{"id":22287,"date":"2017-01-01T14:28:40","date_gmt":"2017-01-01T19:28:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/?p=22287"},"modified":"2017-03-26T18:33:25","modified_gmt":"2017-03-26T22:33:25","slug":"beach-bag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toeuropeandbeyond.com\/beach-bag\/","title":{"rendered":"My Tips on How To Pack the Perfect Beach Bag"},"content":{"rendered":"

Against all odds \u2014 I am a fair-skinned blonde northerner with high sensitivity to the sun \u2014\u00a0I have become a bit of an expert on beach holidays and all-inclusive resorts, having seen my fair share after years of being a freelance travel writer. Yes, I’m well aware that my job has rather pleasant perks! But perfecting the art of the beach bag is no simple feat and is, in fact, much more complicated than it looks.<\/p>\n

Because who wants to have to go all the way back to the room to fetch\u00a0a vulgar bottle of sunscreen, uh? I did the legwork for you and, after having been to half a dozen resorts, here is what I think are absolute essentials for spending a few leisurely hours on the beach, whether you are in Mexico or Thailand.<\/p>\n

* For more of my favourite travel products, have a look at my travel shop<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n

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What You Should Take In Your\u00a0Beach Bag<\/h1>\n
1. A straw beach bag<\/h5>\n

One thing I realised over time is that not all resorts have beach bags for guests; most of the very high-end ones do but it’s a bit of a guess when it comes to middle-range hotels. I have had to take my leather tote to the beach once because I had forgotten to pack a beach bag and\u00a0not only did I look utterly ridiculous, it was also incredibly impractical. Straw woven bags are great for packing everything you need, including a beach towel, and are the ultimate beach chic. I got mine at Rae Feather<\/a>, which is handmade and monogrammed for a luxe, custom look.<\/p>\n

2. Sunglasses<\/h5>\n

Protect your eyes, people! There comes a point in life where cheap high-street sunglasses \u2014 that break in half at the slightest drop and that dishonestly profess to protect your eyes \u2014 just can’t cut it any longer; investing in proper, quality sunglasses is, in and of itself, an investment in the health of your eyesight*. Ensure you get the kind of sunglasses that come with a rigid case so they don’t get scratched by your straw beach bag.<\/p>\n

As far as brands go, it’s just a matter of preference and fit but I find that Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein and Burberry have a wide range of classical, enduring options if you want sunglasses that will stand the test of time. For the best deals, check out the sales at your local department store or enjoy tax-free shopping at the airport.<\/p>\n

* Although if I’m honest, I mostly like sunglasses because I get to guiltlessly people watch without the slightest worry of getting caught. Sorry not sorry.<\/p>\n

3. Reading material<\/h5>\n

Although most beaches now have Wi-Fi (what is this world we’re living in?!), I’m a bit of an old-school dude when it comes to beachside entertainment. Nothing, not even Snapchat or Candy Crush, can beat the clich\u00e9 of reading a sentimental novel while sipping a Pina Colada and listening to the soothing sound of crashing waves. A few of my favourite finds of last year:<\/p>\n