If you’re going to be headed south for a short vacation, to visit family, or for any other reason, and will be staying in a hotel near the water, you want to make sure that you’re fully prepared for your trip. The last thing you want to do is have to purchase items you forgot at a tourist shop where the prices are twice as high and the quality of the products is twice as low. Before you begin packing, it’s best to make a list of the things you’ll need for your trip and then check off each item once it’s been packed. By taking note of some often forgotten items, you will be fully prepared for your next trip to the water.

Swimsuit, Towel, and Beach Hat

Your swimsuit will be the most essential thing you could pack before leaving for your trip. While it may seem like an obvious item to remember, if you forget it, you’re going to end up paying too much for a replacement, not to mention spend valuable beach time in a store or shopping mall. With the pool at the hotel and the beach just down the road, you’re going to be in the water a lot, so make sure your swimsuit is the first thing that makes it into your suitcase.

You’ll also want to bring a beach towel with you on your trip. While many hotels and resorts by the ocean offer beach towels, they are often times uncomfortable and have been used by hundreds, if not thousands of people. It’s best to bring your own beach towel to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible. Also, don’t forget to pack a beach hat. The sun can be brutal after the noon hour, and you’ll want something to shade your face for the day. If you’re planning on taking a walk on the beach, or perhaps playing a little bocce ball, volleyball, or other beach game, you’ll want a beach hat to keep your head cool throughout the day.

Sunglasses and a Good Book

Sunglasses can be tricky to travel with, so you need to be careful when it comes to bringing your shades on vacation. Probably the worst feeling is opening your suitcase, only to find a shattered lens on your sunglasses. If you’re not going to bring your sunglasses in the car or on the plane, visit your local sunglass dealer and ask them for a travel case for your shades. It may run you a few bucks, but it will be worth it when you have your sunglasses for the duration of your trip.

A good book is also essential for a trip to the beach. When you’re on vacation, or traveling for any reason, there’s a lot of downtime. Whether you’re sitting in an airport, in the car, waiting in the hotel lobby, or enjoying a relaxing day on the beach, a good book can come in handy throughout your trip. Light reading is usually best, because you’ll be picking up and putting down you book frequently, so pick a subject matter that is interesting and easy to read.

Clothes for Dining Out

When you’re getting ready for a vacation to the beach, it’s easy to get carried away packing shorts, t-shirts, sandals, swimsuits, tank tops, and other essential beach clothing. However, most cities by the beach have a number of nice restaurants that you may want to visit, so you’ll want to have appropriate clothing and footwear to wear out for a pleasant night on the town. You don’t have to bring your most expensive shirt and tie or formal dress, but it’s a good idea to have some causal dinner clothes. For men, a solid color polo shirt, khaki shorts, and boat shoes are appropriate just about anywhere. Women can pack a summertime dress and some nice flats and will be ready to enjoy a beautiful dinner by the beach.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including travel. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34678-d217441-r94756810-DoubleTree_Suites_by_Hilton_Tampa_Bay-Tampa_Florida.html

Author Bio: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel.

Category: Travel
Keywords: travel