You may be tempted to simply toss a swimsuit in a beach bag and hit the open road as you head to Charleston for your summertime beach vacation. But you may want to bring just a little more than your bikini or swim trunks.
For your beach visit, don’t forget to pack:
- Beach towels or blankets. Consider a waterproof beach mat that can be easily cleaned and doesn’t become a sand magnet.
- Sunscreen, sunscreen and a little more sunscreen. The fastest way to spoil your vacation is with a painful sunburn. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before hitting the beach and reapply throughout the day. Tip: don’t forget to put sunscreen on your ears and the tops of your feet!
- Protective gear, including hats, shirts/cover-ups and sunglasses. Not only will you be more comfortable shielding the sun but you’ll also be protecting your skin.
- Chairs and umbrellas. The county parks also offer chairs and umbrellas for rent in case you don’t have that much room in your car.
- Flip flops or sandals to wear at the beach. The pavement and sand are hot in the summer.
- A cooler for snacks and drinks. Pack plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Bring your camera to capture those sandy smiles. Be sure your camera and cell phone are in a plastic bag or other protective case so they don’t end up wet or filled with sand.
- Beach toys – even the grownups can’t resist building a sand castle. And
bring an extra bucket or bag for your seashells. - Lastly bring an extra bag for your trash. The beaches have plenty of trash cans or you can pack up trash and toss it when you get back to your hotel or rental house. Please don’t leave your trash – including cigarette butts – on the beach. Not only is it unsightly but it’s damaging to the ocean environment and the creatures that live there.
We’d love to see your beach vacation photos! Share with us on Twitter (@traveler_mag) or Facebook!
