If you haven’t planned for a family beach vacation before, or it has been a while, you might have some questions as to how to get started. Here are the top five questions that parents have when taking their family on a beach vacation.
When should I start planning?
It is important to start planning for your beach vacation as far in advance as possible. The longer you have to plan for the budget, the activities, and everything else that goes into a beach vacation, the smoother the trip will go. It also gives you time to plan for anything that might come up unexpectedly.
It is always a good idea to have a Plan B, especially when planning a vacation with the kids. Plus, with less stress right before you leave, you won’t be as flustered when you actually get there so you can enjoy your time at the beach.
How do I find the right beach?
When planning a vacation with the whole family, it is best to try to find a destination that is closer to home. This way, if something comes up, it isn’t as much of a hassle to turn around and come back home.
Start by looking up beaches that are not too far from home. You can look up what amenities they have as well as what accommodations are nearby. Plus, with a short drive, the kids won’t get antsy in the car which is less stress on you.
What are some of the beach essentials?
It is important to have sun screen, especially with the kids. Make sure the sun screen has a high SPF rating, is made for sensitive skin, and is water resistant so you don’t have to apply it as often. Having beach towels, some kind of shade, as well as bags that don’t accumulate sand is very important. Bringing snacks and beverages is also a good idea when having kids at the beach.
Do we need to plan for safety?
Before you leave for your vacation, go over the safety rules with everyone. Everyone should know how to get themselves out of an undertow, not to go too far out, to listen and look for lifeguards, etc.
Parents should make sure they always have one on watch and that all kids are visible at all times. Kids should be escorted to bathrooms or snack bars.
What kind of beach activities are there?
There are a ton of activities to participate in at the beach and not just the basic ones that come to mind like beach volleyball, surfing and building sand castles, although you are free to do those as well if you’d like.
If you are looking for a list of activities to plan for when you get to the beach with the family, check out this list of family beach activities and make sure you pack what you need to keep everyone busy.
A family beach vacation is the perfect way to make lasting memories with the kids. Make sure you plan everything from the sun screen to the entertainment, have the perfect accommodations and take a lot of pictures. Who knows, the family beach vacation might just become a summertime tradition.
