The summer months often bring dreams of relaxing on the beach, but when it’s time to start planning, it can be hard to make sure nothing is forgotten. Those who want to make sure they can have a stress-free getaway will want to start planning early to make sure they don’t forget anything important. Travelers planning a beach vacation will want to consider all of the following.
Find the Right Hotel for a Fun Vacation
It’s a good idea to start by choosing a beach for the vacation. Once the destination is chosen, the next step is to look for a hotel. Most beach-goers will want to pick a hotel that’s close to the beach so they don’t have to spend a lot of time getting to the beach in the morning and they can easily get back to their room whenever they need to during the day. Travelers can check out Hilton Head Guest Services to get more information on the best hotels to stay at for an upcoming beach vacation.
Consider Transportation Options
Think about how to get to the destination and then how to get around at the destination. Often, families will fly to the destination because it’s the easiest and fastest way to get there if they don’t live within a few hours of a beach. Once at the destination, they may want to look into public transportation options available, ride sharing, or renting a vehicle. It’s a good idea to plan all of this ahead of time to find the best prices and make sure it’s easy to get around at the destination.
Think About What to Do at the Beach
Going to the beach doesn’t just mean lounging on a chair under an umbrella the whole day – though that is definitely a possibility. Many people will want to check out different beach activities they can do, too, while they’re at the beach. This can include things like snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, taking guided tours, or kayaking. Plan a few activities ahead of time in case it’s necessary to book in advance.
Plan for Rainy Days
Of course, the goal of a beach vacation is to spend time in the sun, but nature doesn’t always cooperate. Instead, it’s possible that it will rain at least one day of the vacation, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for that to happen. It may be a good idea to pack some board games to play or think about some beach crafts that can be done in the hotel room. Have a few books or other quiet activities ready to go just in case it does rain.
What Other Sites are There?
It’s not necessary to just stay at the beach. Look into the cities nearby to see if there are any fun sites to see or things to do. There may be tours available with a local guide, historical sites to explore, fun activities for kids, and a lot more. Plan a day or two for going to see everything else the destination has to offer and to take a break from sitting out at the beach. This doesn’t have to mean running from place to place and can still be done at a slow pace, but it offers an opportunity to see more of the destination.
Start Packing Ahead of Time
It’s a good idea to start packing ahead of time to ensure everything that is needed is packed and anything extra is left behind. Take the time to think about what might be needed and what can be purchased or rented at the destination. Always bring at least one or two extra bathing suits, since they can take some time to dry, and make sure everyone has clothes for going out to eat or just relaxing at the hotel. Avoid packing too much, especially when flying to the destination, as this can mean paying more for overweight luggage on the way there or back.
Bring Extra Toys for the Beach
Families traveling to the beach will want to make sure they pack a few toys that the kids can play with while they’re on the beach. This can help keep them entertained and allow them to fully enjoy the beach. Consider also purchasing a few new toys while at the beach, as the kids will love having something new to do. Don’t forget to pack or rent a carrier to make it easier to get all of the toys down to the water and then back up to the room.
Think About Staying In for the Afternoon
During the afternoon is the hottest time of the day, so it may be a good idea to come back to the room for an afternoon nap, lunch, or snacks, and just relax out of the sun. This can help avoid the most harmful sun rays during the day and give everyone a much-needed break in the middle of the day. Pack a few things to help with relaxing in the room in the afternoon to ensure everyone gets a bit of a break.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Sunscreen is vital when going to the beach. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF for the most protection and be sure to read the instructions to know how often to apply it. It’s a good idea to avoid going into the water for at least 30 minutes after applying the sunscreen to ensure it will work. Apply it in the hotel room and bring it to the beach to make it as easy as possible to reapply as needed.
If you’re planning a beach vacation, the tips here can help make the getaway as stress-free as possible. Don’t forget to start planning as far ahead as possible to ensure you can find the right destination, get the best hotel views, and more. Spending more time planning can help ensure you’ll be able to enjoy every minute of the vacation.
