7 beach hacks to remember on your next vacation

A week spent on a beach can be tons of fun. But, if you go in unprepared, it can turn into a disaster at a moment’s notice. So sort out what to bring to the beach first, then add a few tricks.

In need of some beach vacation tips? Then keep on reading. Here are 7 beach hacks to remember on your next vacation.

• Bring an awning for shade.
• Pack a microfiber towel that folds small.
• Wear a sponge necklace to stay cool.
• Hide your valuables in a lotion bottle.
• Keep your phone in a sealed jar.
• Bring a pocket blanket instead of a bulky one.
• Freeze water bottles and use them as ice.

1. Bring an Awning for Shade

Part of the reason that you go to the beach is to take in some sunlight. That said, you don’t want to be exposed to the sun for the entirety of your day. As such, to limit your sunlight exposure, you’re advised to bring an awning.

There are all sorts of portable awnings on the market, most of which are exceedingly easy to set up. Throw one in the back of your car, lug it to your beach spot, and pop it open. You’ll be able to get out of the sunlight at your leisure.

Note, however, that on a windy day, awnings can actually be carried away. As such, to keep yours in one place, you’re advised to attach it to the ground with some pegs.

2. Pack a Microfiber Towel That Folds Small

If you’re going to be going into an ocean or a lake, you’re going to have to have a towel to help you dry off. The problem, of course, is fitting a big beach towel into a bag that is already full.

The fix? Pack a microfiber towel. Microfiber towels are light and fold small.

Our own travel towel is 48 x 24 in (120 x 60 cm). It comes with a face cloth and a carry bag with a carabiner, so you can clip the bag to your beach bag.

Whichever towel you bring, never store it while it is still wet. Hang it up as soon as you get home.

3. Wear a Sponge Necklace to Stay Cool

A day at the beach is likely going to be hot and sweaty. And while you can certainly jump in the water to cool yourself off, it’s not always the most convenient of options. As such, you should think of other ways to keep yourself cool.

One option is to wear a sponge necklace. This is a necklace consisting of string and, well, sponges. These sponges will soak up water and then use that water to cool you down while you’re under the sun.

These are extremely simple to make. Just use a needle to pierce through each sponge and then follow that needle with string. Tie the string to secure the sponges and (voila!) you’re ready to go.

4. Hide Your Valuables in a Lotion Bottle

One of the biggest problems you have to face when going to the beach is storing your valuables so that they aren’t easily stolen. Sure, not everyone is looking to steal everyone else’s stuff, but there are unscrupulous individuals out there.

How do you get around this problem? One option some people use is an empty lotion bottle for small valuables.

Believe it or not, storage lotion bottles are actually sold online. So, if you don’t want to waste time making one of your own, you can simply purchase one from someone else.

5. Keep Your Phone in a Sealed Jar

Odds are, when you go to the beach, you like to take your phone along with you. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it does open you up to another set of problems, those problems being the problems of sand and water. If either sand or water gets into your phone, it can cease to function.

For this reason, when at the beach, you’re advised to keep your phone in a jar; a peanut butter jar, a pickle jar, or otherwise. A jar that seals helps keep sand and water away from your phone.

6. Bring a Pocket Blanket Instead of a Bulky One

Odds are, you bring a blanket to sit on at the beach.

The problem with blankets is that they take up a great deal of space and can make the transportation of your possessions a daunting task. As such, you’re advised to invest in a special kind of blanket: a pocket blanket.

Pocket blankets are designed to fold up in as compact a manner as possible, allowing them to be carried in (what else?) a pocket. They’re available from many online retailers, including this one right here.

Our own Pocket Blanket opens to 55 x 60 in (140 x 152 cm), with room for two adults. It folds into a pouch of 4.5 x 3.5 in (11.5 x 9 cm). On a windy day, fill the corner pockets with sand or stones to weigh it down. When it is time to leave, our fold guide shows how to fold it back into the pouch.

7. Freeze Water Bottles and Use Them as Ice

Drinking water is a given at the beach. If you don’t bring water, you’ll regret it.

The question lies in how that drinking water will be stored. Sure, you could throw it in a cooler with a bunch of ice, but then you won’t have room for additional foods and beverages. Instead, you’re advised to use the drinking water as the ice.

In other words, you should freeze your water bottles so that they stay cool and cool other items simultaneously. Not only will your drinking water stay cooler for a longer period of time, but you’ll also have more room in which to store other items.

These Beach Hacks Can Make All the Difference

Want an easier beach vacation? Try these seven hacks.

In need of other beach tips? Read our ocean safety tips before you swim.