Summers are here and you’d want to beat the heat, isn’t it? Pristine waters of the ocean, surfing and snorkeling, sun-bathing and sipping margaritas, or just playing it down and being a lazy sand baby; there is so much to do or to feel lazy about under the sun and on the sands. But wait, is that an iPad in your hand- seriously, did you have to bring that here? Wasn’t the whole beach vacation supposed to be ‘bonding time’- ‘me time’- ‘cut off from the world time’- ‘romantic and just for two’- ‘A HOLIDAY’! Here’s a list of what you shouldn’t take to the beach- read on and learn more!
Costly items
Keep them at home .The beach is where you strip to the bare minimum- bikinis and speedos, hot pants and khakis usually; why on earth would you want to bring in the latest notebook, bling valuables, fancy knick-knacks, Rolex watches and chunky jewellery?
Makeup and toiletries
They do sell them everywhere, and a beach does have a town or a city selling basic moisturizers and toothpaste too. Unless of course you have a particular need; keep them all home. Shampoo pouches and a nice sun-tan lotion is all you’d need to look pretty and chic- the blush, mascara and rouge are for photo shoots only!
A pair of sandals or slippers would do fine
Max to max 2 pairs, one for the lodge and one for the sands – that’s it! Keep the rest back home, including your heels and booties – the beach is no safe place for them. Remember, the beach is a place where you dress down and not dress up! Stuffing your bags with 10 pairs; you’d be flouting the rule of ‘travel light’!
Books
Yes, you do want to catch up on your reading, should you be traveling solo; however, if you are with someone special or with a gang- leave the books behind. Holiday reading, guides and maps are okay- just one of them would be fine.
What to wear
Avoid designer wear, bling clothing, costly woollens (some beaches at night are blanketed with cold winds), proper shirts, suits and ties, heels and statement jewellery too. Check the temperature and the weather conditions of the destination online- pack accordingly and to the minimum. Most beaches have their own flea markets, where you can shop for quirky stuff; should you need a little more.
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Salad dressing
Why? Haven’t you heard of the old adage – “When in Rome do as the Romans do”- go local and rustic with your gastronomical tastes. Explore and try out local cuisines; you never know how your taste buds would feel; you’d be glad not carrying the salad dressing mommy made; plus, if it spills in the bag while transitioning from point A to point B, there’s no guarantee that the stains would come off.
Hair straightners
Once again, we are on the beach- you get to let your hair run wild and free- beaches are exactly that. No one here would judge you for not flaunting the latest sleek hair-do or the bouncy locks. Shampoo your hair and kohl-smudge your eyes; let your au naturale look floor everyone around.
Alcohol and recreational drugs
Unless of course if you fancy being behind the bars (and if you escape the scanners at most airports) do not carry any of these. Smoking is injurious to health; carrying alcohol can be dangerous in flights and recreational drugs aren’t cool! There are shops that sell alcohol and smokes, pick up if you need some from them- DO NOT fall for touts who offer recreational drugs; the cops have an eye on all. Why smoke and get high, when you watch the birds and waves fly in the sky!
While making this list, we also realized that most travelers challenge the norms and carry dangerous stuff- remember, one small mistake can ignite an unwanted spark or emergencies for everyone. No oiled paper, no weed killers, no magnetrons, no sporty bats, no poppers for the party, no fireworks at all, including car cell batteries!
Have a safe and sunny beach time!