good size sunscreen you can get through customs.

    10. Packing can be such a chore – I’m always worried I’m forgetting something! Great to get tips like these!

    12. I love that pink tote very pretty, this is a great list to follow, I’m always forgetting something, thanks for the great post!!

      • I think the bright pink is easy to spot on the beach too. So happy you love my list.

    14. The totes are pretty! It’s good to have a nice water resistant beach bag. A sun umbrella is a great idea too!

      • My DD neglected to take a beach umbrella with her to the beach last weekend. She was HOT!! Good thing she had a quality sunscreen to keep her sun safe.

      • Thanks! Forgetting something isn’t the end of the world, but it can be spendy 🙂 Hope my list helps.