I don’t know if you know this about us, but we live on an island. Beach vacations are sort of our thing, if you will. So I thought that with summer and beach vacations in full speed boat throttle, maybe some tips that we’ve learned along the way might come in handy for those of you getting in as much beach time as you have left. Want to know what to take on a beach vacation besides your bathing suit? Read on.
Waterproof Playing Cards
Yes, these exist and yes they’re maaaaaarvelous. I’ve always been that person who liked the beach for the social aspect of it and not the sand, surf, and Jaws part. These waterproof playing cards are made of plastic so even if they get wet they won’t be ruined. They’re also fabutastic when the kiddos go to bed and your playing poker with adult drinks and someone party fouls. No harm done. Check out this deck.
A Fitted Sheet
We’ve probably all taken a sheet to the beach before but imagine this: a king-sized fitted sheet. At each corner, you put a bag or cooler so that the four corners of the sheet are turned up and hugging your bags/coolers. This creates a little playpen type of retreat that keeps sand out and gives a bit of privacy. Added bonus: I bet it would keep some kids entertained for a while. Check out this picture from reddit for a visual!
Baby Powder
If you’re the kind of person who spends hours making sure your towel is completely a sand-free zone (do you see a pattern), you’ll love this Pinterest life hack that has changed my life. What’s the problem with rinsing sand off in a shower? Walking back across the sand with wet feet, of course. It totally defeats the purpose. Instead, wait till you’ve dried off a bit, sprinkle on some baby powder and brush the sand instantly off. It is almost Harry Potter magical how well this works and how much better {beach} life got after knowing this.
Ear Plugs
Teenage Me? Amazing sleeper. (No exaggeration – I once slept through a gas line explosion behind my development.) But Adult Me?… Mom Me?… has woken up in my best Mr. Miyagi version from a mosquito stealthily flying ’round the bed. To add, sleeping away from home makes it harder for me to doze off since new, unchartered noises means one thing to an overdramatic mom – more hypothetical dangers that my kids can die from. Enter earplugs. I still hear everything but muffled. Muffled is good. Real goooood. Now I have ear plugs in every weekender bag I own. Sorry, American Express. This is what I never leave home without.
Pre-Cooked Meals or Snacks
I found an e-card once that said “I’d rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero.” #truth. Eating on vacation is my favorite and after a hard day’s work of tanning, swimming and margs on the beach I could eat a Jurassic proportion of food, but here’s the catch 22… who in the world has the energy to make a meal after a full day of beach work? And who can afford to drop cash on every meal for a family of four serious foodies? Pre-cooked meals have made a huuuuge difference for us with both cost and ease so when we go away we make a meal or two earlier in the week, fridge it, and bring it along. Not only does it save us mega bucks but it is stress-free and awesome to not have to worry about preparing every meal.
While pre-cooked meals won’t work if you’re flying you can still think ahead and pack snacks. Snacks like nuts, trail mix or jerky can cost as much as the vacation itself in the hotel shops or nearby tourist trap stores so bring your own. While you’re at it, think about packing some essentials. For me that’s coffee creamer. On our recent trip to Cuba, my mother brought her own coffee and a 2Go concentrated creamer by Coffemate – a luxury I scoffed at when she told me – but, as usual, mom was right.
The Bar
Correction: Happy Hour(s) on vacation is my favorite. And since I can hold a tiny liquor store in my belly, keeping up with the Morgans can get expensive so I bring a starter kit. At the moment, it’s specifically GTs (gin and tonics, of course). They are a yummy and easy beach cocktail; light and refreshing, easy to make, you can play around with different recipes, and drop some fruit in, Sangria-style, to liven up your libation. Clink, clink. That deserves a cheers.
(In my recent love affair with GTs, I’ve talked to many people who have said they don’t like gin. I didn’t either until I had a good one. Give this recipe a try that Husband has perfected, and if you don’t have a change of heart, I’d be shocked.)
Flamingo Floaties & Floating Wine Glasses?
I can’t tell you how many times I am in the ocean with a chinola (passion fruit) margarita and I wish I could put my cup down for a moment. This is a real dilemma. #islandproblems – I know. But this pinktastic accessory is the lifesaver to my problems. #adorable #practical. I got mine as a free gift from Aerie. Truth be told, the free gift flamingo floatie is what prompted my $40 spending but you could buy one here (for a dollar!) or an 8-pack here and share with friends. If wine is more your thing, there’s a savior for that too. They also make wine glasses for the beach that stick in sand (or grass or snow) AND that, wait for it… float! The best $10 you’ll ever spend. Check them out here or here. I’m still deciding what color to buy.
Happy Beaching!
Did I miss anything… what would you take on your beach vacation?
* * *
Picture Credits:
CoffeeMate 2Go – TheImpulsiveBuy (adapted by Expat Village)
Flamingo Cup Floatie – Wicker Paradise