Whether you’re jet setting to the tropics or visiting a man-made beach, there are simply some essentials you can’t live without when hitting the sea (or lake), such as:

Sunscreen

Obvious? Sure. Necessary? Absolutely.

I like to use the Thinkbaby brand as I imagine corporations care more about infants than adults. It’s also highly rated pretty much everywhere. Yes, it’s thick and leaves a white cast. It’s made with zinc so it’ll actually protect you from sun damage. I’ve been using this sunscreen for years and it’s still my go-to.

A hat

I understand most people don’t get sunburned scalps after being outside for a measly 15 minutes but unfortunately, I can’t relate and finally, I’ve learned my lesson. Whether it’s a baseball cap, floppy wide brimmed straw hat, or a little bucket hat, this will save you from multiple tragedies:

• Sunburn (shields not only your scalp but your face, and depending on the size of your hat, your body)
• Getting blinded from the sun as it keeps the sun out of your eyes (yes I squint at sunshine even while wearing sunglasses)

A hat also makes you look cute (and possibly mysterious).

Swimwear

Even if you tell yourself you don’t want to swim or tan, a swimsuit is necessary. There’s no time to care about your body issues when it’s a million degrees out. And on the bright side, everyone’s so focused on the unbearable heat they don’t notice or care about you. Isn’t that refreshing?

Something to lay on

A towel is good but a blanket is better. You want to be able to lay out, reading your latest thriller while still having room to be surrounded by your drinks and snacks without getting sand all over them.

Entertainment

You know me: books, books, books. A vacation is just an excuse to read a book with new scenery. Always pack a book but also bring some music or have your favourite podcast or audiobook ready to go. No entertainment? Time for some maladaptive daydreaming or a good nap.

Snacks

Obviously, the ideal meal at the beach is a massive sandwich with salt and vinegar chips, paired with a cool, crisp glass of white wine, beer, or fruity sparkling water. If you’re not in the mood for any of those, consider:

• Iced coffee
• Juice, paired with a bucket of ice
• Fruit
• Candy 

And even for you wild bunch who barely drink water, H2O is a must for a beach day.

Other materials

If you want to up the ante, consider:

• Using something as a pillow to prop yourself up when you’re reading on your stomach. Better yet, bring a lounger of some sort if you have one.
• Some sort of shade. If there are no trees nearby, a beach umbrella may be the investment you need.
• A mini, portable fan. Sure, you need to use one hand for this and the other for your book or drink but what are us mere mortals supposed to do with just two hands?
• Wet wipes and tissues. Despite promising not to get sticky, you’ll inevitably touch something wet, get sand on you, and be annoyed. Problem solved: use a wet wipe and then dry yourself off with a tissue or paper towel.
• A friend with a fresh batch of gossip.

Summer is near so make sure you prepare yourself for your ideal beach day!