What to bring to a day at the beach: Handy checklist & tips

A day at the beach is the ultimate recipe for a wonderful summer day. But nothing is as frustrating as discovering that you have forgotten your beach towel, sunscreen or favourite book. Don't worry, with this handy beach checklist you will know exactly what to take with you to the beach ( scroll down ). So you are completely ready for a carefree day at the beach. Pack your beach bag!

9 useful tips for a day at the beach

1. Be smartly prepared for the beach

A relaxing day at the beach doesn't start on your towel, but at home at the breakfast table. Check the weather forecast and the wind force in advance. A balmy breeze is lovely, but at wind force 5 your parasol turns into a kite. Try to leave early. Early in the morning the beach is still quiet, the sun is mild and there are more parking spaces available.

Tip : Carry a small bottle of baby powder in your bag. This magical stuff will help you wipe the sand off your skin effortlessly afterward!

Also, don't forget to bring an extra bottle of clean water, specifically to rinse your hands or feet before eating, or before getting back in the car after a long day at the beach.

Zandvoort aan Zee

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2. Why sunscreen is so important

There’s nothing better than the sun on your skin, but a burn? No one wants that. Go for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it at home, even before your towel hits the ground. That way, it’s already absorbed by the time you step into the sun. Reapplying every two hours is the advice (yes, even when it’s cloudy) and again after a swim or when you’ve dried off.

Are you afraid you'll forget? Nowadays there are handy UV stickers that you stick on your skin: they change colour when it's time to reapply. It's as if your skin is giving you a friendly signal.

Need extra protection? Put on a light linen blouse or UV shirt, a wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses with a UV filter. Dive into the shade from time to time, especially around noon.

3. Eat and drink smart on the beach

Sun, sea and… growling stomachs. A well-stocked cool bag or cool box is your best beach buddy. Fill it with fresh water, fresh fruit, pasta salad or sandwiches. Things that don’t melt or spoil quickly. Think grapes, cucumber, melon, hard-boiled eggs or mini tomatoes. Avoid chocolate, soft cheeses or anything that lives in the heat like pudding.

A handy hack: freeze a bottle of water or juice, it keeps your food cool and you have ice cold drinks later. Don't forget reusable water bottles, snack containers or well-sealed containers so that sand has no chance to get in.

Pack an extra bottle of water in your bag, specifically for rinsing your hands or feet before eating. No more sand between your fingers or in your cracker! Add a few wet wipes if you want and you can have lunch as if you were sitting at the table at home (but with a sea view).

4. This is how you keep your belongings safe and dry

Nothing ruins a day at the beach faster than wet gear or a lost phone. Luckily, with a few clever tricks you can keep your valuables safe and dry.

For example, take a small portable locker with you. This is a sturdy box with a combination lock that you attach to your beach chair or parasol. Even more convenient and fun: there are camouflaged lockers, for example in the shape of a sunscreen bottle or a can of soda. You can simply place these between your towels. No one will suspect that your keys are hidden in there.

For water and sand, you can bring a waterproof bag or dry bag. This bag will keep your stuff bone dry and is often light enough to just throw over your shoulder. Put your phone, charger, book, clothes and all the snacks in there and it will be protected. Even if a wave suddenly rolls over your towel, because many of these bags can float.

And speaking of phones, bring a waterproof phone case. That way you can take pictures, listen to a podcast, or check your screen with wet fingers without worry.

5. What to take with you for a day at the beach with children

A day at the beach with kids can be a bit chaotic. Make it easy on yourself: bring a beach tent or parasol with UV protection, so you always have a shady spot for an afternoon nap or snack break.

Fill a cooler with easy snacks, think pieces of fruit, crackers and raisins. Plenty of water is extra important, and don't forget an extra set of clothes in case everything is wet or sandy.

Give each child their own bucket or shovel, so they have their own “project” and you have your hands free! And as a bonus hack: bring an inflatable pool. Even without water, it’s a perfect sand-free zone for babies or toddlers.

Have your child wear a wristband with your phone number on it. If your little one suddenly decides to go on an adventure, another adult can quickly reach you.

6. Comfort: extra relaxation at sea

Sunbathing is great, but if you pack smart, you'll be just that little bit more comfortable. Start with a large beach towel or beach mat, preferably one with a water- and sand-repellent bottom. Don't feel like sand between your vertebrae? A beach chair or inflatable seat cushion is the solution.

For shade and a bit of privacy, a beach umbrella or beach tent is not an unnecessary luxury. Did you know that some beach tents have a built-in UV filter and storage bags that you can fill with sand as a natural anchor. No more panic about your umbrella blowing away!

7. Bring a power bank (solar powered)

An empty phone on the beach is inconvenient. Do you want to take photos on the beach, look up the route or listen to music? A solar power bank is worth its weight in gold. This environmentally friendly alternative charges itself slowly via sunlight while you relax on your towel. A win-win situation, right? Hang it on your bag or put it in the sun so that you always have an extra power source at hand, without being dependent on sockets.

Parasol and beach chair? Check!

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8. The right beach outfit

On the beach, it's all about comfort, airiness and a bit of smart choice. Think of loose, light clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. These fabrics let your skin breathe and keep some of the sand out. An oversized blouse or tunic, on the other hand, can easily be pulled over your swimwear. It protects against the sun and doesn't blow up as quickly as a loose dress.

Flip-flops or water shoes are perfect for your feet. They are easy to put on and take off, and no splashing on the scorching hot sand or sharp shells. Also be sure to bring a dry set of clothes for the way back. Nothing is nicer than putting on a fresh shirt after a salty splash and a towel full of sand.

9. Care for the beach: sustainable choices

A day at the beach becomes even more beautiful when you let nature enjoy it too. For example, choose environmentally friendly sunscreen without harmful substances such as oxybenzone, which can harm coral and marine life.

Bring a reusable water bottle instead of single-use plastic. Many beaches now have water stations where you can easily fill your bottle. Replace disposable tableware with bamboo cutlery or reusable containers for your snacks.

And don't forget to bring a small waste bag, so that you can clean up your own waste and possibly some litter. This way you leave nothing behind except your footprints and the beach stays clean for everyone.

What do you take with you for a day at the beach?

So, you're all set! With all these tips, hacks and smart preparations, you're really ready for a wonderful, carefree day at the beach. Below you'll find a quick checklist so you don't forget anything to the beach.

Want to be able to check off the checklist digitally? Click here.

Prefer a physical list? Click here and print it out!