What’s in the bag

GERRY CUPIDO

AFTER a blissful hour on the beach, having taken pictures of everything from the shimmering ocean to the pretty shells, you realise you have only 10% battery power and you haven’t taken a single selfie.

No amount of fumbling in your beach bag will produce the powerbank you know you left on the kitchen table.

For some, this could mark the end of a very short beach outing. A powerbank is just one of the essential items no beach bag should be without.

Besides the obvious sun hat, beach towel and umbrella, here are 10 must have items you shouldn’t leave home without.

- Wet wipes -

Pop a pack of wet wipes, even better sanitising wipes, in your bag for those unexpected spills and sticky ice cream fingers.

- Eco-friendly refuse bag -

Don’t be that litter bug who leaves their trash on the beach. Pop them in your refuse bag and take it back with you. Dispose of it in a decent, environmentally friendly manner.

- Sunblock -

Come on guys, this is a no-brainer and if you don’t know why, then you have no business on the beach in the first place.

- Water -

There’s no way you can spend time under the blazing sun without keeping your body hydrated. Pack as much water as you can. You’re meant to drink at least 8 glasses a day, more when you’re out in the heat. Pop a few bottles in the freezer the night before.

- Hydrating facial spray -

Not only do facial mists or sprays give your face that instant dewy glow, they also cool and hydrate your skin at the same time.

- A good book -

We all have that one book we’ve been meaning to finish. Yes, that one you started three months ago. With your toes in the sand and a cool summer breeze, you’re in the best place to get back into that book.

- Hair accessories -

Whether it be a headscarf, headband or hairclip, no beach bag should be without one of these. Unless you have movie star, beach-ready hair, the tools can rescue a bad hair situation. Keep them in a separate little bag so they’re easier to find.

- Sunglasses -

Not only do they look cool and protect your eyes from harsh midday sunrays but you can hide behind dark lenses while secretly trying to check out that cute guy on the beach.

- Cash -

When you’re out on the beach and the ice cream guy comes around, trust me, he’s not going to whip out a card machine. On the beach cash is king. Not only for tempting treats but for that the extra water you forgot to pack.

- Snacks -

I’m sure you thought the chicken wrap you packed at 9am was going to be a great treat, until you unwrap it and it’s warm and yucky with a crunch of sand. Instead of packing a full-on lunch, take snacks instead. Think raisins, nuts, protein bars and fruit.