Packing for Paradise: Must-Have Travel Essentials for Your Next Adventure

Here is a question for you. Where are you going on holiday this year?

If it’s the Maldives, Bora Bora or even a remote island in Australia, it is a safe bet you’ll end up somewhere that could be best described as ‘Paradise on earth’.

But how do you prepare yourself for this?

Well, here are 12 must have essentials for your next exotic beach adventure. Take most or all of them with you and you should enjoy wonderful days full of sand, sea and serenity, without a care in the world.

1. Sun Protection Cream

One of the first things to pack for your Paradise adventure is sunscreen, particularly if you are likely to be spending lots of time down by the ocean.
Sunscreen plays a crucial role in protecting you from the harmful rays of the sun. That is because our skin, while designed to protect us from ultraviolet radiation, can actually become damaged with prolonged exposure to it.

For this reason, it is important to use sunscreen to reduce the potential for harm that can be caused by these ultraviolet rays.

Even on days that are overcast, our skin is at risk of damage from the sun’s rays, which can trigger the onset of skin cancer. Therefore, it’s crucial to apply sunscreen even if you’re planning to spend only a short time on the beach or out in the open air.

As a general rule, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30-45. Also, apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before you reach the beach and reapply liberally, every 1-2 hours while you’re there.

2. Lip Balm

As well as sunscreen, it is a good idea to carry lip balm with you at all times. This is because lip balm creates a barrier on the surface of your lips which helps to retain moisture. In addition, it also protects them from the sun or wind and cold temperatures.

Spending a day outside or at the beach can cause your lips to dry out and even crack due to prolonged exposure to these elements. Hence, by applying lip balm regularly, you can prevent this from happening and and avoid any discomfort that might otherwise ruin your experience.

3. Portable Cabana

If you are able to drive to your paradise destination it is a very good idea to take a portable cabana with you. These tent style shade coverings come in various sizes and go a long way to protecting you from the sun.

Generally speaking, they are easy to put up and down. They also come in their own bags which make it easy for them to be transported and carried around. Like with anything, not all cabanas are made equally, so it is worth investing in one that offers durability and is made of good quality materials.

Depending on what size you get, cabanas are capable of shading a large area under which you can keep all of your possessions. If you are planning on spending a full day at the beach, they represent must-take items.

4. Portable Chairs and Table

Along with a cabana, taking your own portable chairs and tables with you on your paradise adventure is an excellent idea – if it is feasible.
They will provide you with a comfortable seat in which to spend your time enjoying the beautiful views of the paradise setting you are visiting. Moreover, a table will enable you to place food and drinks on it or your possessions with minimal risk of sand going all over them. (If you know, you know!)

Again, fold up chairs and tables come in various sizes and shapes according to your needs. They tend not to take up too much room in your car, although if you drive a small vehicle, you can always tie them to your roof rack to make transporting them easier.

5. Hat

Even if you have a cabana at your disposal, it is a good idea to take a hat with you. Doing so will ensure you stay further protected from the harmful effects of UV rays at all times.

There are various hat styles available including everything from wide-brimmed hats and Panama hats to baseball caps and Greek fisherman’s hats. Just make sure you have one which is comfortable to wear and allows your head to breathe.

6. Essential Eyewear for Travel

When it comes to packing for travel, there is a lot to remember. However, it is amazing how many tourists forget to take their eyewear with them. The likes of sunglasses, bifocals, contact lenses, driving glasses, or reading glasses are an essential part of many people’s everyday home life. So they should not be neglected just because they are going away.

Much of travel involves activities like driving, sunbathing, reading documentation or signs, and generally being able to see well. Therefore, it is important to take all the eyewear you need with you on your trip to avoid inconvenience and to reduce the risk of poor vision negatively impacting your experiences.

If you are looking for fashionable sunglasses, convenient contact lenses or prescription glasses to take with you while travelling. Explore and shop all the essential eyewear you need with 1001 Optometry prior to your next departure.

7. Water Bottle

If you spend a prolonged time having fun out in the sunshine, you can quickly become dehydrated without realising it. This is because our bodies require a certain amount of water to function normally.

Water carries oxygen and nutrients to cells, which helps the body perform several critical functions, including metabolism. Therefore, it is vitally important to have a good supply of drinking water with you when you are out in the sun.

For this reason, you should always carry a water bottle with you otherwise you can find yourself suffering from dizziness, headaches, fatigue, heat stroke and passing out which can have serious consequences to your health.

8. Esky

If you plan to spend many hours outdoors in your paradise setting it is worth having an esky with you. This cooling box can be used to keep both cooked and raw food cool, as well as your drinks nicely chilled.

Esky’s come in all shapes and sizes and some are easier to carry than others. So, the one you should bring with you should depend on what mode of transport you will take to reach your destination and how many people are in your group.

Pro Tip: Instead of packing your esky with regular ice, take the opportunity to fill old milk or juice cartons with a mix of salt and tap water and put it in the freezer for 24 hours. This homemade ice block with stay solid for upwards of 2-3 days or more, therefore refrigerating the contents of your cool box much more effectively and for longer.

9. Beach Towels

Many people forget to bring a towel to the beach, but it’s always a good idea. The sand can get very hot, and a towel will prevent you from getting burnt. Beach towels are larger than regular bath towels, which can make them a bit of a hassle to carry. However, they are useful because two or three people can sit comfortably on them.

Beach towels come in a variety of designs and colours, which allow you to showcase your personality when out on the sand. However, once you have packed one, also remember to bring separate towels for drying yourself if you go for a dip. Otherwise, you could find yourself trying to wipe yourself down with something that is full of sand.

10. Something to Read

It is all very nice spending some time under the sun soaking up the rays in an idyllic setting. However, after a while your mind can start to wander. So why not bring a book along with you to keep it engaged?

Reading is an incredibly relaxing activity, and what better place to do it than at the beach with the sound of the ocean in the background?

If the idea of lugging a heavy hardcover book onto the sand doesn’t excite you, then why not bring your Kindle instead? That way, you’ll be able to read whatever you feel like reading!

Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with a magazine, journal or newspaper.

11. Music

Music is a very good thing to have at your disposal when relaxing in nature. Not only does it help you to unwind but also sets the perfect vibe for your day out.

You can listen to your favourite tunes via your smartphone, iPod, or even a classic ghetto blaster. It is a good idea to bring headphones with you too. However, if you choose to play music through speakers, please be considerate of other people around you. Not everyone will have the same taste as you.

12. First Aid Kit

When you’re swimming in the ocean or walking on seashells, it’s always possible to get minor cuts and scrapes. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring a first aid kit.

You don’t have to bring the entire kit onto the beach, but it’s a good idea to keep one in your car if you drove. Otherwise, at the very least, have plasters, antiseptic cream, and bandages in your beach bag for any small emergencies that might arise. This is especially important if you have children with you.

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Author: Rebecca Lee