Last summer, we took our first trip to the beach as a family of four. Traveling with kids is always a challenge, and the beach presents its own particular challenges, especially in the packing department. Packing for myself and packing for myself plus the littles are two entirely different propositions. The real estate for my stuff is limited. Between the floaties and the diapers and the sunscreen and the stacks of petite swimsuits, my corner of the suitcase seems microscopic and shrinking all the time.
I have learned to only bring the essentials. Here are a few must-haves that I’m bringing along to the beach this year (in my teeny, tiny corner of the suitcase).
1. A versatile dress. Last year, I planned out my clothes for each day of our trip and then, on a whim, threw in a few lightweight dresses. And, of course, I ended up wearing the dresses more than anything. After sitting in the sand all morning, a dress that flows away from the body is heaven. When selecting my dresses this year, I tried to pick options that I could throw over my swimsuit and walk straight off the beach to dinner or dress up for a night out – like this dress from Zara.
2. A cute coverup. It seems like I wear my cover ups more than anything. I have been eyeing this coverup from Serena and Lily that also comes in two other patterns.
3. A bright swimsuit. I like my swimsuit to be a bright spot on the beach and to be full coverage so I can run around and move easily. This wrap suit from Anthropologie comes in an array of different colors and patterns. I also love the orange motif. Normally, when I update my swim collection, I shoot for one nicer suit and one or two cheaper suits.
When space starts getting tight, the unnecessary toiletries and cosmetics are the first to go. Although the following items are not necessarily necessary, they help my fair skin survive the beach.
1. Special sunscreen. If you are one of those people who turns beautifully, golden tan in the sunshine, just go ahead and skip this paragraph. But, if you are of the pale, sensitive-skinned variety who is rendered rashly and blotchy by continued sun-exposure and sunscreen application, read on. I baby my skin at the beach, including using a sunscreen that is gentler on my face than the drugstore variety. I am packing this sunscreen, but Sephora has a variety of sunscreens at a variety of prices. For a more affordable option, this Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration for the face is pretty great, too.
2. Face wipes. Nothing is better than having something to quickly cleanse the skin at the beach, whether it’s wiping away a stray trace of mascara or the accumulation of grit before reapplying sunscreen. Have you noticed that my packing list gravitates around the application of sunscreen? The plight of the fair-skinned. I have tried a variety of wipes and these are moisturizing and do not aggravate my skin. These are part of my everyday routine, and I buy them at Target.
3. Face oil. To help my skin recover post beach + sun + sand + sweat, I apply this face oil on freshly washed skin for an instant boost of moisture. You can buy much more expensive face oils over at Sephora, but this one by L’Oreal is perfect for sun recovery. Even this drug store brand is a bit pricey. It’s my little “I’m sorry” to my skin.
These are a segment of my beach must-haves. I hope your summer has some beach skies on the horizon. Happy travels, friends.
