Have you ever encounter a moment when you have no clue on what to bring to the beach or that maybe you might be carrying more than you should be? Well here's an ultimate guide of what you need and what are essential to bring when hitting the beach for some relaxation and sunbathing.

I know quite a bunch of people who tend to over bring stuff to the beach though most of them do not do that intentionally. I guess some people don't know or have no clue what to bring. Therefore I thought of writing a blog about it, and hopefully, this could be of any help to anyone who needs it or know someone who does.

WHEN TO HIT THE BEACH

So when do we start hitting the beach? It has to be during the summer season, of course. If you enjoy being in the crowd, then weekends would be the best option for you. While if you prefer some peaceful yet relaxing beach moment, then you should go during the weekdays, where it is less crowded. 

Secondly, make sure always to check your local weather forecast a few hours before you head to the beach - depending on before your travel journey to the beach you're planning to go. 

Take some time to plan some beach, sunbathing sesh or picnic with your best pals. This beach day does not only help you relax, but it also allows you to bond with your friends, especially if you barely meet them due to your busy schedule.

According to the scientific experts, it is advisable to head to the beach during morning time in between 8:00 am to 11:00 am. These time around is good timing if you are after sunbathing as it is safer to stay under the sun during morning time to avoid some possible skin complications or skin disease and some other health issues that may affect you. Avoid going for sunbathing during the sun's prime hour, that's around the afternoon time.

Be sure to always apply some sunscreen from time to time to protect your skin.

BEACH ESSENTIALS (THINGS YOU REALLY NEED)

• TOWEL (for showering)

• BEACH TOWEL OR BEACH MAT

• BIKINI OR BEACH SHORTS & TANK

• A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES

• EXTRA CLOTHES (optional)

• A PAIR OF SLIPPERS

• PORTABLE CHARGER (for your mobile phone, optional)

• A SMALL BOOK TO READ (If you fancy reading, optional)

• CAMERA OR MOBILE PHONE CAMERA

• SHAMPOO & SHOWER GEL (in small containers)

• SUNBLOCK LOTION OR TANNING LOTION

• EXTRA UNDERWEAR, BRA

• COMB OR BRUSH (for hair)

• A PLASTIC BAG (for wet clothes)

EXTRA THINGS THAT ARE NOT ESSENTIAL BUT COULD BE USEFUL

• CARD GAMES (such as playing cards, Monopoly Deal, UNO, etc)

• A SMALL BOTTLE OF COLOGNE/ PERFUME (if you want to smell good)

• A SMALL BOTTLE OF LOTION (ALOE VERA - good to apply on your skin after sunbathing)

• BLUETOOTH SPEAKER (if you want to share your music with other beach-goers)

• A PAIR OF EARPHONES (if you want to listen to your own music privately)

• WATER SPRAY (this is good to spray off your face and body while sunbathing to cool yourself down)

• ESSENTIAL MAKE-UP SET (for people, who can't live without applying make-up)

• INFLATABLE FLOATS (some relaxation in the water)

• BASIC INFLATABLE PUMP (OPTIONAL - some beaches may have pumping services)

• SMALL UMBRELLA (in case of rain or too sunny and hot weather)

• LITTLE SNACKS AND DRINKS (in case you get hungry and don't want to leave your spot to buy some food or if there's zero food stall on the beach you're going to)

WHAT "NOT" TO BRING OR WEAR

• YOUR ENTIRE MAKE-UP KIT (for once be natural after spending your day at the beach, pease don't bring your entire kit, especially when you are just heading back home)

• YOUR ENTIRE COSMETICS (just like what I have mentioned above, be natural)

• BRINGING MORE THAN 2 OUTFITS (you're not doing any photo shooting, so bringing 1 outfit should be more than enough)

• BRINGING OR WEARING TOO MANY JEWELLERY (trust me, you'll feel lighter and you might even lose it accidentally)

• DON'T WEAR HIGH HEELS OR WEDGES (that is just unnecessary and it is not the most comfortable footwear to wear at the beach)

• DON'T WEAR SHOES (not unless you want to have sands as souvenirs inside your shoes)

TIPS ON HOW TO FEEL LIGHT AND CARRY LESS CRAP (OR THINGS!)

• WEAR THE SAME OUTFIT (wearing the same outfit on the way to the beach and leaving the beach would be for your own convenience as you can save space in your bag and the weight of your bag too)

• CARRY ONE BACKPACK OR TOTE BAG (it will be nice to carry just one bag or a tote bag so it will be hassle-free and you only need to check on one thing whenever you are away fromt your spot - if you're in the water)

• SEPARATE YOUR THINGS IN SMALL PURSES (stuffing everything in your bag would be a bad idea. Not only it will look messy but it will also give you a hard time finding your things)

• BUY SNACKS OR DRINKS WHEN YOU GET TO THE BEACH (it will make you feel a lot lighter if you don't bring your snacks or drinks on your way to the beach. Not unless there isn't any food stall at the beach you're going to or you're planning a beach/ picnic date with your loved ones)

• SHARE SUNSCREEN LOTION, SHAMPOO AND SHOWER GEL (it's good to have at least one person to bring one of these, so it can reduce everyone some weight in everyone's bag. Not unless you have to use a specified brand for personal reasons or if you are going alone)

• BRING A SMALL WALLET/ PURSE FOR MONEY, CARD AND PERSONAL ID (trust me don't bring your big wallet, it will save a lot of space storing your money and cards into a smaller wallet or purse.)

I hope you find these information useful and I hope this could help you organise yourself when heading to the beach. If you got any other questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I will be more than happy to help!

Yours Truly,

Michelle Chan