Just randomly packing items for a trip to the beach seldom works out well. You need to plan ahead and try to anticipate what will be needed. The following list of instructions and items should make your beach planning and packing easier:
- Clear you car of debris that you don't need - it builds up fast!
- If you have two cars in the house, organise with your other half to take his car for the day if you need more space (and if he's not coming)
- Start getting ready way before you leave. Rushing to pack minutes before you depart from home is never good. Essential items are bound to be forgotten
- Decide how long you are going to stay at the beach, and pack enough snacks, lunch and nappies for the full duration. Remember to have enough change for parking fees
- Bear in mind that you will need to carry all your gear, so travel light and pack smartly
- Bring a towel for each person and a blanket for everyone to sit on
- Bring plenty of sunscreen
- Pack a cooler bag with cheese, cool drinks and yoghurt. Include some food for yourself too!
- Bring toys that won't be missed if lost; it is very likely that you will end up losing something in the sand
- Baby powder is great for removing sand from skin, for both your child and yourself. Simply rub it on your legs and arms and the sand will stick to it and fall off
- The flotation devices you bring should depend on the age and swimming strength of your children. Make sure that they can help you carry all the necessary gear
- Only bring an umbrella if your children are old enough to want to sit still for any length of time. Tents are nice, but not good when the wind really starts gusting. For our shores, a wind breaker is more practical. Check out ebay to pick up one on the cheap.
You can’t pack everything you might possibly need, so plan accordingly and include everything that is most likely to be of use.
