Taking a trip to the beach for the summer? We think that’s a great idea. After all, there is nothing more relaxing than soaking up some rays while the waves roll in. But in order to relax properly, you first need to pack properly. For many women (especially busy moms), packing for a beach vacation can be a source of stress. Luckily, we are here to take all of the stress out of packing for your beach excursion. Read below to find out what you should take on your dream summer vacation.

Bring Sunscreen

The number one priority when going to the beach (aside from packing your bathing suit) is to bring sunscreen. So many women forget to bring sunscreen to their beach vacation, and they pay the price. In the short term, they may suffer severe sunburn – which can quickly ruin any beach vacation. The long term affects are even worse. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays – without proper protection – can damage your skin, or even lead to skin cancer. Not all women will need the highest SPF sunscreen—consult with your doctor to see what type of sunscreen is recommended for you.

Pack A Cooler

If you are planning an extended trip to the beach (and especially if you are planning on going with your family) a cooler is a must. It may be cumbersome to lug around, but hey, that’s what husbands are for. We recommend packing plenty of food and drinks for each day. Some beaches have concession stands where you can buy food and drinks, but you end up paying an arm and a leg for the privilege. At the very least, you should definitely bring bottles of water. Any lifeguard will tell you that dehydration is a major risk at beaches in the summer.

Pack Hair Extensions

We are going to let you in on a little pro tip here, one that most women don’t know about: bring hair extensions! Many women complain that it is hard to get their hair to look the way they want it to after a day of swimming in the ocean or laying on the sand. If you plan on going on a romantic date after your beach time – or even out to dinner with your family – hair extensions can be a lifesaver (no pun intended). We recommend clip in hair extensions from The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, as they are the easiest extensions to apply and remove, with no damage to your own hair.

Bring The Beach Toys

There is plenty of family fun to be had at the beach, and beach toys can definitely help make the trip even more fun for your family. We are talking buckets and shovels for building sandcastles, inflatable toys, Frisbees, even a soccer ball to kick around. Other fun items that you will likely want to bring with you include:

Snorkels
Goggles
Waterproof camera
“Boogie Boards”

All of these items are relatively easy to pack, and they can definitely prevent your kids from getting board at the beach.