|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
You’re standing on pristine white sand, waves lapping at your feet, and the sun warming your skin. But wait – did you forget your sunscreen? Don’t let packing woes ruin your perfect beach day!
A well-planned beach trip can be the perfect escape, offering relaxation, adventure, and lasting memories. But to fully enjoy your seaside getaway, smart packing is essential. This beach packing guide will ensure you’re ready for sun-soaked bliss.
Your Comprehensive Beach Packing Guide
Let’s break down the must-haves for your beach adventure:
1. Sun Protection
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60 for face, Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 for body)
- Wide-brimmed hat (minimum 4-inch brim, like the Coolibar Unisex Beach Hat UPF 50+)
- UV-blocking sunglasses (Maui Jim Ho’okipa Polarized Sunglasses with 100% UV protection)
- UPF 50+ rash guard (Coolibar Long Sleeve Swim Shirt)
Pro tip: For darker skin tones, try tinted sunscreens like Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen to avoid the dreaded white cast.
2. Beach Gear
- Oversized microfiber beach towels (Sand Cloud XL Beach Towel, 35×70 inches)
- Beach umbrella (Sport-Brella XL Vented SPF 50+ Umbrella)
- Lightweight beach chairs (Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair)
- Insulated cooler (YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler)
Insider hack: Bring a small spray bottle filled with witch hazel and peppermint oil for a refreshing, cooling mist. 
3. Entertainment
- Waterproof Bluetooth speaker (JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Speaker, IPX7 rated)
- Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite or books in Ziploc freezer bags
- Beach games (GoSports Spike Ball Set, Waterproof UNO cards)
Playlist suggestion: Mix Afrobeats hits like Burna Boy’s “Last Last” with diaspora favorites like “Brown Skin Girl” by Beyoncé.
4. Hydration and Snacks
- 40 oz Hydro Flask insulated water bottle (one per person)
- Fresh fruits (pre-cut pineapple, mango, and watermelon in leak-proof containers)
- Wraps (try roasted plantain and peanut butter for a nostalgic twist)
- Trail mix (combine roasted groundnuts, dried coconut flakes, and sun-dried plantain chips)
Hydration tip: Freeze half-filled water bottles overnight. Top up before leaving and enjoy ice-cold water all day.
5. Personal Care
- Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer (70% alcohol)
- Water Wipes Biodegradable Baby Wipes (gentle enough for face and body)
- Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
- Cantu Coconut Curling Cream (doubles as leave-in conditioner with UV protection)
- Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel (100% organic for post-sun soothing)
Don’t forget: Pack any medications in a waterproof pill organizer like the Lewis N. Clark Pill organizer.
6. After-Beach Essentials
- Change of clothes (100% cotton kaftans or dashikis for breathability)
- Havaianas Top Flip Flops (durable and quick-drying)
- Stasher Reusable Silicone Bags (for wet swimsuits and sandy items)
- Rainleaf Microfiber Towel (ultra-absorbent and fast-drying)
Packing hack: Use packing cubes like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes to organize and compress your beach gear.
Kids Coming Along?
Add these to your beach packing guide:
1. Sun Protection for Kids
- Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ (water-resistant for 80 minutes)
- Sunday Afternoons Play Hat (UPF 50+ with neck flap)
- Coolibar UPF 50+ Wave Swim Shirt
2. Beach Toys
- Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set
- Intex Tropical Fish Inflatable Pool Float
- Fujifilm QuickSnap Waterproof Disposable Camera (27 exposures)
3. Safety Items
- Honest Company Swim Diapers
- Stearns Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket (Coast Guard-approved)
- Craft & Kin Temporary Tattoos (write your phone number for easy identification)
4. Comfort Items
- Multifun Baby Beach Tent Pop-Up (UPF 50+ sun protection)
- Colugo The Everywhere Pad (water-resistant, multi-purpose mat)
- Ziploc Big Bag Double Zipper (to protect favorite stuffed animals)
5. Snacks and Hydration for Kids
- GoGo squeeZ Organic Applesauce Pouches
- Stasher Snack Bags filled with homemade chin chin or benne seeds
- Camelbak Eddy+ Kids Water Bottle (spill-proof and BPA-free)
Conclusion: The Ultimate Beach Packing Guide
This comprehensive beach packing guide isn’t just a list – it’s your ticket to a flawless day of sun, sand, and nostalgia. Before zipping up that suitcase, triple-check this guide. Your future self (and your kids) will be singing your praises!
Now, who’s ready to feel the sand between their toes and create some unforgettable diaspora beach memories?
READ: Healthy Grilling Techniques to Try this Summer
Ready to transform your summer cookouts? Let’s dive into healthy grilling techniques that’ll make your BBQ the talk of the town.
This guide is tailored for Africans in the diaspora, blending traditional flavors with modern, health-conscious cooking methods
