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Sand between the toes, the sound of the ocean gently lapping the shoreline, a bracing swim and a few blissful hours to relax and soak up some vitamin D – there’s not much better than a beach holiday. But any time you’re spending long hours in the heat, things can quickly go wrong for the unprepared. Burns and sunstroke can be miserable, so don’t risk spoiling the rest of your trip by omitting what you need to stay comfortable all day.
Below is everything you need to tote to the shore for a successful beach day (whatever you do, don’t forget your bikini).
Beach bag
First things first, you’ll need the beach bag itself. Basket bags, raffia and rattan are enduring staples for good reason, and we’ve found a wealth of styles worthy of a spot next to your lounger this season. A new favourite? Stone & Mason’s Palomino beach bag: it’s huge and comes pre-stocked with essentials, including a zipped pouch, fan and microfibre towel. It would make a lovely gift.
A water bottle
We don’t need to tell you that staying hydrated is important when the sun is beating down on you, so pack a water bottle as a first priority. Owala makes some of our favourite bottles, in sizes up to one litre, for a very reasonable price – and Stanley cups are still ubiquitous thanks to their impressive insulative properties and large capacity.
Two towels
Whether you’re lying directly on the sand or on a deck chair, a beach towel will keep you comfier and less likely to end up completely covered in sand. Choosing a colourful, easily distinguishable design also makes it easier to navigate back to your spot on a packed beach when you’re returning from a dip in the sea. Bring a second, more lightweight option to dry off with after swims – that way, you can avoid sunbathing on a soggy towel.
Slip-on footwear
You’ll want a pair of sliders or flip-flops to avoid that hot-footed dance across the sand (you know what we mean), as well as to slip on when it’s time to head off – nobody wants to don trainers or closed-toe shoes with sandy feet.
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Swimwear and a coverup
Whether you’re there to swim, surf, or just to read your book, a bathing suit is a must. Throw over a kaftan or cover-up to protect your skin during the hottest part of the day, and when it’s time to head home – a post-beach trip is not the time to be wiggling back into anything tight fitting.
Sunglasses and a hat
Even the most ardent sun worshippers need to protect themselves from the sun – spending long days without a hat on is a recipe for sunstroke. And have you ever tried to read a book on the beach without sunglasses? These are absolute essentials.
SPF and lip balm
Apply sun cream liberally 30 minutes before you hit the beach, and again every time you leave the water. Look for reef-safe options to prevent coral bleaching from run-off. Some of our favourite brands also offer facial SPF sprays that can be reapplied over makeup for quick top-ups.
Hair clip
We all love tousled, beachy waves, but nobody wants hair flying all over the place when it’s really hot or time to head into the water, so keep hair slicked out of your face with a chic hair claw. Unlike traditional hair ties, these won’t cause any unsightly bumps in your hair when it’s let down, making them a superior option for those seeking to flaunt their salty locks pre-hair wash.
Waterproof phone pouch
A phone pouch is a really handy buy – whether you’re beach or poolside, a lot of summer plans revolve around water. Your phone slides into the pouch and is sealed shut inside, preventing water damage and ensuring it won’t sink if it falls in the sea. Here are some of our favourites.
Dry bag
Stop rolling bathing suits in your towel post swims – using a dry bag is a much better solution. You can store the whole family’s gear in one, keeping wet costumes away from the rest of your belongings, while simultaneously saving your towels from a soggy fate.
A book
A beach day makes the perfect opportunity to take some time out for your latest read. Below, a selection of the books our editors are taking on holiday this summer. Kindles are also super travel-friendly – much more lightweight than a book on average and will take up considerably less space in your case than that stack of four tomes you’ve been meaning to read for months.
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Sand remover powder
Good news for those who dislike the feeling of sand between their toes: a sprinkle of this powder and it magically melts off. Snacking on the beach? No more crunchy sandwiches. Returning home in the car? Now possible without leaving telltale sandy trails on the seats. It’s a game-changer.
A handheld fan
These are surprisingly effective at batting away the worst of the summer heat – I always have one in my handbag when I’m travelling during high season, ready for use on the beach, on public transport or in stuffy rooms alike.
