Must-Haves For Your Summer Beach Trip

I grew up in a small beach town called Oak Island, North Carolina. I remember how the population would practically double once Memorial Day hit, and then go back to 'normal' after Labor Day. Even though we would jokingly call the tourists 'terrorists', it wasn't hard to see why people would want to come to such a beautiful beach town to get away from it all. If you are one of those people and plan to take a vacation this summer, here are a few things you absolutely must pack if you are going to the beach.

• A radio with headphones.
• A beach towel or blanket.
• Sunblock and other similar items. Suntan oil, cocoa butter and sunburn ointment can be found in most local stores for a decent price. You may want to use a higher SPF-level sunblock for your face because the sun reflects more strongly off of the water. Since your face can get burned more easily this way, you want to have sunblock on your face at all times.
• A good book.
• A large umbrella for shade.
• A comfortable, folding beach chair or two.
• A durable pair of sunglasses. You may want to bring more than one pair in case one gets lost or broken. The really cheap ones don't protect your eyes from the sun's UVA and UVB rays as well as the more expensive ones do, though, so keep that in mind.
• Beach toys for the kids. Buckets, shovels and sand molds can be found at pretty much any discount store. Bodysurfing boards, water noodles and small floats are also fun. If you have a young child or someone who isn't a good swimmer, you should definitely get some 'floaties' for them. Do not use a toy as a floatation device.
• A cooler fully stocked with ice, drinks and snacks. It can be easy to forget about this when you're having fun, but being out in the hot sun carries a risk for dehydration and heat exhaustion. Be sure to bring plenty of water.
• A lot of 'mad money' for souvenirs and activities! The beach town I lived in had all kinds of shops, restaurants and amusements that were only open during the summer months. This is especially true for water slides or other types of water parks. Many beaches have shops that rent things like bicycles, surfboards and jet skis, so bring along some cash for that.
• A water-resistant beach bag
• A wide-brimmed sun hat or visor
• Sandals or flip-flops.

So, now you have an idea as to what to bring on your next beach trip. If you forget something, don't worry. There are usually tons of shops open that cater to tourists and can provide anything you may not have thought of. I will say, though, that things like beachwear and surf boards can be very expensive, so you should really get the 'big stuff' before you leave home. Have a good trip!