What to pack for a family beach trip

Travel brochures, social media, and even our own imagination paint an idyllic picture of what a day at the beach with children looks like: beautiful sandcastles, radiant smiles, carefree parents, and happy children.

Most parents, of course, know that the reality is somewhat different. Sand gets into all the places it shouldn't, little ones run everywhere, and the weather isn't always cooperative. But all is not lost. With a little planning, you can ensure your day is more than successful. Just follow our tips on how to pack for a successful day at the beach.

Don't forget the essentials

Whatever the ages of your family members, you'll definitely need beach essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, hats, sunglasses, life jackets, armbands, and some other basic items:

Comfort: a large beach towel is essential. Consider if you might need folding chairs and some extra towels.

Refreshments: bring plenty of water (put some in the freezer overnight) and some small, bite-sized snacks that won't melt (so chocolate is out). Everyone knows that for kids, a day at the beach definitely means ice cream, so take the necessary money with you and don't leave it in the car.

Cleanliness: as parents, you've certainly realised how important it is to always have baby wipes with you everywhere. In this case, they are mandatory. Also, bring a waterproof bag for all wet swimsuits and clothes, and a few extra plastic bags to have on hand.

First aid: whatever is necessary. Such as bandages, plasters, gauze and iodine, burn cream, a stick for bee, mosquito or even jellyfish stings. If someone is allergic, an adrenaline injection is also essential. If you want to be fully equipped, it's a good idea to have an antipyretic with you.

Keep everyone busy

Do the children like building sandcastles? Then bring all their buckets, watering cans, and anything else.

Do they enjoy games in the sea? Then masks and flippers. A ball that bounces on the water is also a good idea.

Many children like collecting shells on the beach, so it's a good idea to have a small net and something to put the collected shells in. Crocs-style sandals are also ideal for this purpose.

For all occasions, bring water pistols! They can keep children entertained for hours. 

For teenagers, a portable speaker will be popular. But only if it doesn't disturb other bathers on the beach. If there are other activities on the beach like jet skis or even other inflatables, then parents will certainly need to increase the trip's budget.

If you want and are a large group, the older ones can organise a group game beforehand, such as a treasure hunt. Of course, everyone will win an ice cream in the end! With a little organisation, it's a game that will thrill both young and old.

Parents: don't forget to bring your favourite book or magazine. For whatever free time you have during the day.

Know your children's tolerance for sand or dirt in general.

Some children have no problem; they basically don't even notice if there's a stain on their clothes or if they're completely covered in sand. Other children can't stand the feeling of sand on them. If you belong to the second category, then have a spare change of clothes with you.

Create a sand-free zone

Ideally, secure a towel with large beach pegs between two umbrellas, and you'll have more shade and a place to put a few things you want to keep dry and sand-free.

Avoid food with sand. A beach cool box is essential for your snacks. What you can do is put your food in many small containers or at least two or three, so that if one ends up in the sand, you all don't go hungry.

You don't need to take all the beach sand home. Talcum powder is ideal for such situations. It will absorb moisture from little hands and feet, and you'll easily be able to clean them afterward. You'll also find ideal bags on the market and online that have a waterproof mesh bottom instead of the usual fabric. The process afterward is simple. Go to the sea and rinse all your beach gear by putting it in this bag. You're all set!

Be prepared for all conditions

Checking the weather forecast is, of course, a good idea. An even better idea is to always be prepared so that the children don't end up soaking wet or sunburnt or exposed to the wind. The more you ensure that this won't happen, the longer you'll stay on the beach.

Bring many layers. If the weather is changeable, this will be the solution to your problem. A light cardigan, a hat, and a pair of closed-toe shoes are certainly enough.

Bring extra of everything. As we said above, sand can get everywhere. So an extra swimsuit for everyone won't be an exaggeration. Also, a set of underwear or at least another dry swimsuit is needed for everyone to be dry when you head back home.

Keep sunburn at bay. Sunscreen is obvious, as are beach umbrellas. Stay in the shade as much as you can. If the children insist on sitting in the sun, they should certainly wear a T-shirt and a hat, and you should reapply their sunscreen every half hour. Do not leave your children in the sun between 12:00 and 16:00, no matter how much they resist. It is better for them to be unhappy than to get burnt.

Watch out for the waves. It doesn't take long for small waves to become large, and you should know that if a ship passes by your beach, even far out at sea, it means that large waves will reach your beach in a short while. Always keep an eye out and be ready to get your children out of the sea as quickly as possible.

If the idea of carrying so many things to the beach scares you, you can get small children's trolleys. Of course, if you get these, they will also be useful for other activities.

Make sure everyone knows where you are

If you want, make a family flag and attach it to an umbrella. If you don't have time for that, then buy an umbrella in a bright colour or an unusual pattern. The point is for anyone who gets lost to be able to find you easily. Also, keep in mind to set up your belongings near an easily recognisable spot. For example, the lifeguard tower or anything else that might be on the beach you're going to. 

It might seem excessive, but having a whistle that everyone in the family recognises can be a lifesaver in a difficult situation. Consider how useful binoculars would be if you can't find a child.

Keep important things secure. Imagine being ready to leave and not being able to find your car keys or wallet. Chances are they've been buried somewhere in the sand, accidentally dropped into another backpack, or even stolen. Get a chain to hang all your essentials on, and hang it somewhere only the parents know about.

Keep anything valuable at home

No one wants to leave the beach crying.

Expensive technology: sand is not ideal for anything with a battery. Neither is seawater, of course. Your camera or photographic equipment should only be at the beach to take a souvenir photo and then be put back in its case. The same applies to your mobile phone, tablet, and anything else the little ones insist on bringing to the beach. Just leave them at home.

Toys: all children have a favourite toy that won't withstand beach conditions. So don't take them with you. Or if you do, make an agreement with the children that they will stay in the car to keep them company during the journey but not on the beach.

Now you are ready to explore all the beaches of Greece!

Where will you go with your little ones this year?