Vacations are a time to relax and rejuvenate, but it’s tough to truly enjoy yourself if you’re not comfortable. If you’re planning a beach vacation, here are some tips to help you stay comfortable and have the best time possible:
Wear loose-fitting clothes
Going on a beach vacation? Make sure you pack light, comfortable clothing that won’t stick to your skin in the heat. Choosing loose-fitting associated styles such as baggy shorts and breezy tops allows for plenty of air circulation, so your body can stay cool even when temperatures begin to rise. This ensures that you’re comfortable enough to enjoy your time in the sand and surf and provides protection from the sun’s UV rays. Wearing lightweight garments exposes less of your skin to damaging sunlight.
Keep in mind that fabrics like linen and cotton are ideal when dressing for a beach day since they tend to be more lightweight and breathable than artificial materials like nylon or spandex. Although bright colors might be fashionable on the shore, wearing lighter shades such as white or pastels will help reflect some of the sun’s heat, which is beneficial during hot beach days.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking lots of water is essential to stay comfortable in the sun. From tummy troubles and headaches caused by dehydration to feeling exhausted and depleted when running around—all of these can be avoided with a simple sip. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day. If you’re forgetful, remind yourself by setting alarms or jotting notes down on your phone.
During physical activities such as swimming, surfing, and walking around, it’s even more important to stay hydrated since these can easily cause dehydration due to evaporation from your skin. Enjoying the outdoors is easier when you are well-fueled with liquids, so ensure you get enough. For extra flavor and benefits, try infusing fruits like strawberries that add an antioxidant element and great taste.
Protect your skin
One of the best ways to enjoy any beach vacation is to ensure you have the right supplies. In particular, you should always remember to bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. Not only will it help you stay comfortable and prevent sunburn, but it can also keep your skin healthy and more youthful over time.
Choose a sunscreen with SPF protection and apply it generously (at least one tablespoon per foot of body) before spending extended periods in direct sunlight. You should reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to get full protection.
But sunscreen isn’t the only you should apply to your skin. The sun’s intense heat can easily dry your skin, causing it to crack. This can cause a lot of discomfort and make you feel itchy in the sun. To prevent dry skin, buy a moisturizer for dry, cracking skin. Apply this on your skin before you go outside and frequently reapply throughout the day. This will keep your skin comfortable and supple in the sun, allowing you to have a wonderful time relaxing on the beach.
Fight off bugs
When on your beach vacation, bug bites can be an annoying distraction. Luckily there are lots of ways to protect yourself from getting bitten. Avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes or lotions — mosquitoes can detect these scents from 50 feet away. Also, wear light colors that bugs find less attractive. Long sleeves and long pants are good options, although, in the hot summer months, you might need to stick with shorts and a t-shirt.
It helps to stay away from standing water; this will limit the number of mosquitoes around you. If you are outdoors after sunset, citronella candles can help to create a bug-free zone around your area. Finally, it’s always smart to use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. That way, you won’t have to worry about pesky bugs interfering with your well-deserved beach vacation.
Bring a hat or visor
A wide-brimmed hat will offer good protection from the sun and can ward off any pesky sand flies. Whether you opt for straw, felt, or canvas, a hat can be an essential element of your style for any beach outing.
Alternatively, if you plan to spend more time in the water than just wading in the shallow end, you may want to purchase a visor. While many styles offer excellent UV protection and wicking materials, visors are designed not to blow off in strong winds or when swimming. Either accessory is relatively inexpensive and light enough to carry around all day, so you don’t have to worry about taking up too much room in your suitcase.
Once again, when heading to the beach, wear loose-fitting clothes, drink plenty of water, protect your skin, fight off bugs, and bring a hat or visor. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your time relaxing in the sun and sand. Whether you’re on a family vacation, with friends, or even by yourself, spending some time at the beach can help you relax and recharge for your busy life back home.
