Also, make sure you’re comfortable enough to spend all day in the clothes you wear down. Having a changes of clothes means you can head somewhere else after the beach. Don’t forget to include good footwear. Take sandals for the beach and water shoes for the ocean so you’re ready for anything.

Start with a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF. Check to make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to add a lip balm with sunscreen to protect your lips. Make sure to reapply it frequently, especially after sweating or jumping in the water. Use clothing for protection. Hats and sunglasses offer much needed protection for your face and eyes, but wearing a coverup with long sleeves can also offer protection. If coverups aren’t your thing, take a beach umbrella or tent/gazebo instead.

Another option is an old fitted king-size sheet. You can put things like bags and coolers in the corners, so that the sheet makes a cozy little playpen for you and your family. [2] X Research source

Make sure you have things like bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relief pills, and a thermometer, as well as anti-diarrhea medicine. You may also want antihistamines. Make sure you have an assortment of bandages, including small adhesive ones as well as roller bandages, gauze pads, and medical tape. You should also have things like antiseptic packets, hydrocortisone packets, non-latex gloves, and compress dressings. [4] X Research source Also, make sure you pack any common over-the-counter medications you use frequently.

Another trick to protect your valuables is to clean out an old sunscreen bottle. Use it to hide valuables you don’t want anyone to steal, and as a bonus, it keeps them dry. You can also stash electronics in zip-top bags for protection. [6] X Research source For beach toys, find a net bag so sand can be left on the beach. Pack all the food in a cooler with ice.

Remember to include fun for the kids in your group. On the beach, all you need are some simple toys, such as buckets, shovels, and other cheap toys. Your kids will have a blast in the sand and water. [8] X Research source

If you take an e-reader, make sure it’s okay in the glare of the sun, and that you have a portable charger for it if you need it. You may also want a portable charger for your phone. Slip the e-reader into a zip-top bag to protect it. You could also take activity books such as crossword puzzles and Sudoku books.

Some good snacks to take include fruit, granola bars, vegetable sticks, and bottles of water. Skip the sodas as those don’t hydrate as well. In fact, if you’re planning on staying all day, consider just packing lunch. Though you can take a cooler for drinks, you might want to pick something that won’t spoil easily, such as a peanut butter and jelly. Bring a small bag for any trash you may accumulate. It may be difficult to find a trashcan at the beach. Bring moist towelettes with your food. You can use them to clean up hands before and after your eat.

Pick a spot near the water but not so near you’ll be overrun if the tide comes in. If the beach has chairs or umbrellas for rent, consider renting one to make life easier. Stick with like-minded beach goers. That is, if you’re there to party and have fun with your friends, pick an area where people are being louder and playing music. If you prefer a quiet place to read, try to find a more secluded spot. If you’re there with your family, look for other families to be near, so your kids can play together.

For instance, you may not think you can get away with a two-piece because of your curves. If you don’t feel comfortable showing as much skin, you could wear a tankini, which is basically a tank top with a bikini bottom, or a high-waisted bikini. Pick a fun pattern and rock that suit. For men, you also need to decide what you want out of your suit, such as how much skin you want to show. You could go for anything from full-length trunk shorts to swim briefs.

Try walking up and down outside the dressing room or doing a few jumping jacks in the suit to see how it wears. Make sure it doesn’t move around.

If you’re not comfortable shaving or waxing these areas yourself, let a professional do it. Set up an appointment to get a bikini wax done. If you’re guy, you may want to shave your back or have someone do it for you. Make sure to check yourself out in the sunlight, as you’re more likely to spot hairs in the sun.

A chemical exfoliant uses chemicals, generally acids, to break down the dead skin. A physical exfoliant uses small beads or crushed pieces of seed or shell in a solution to rub away the dead skin. You’ll also find exfoliating gloves that fall in this category. Even a washcloth is a physical exfoliant. To use an exfoliant, hop in the shower first to get your skin damp. Rub the exfoliant in with your hand, a glove, or washcloth in gentle circles. Wash the exfoliant away when your done. If you’re using an exfoliating glove or washcloth, simple put your normal soap on it, and use it to rub the soap into your skin in gentle circles. Be sure to focus on problem areas like knees, elbows, and feet. After you exfoliate, apply a good moisturizer to your skin.

Skip cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Also skip processed foods and carbonated beverages. Instead, try other healthy foods such avocados, eggs, nut butters, salmon, bananas, Greek yogurt, and lemons.