the sunday brief | five essential pieces for a beach vacation
it’s even snowing in Athens this weekend! i cannot believe it. and with parts of the midwest and mid-Atlantic hammered with snow, if you’re anything like me, blue skies, sandy beaches and sunshine are dancing through your head. it’s travel this week this month, and so far, we’ve focused mostly on cool weather travel. but January and February can be two tough months for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. so i thought i’d switch things up a bit today: join me as we fly south for a beach getaway during the winter months. today we’re going to go through the top five essential pieces for a beach vacation.
swimsuit
a swimsuit is an absolute must when spending time on a sandy beach. sand inevitably creeps into every crease and crevice imaginable, so a thorough rinse is required after every use. so bring two so that one can dry on the rack while you’re wearing the second one. i brought this adorable striped one-piece (similar) from Ralph Lauren and a tankini (similar).
straw hat
next item that’s an absolute must-have on a beach vacation is a straw hat. hats are a great way to protect your face from the sun and stay stylish. panama hats are one of my favorite styles, but any old straw hat will do. these days crushable or packable hats are popular. but if you’re wondering how to pack a stiff-brimmed hat in your suitcase i’ve included a video on how to do just that.
tote
there’s bound to be some gear transported to and fro from the beach like sunscreen, water, snacks, and towels. a straw tote or canvas beach bag is the perfect solution. this particular straw tote from Mark and Graham is not only monogrammed but small enough to double as a handbag yet large enough to carry a beach towel. and it’s the perfect size to easily fit inside your suitcase.
cover-up
a cover-up made my list for top too. and for good reason. whether traipsing through the common areas in a hotel on the way to the beach or dining poolside, a cover-up is a stylish and practical way to keep my swimsuit under wraps. this tunic coverup (similar) is a perfect solution. it’s lightweight yet has a little sizzle with contrast embroidery and tassels at the hem.
flip-flops
last but not least is a pair of flip-flops or slides. these jelly flip-flops (similar here). i’ve always got a pair in my closet for good reason. they’re a must have when you’re taking a beach vacation: slip them on when the sand is too hot to walk on. when you’re ready to head home, they rinse off like a dream! these flip-flops also pull double-duty as they accompany me to the nail salon when it’s time for a pedicure.
all right, gang! i hope our beach getaway during the winter months warmed you up just a bit. but wherever you are, have a wonderful Sunday!
My family always had a beach house in Galveston and as an adult I had a couple too. I love your posts but if I can make a couple of suggestions : get a wider brimmed straw hat. You need to keep the sun off of your face. And wear 50 spf.
Second, most people at the beach wear light colors as the navy blue or black gets very hot.
Third, remember white suits usually get tar on them plus they yellow easily. Try a peach, turquoise or red. Tar is just attracted to white! Lol
Hi Beth,
Enjoyed your video for packing a hat. Beats carrying it in my hand or whatever…
Great bathing suits and cover-up.
Leaving for a beach getaway this week.
Enjoy your getaway, Beth. You deserve some beach time. The ocean always brings peace to my soul and hopefully to yours too.