Heading to the beach for a day of sun, sand, and relaxation? Wondering what to pack in your cooler to make the most out of your beach day? We’ve got you covered! From refreshing beverages to delicious snacks, we’ll give you the lowdown on the must-haves that will keep you cool, satisfied, and perfectly fueled for a day in the sun. So grab your sunscreen, towel, and shades, and get ready for a beach day to remember!
Food
When it comes to snacks for a beach day, the options are endless. We like to bring a variety of salty and sweet snacks to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Some of our favorites include bags of chips, pretzels, popcorn, and trail mix. These snacks are not only delicious but also easy to munch on while enjoying the sunshine and waves. Don’t forget to pack some fresh fruits like grapes, watermelon, or sliced pineapple for a refreshing and healthy treat. Additionally, sandwiches and wraps make excellent beach lunch options. They are portable, easy to eat, and can be customized with your favorite fillings. Whether you prefer classic ham and cheese or a flavorful veggie wrap, make sure to pack enough for everyone.
Drinks
Staying hydrated is essential when spending a day at the beach, so be sure to pack plenty of drinks. Water should be the number one priority, as it helps quench thirst and keep you cool under the sun. Add some flavor to your hydration by packing some fruit-infused water or flavored electrolyte drinks. If you prefer something a bit more refreshing, consider bringing along some chilled iced tea or lemonade. For those who enjoy a cold beer or a fruity cocktail, don’t forget to bring a few cans or bottles to enjoy responsibly. Remember to pack enough drinks for the whole day, as it’s important to stay hydrated throughout your beach adventure.
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Plates and Bowls
When it comes to serving your delicious beach snacks and lunch, having sturdy plates and bowls is essential. Look for plastic or melamine options that are lightweight, durable, and easy to pack. These types of plates and bowls are perfect for picnics on sandy beaches, as they won’t break if accidentally dropped. Make sure to pack enough for everyone in your group, and consider bringing a few extra in case of unexpected visitors or if you plan to share your meal with new beach friends. Don’t forget to choose plates and bowls that are easy to clean as well, as sandy beaches can make cleanup a bit more challenging.
Cups and Bottles
Just like plates and bowls, it’s important to bring along suitable cups and bottles for your beach day beverages. Plastic tumblers or reusable water bottles are great options as they are lightweight, durable, and allow you to stay hydrated throughout the day. Consider investing in insulated bottles that can keep your drinks cold for hours, ensuring maximum refreshment. Don’t forget to bring enough cups or bottles for each person in your group, and mark them or personalize them to avoid mix-ups. It’s also a good idea to bring some reusable straws to minimize plastic waste and protect the environment.
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Cutlery
Even though finger foods are often the primary choice for beach snacking, having some lightweight and reusable cutlery can be quite handy, especially if you’re planning to enjoy sandwiches or other dishes that require utensils. Look for utensil sets specifically designed for outdoor use, as they are usually made of durable materials that are easily washable. It’s also wise to bring a multipurpose knife, which can be used for cutting fruits or spreading condiments on sandwiches. Don’t forget to pack enough cutlery for everyone and consider bringing a small container or bag to store them in when not in use.
Napkins
When enjoying a beach picnic, having plenty of napkins is a must. Wiping off sand-covered hands or cleaning up accidental spills is much easier and more pleasant with a supply of napkins. Look for disposable napkins that are sturdy enough to withstand some wind and beach conditions. Alternatively, consider bringing along some reusable cloth napkins that can be easily washed and used for future beach adventures. It’s always a good idea to pack more napkins than you think you’ll need, as they can also come in handy for wiping off sweat or as makeshift coasters for drinks.
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Ice Packs
To keep your food and drinks cool and fresh throughout the day, ice packs are a beach day essential. These compact and portable packs can be stored in your cooler alongside the perishable items you packed. Look for reusable ice packs that are specifically designed for keeping food and drinks cold. They can typically be frozen beforehand and used multiple times, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. Remember to freeze them overnight prior to your beach day, so they are fully frozen and ready to go when you pack your cooler.
Cooler
A high-quality cooler is crucial for a successful beach day. Look for a cooler with excellent insulation capabilities and a secure lid to prevent any leaks or spills. Consider the size of your group and the amount of food and drinks you plan to pack, so you can choose a cooler that will accommodate everything without being too bulky to carry. Opt for a cooler with sturdy handles or wheels for easy transportation from your car to the beach. It may also be worth investing in a cooler that has separate compartments, allowing you to keep food and drinks separate and organized. Don’t forget to pack some extra ice or ice packs to ensure everything stays cool throughout the day.
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Sunscreen
Protecting our skin from the harmful rays of the sun is vital, especially during a beach day. We always make sure to pack sunscreen with a high SPF to ensure maximum protection. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply the sunscreen generously and remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming to maintain its effectiveness. It’s also a good idea to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant, so it won’t easily wash off when you take a refreshing dip in the ocean. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body, including your face, neck, ears, and feet.
Sunhat
A wide-brimmed sunhat is not only fashionable but also functional when it comes to sun protection. Wearing a hat can provide extra shade and help protect your face and scalp from the sun’s rays. Look for a hat with a wide brim that will shield your face and neck from direct sunlight. Consider choosing a hat made from lightweight and breathable materials, so you don’t feel overheated while wearing it. A sunhat can also be a stylish accessory that adds a touch of flair to your beach attire. Don’t forget to secure your hat with a chin strap or adjustable band to ensure it stays in place even on windy beach days.
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Sunglasses
Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as protecting your skin. A good pair of sunglasses is a beach day essential. Look for sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays. You can choose from various styles, shapes, and lens colors to suit your personal preference. Polarized lenses are an excellent option as they can reduce glare from the water and sand, allowing you to enjoy clear and comfortable vision. Consider investing in a sturdy sunglasses case or microfiber pouch to protect your sunglasses when they’re not in use. Don’t forget to bring a spare pair of sunglasses, just in case.
Umbrella
While enjoying the sun is fantastic, it’s important to have some shade available when needed. A beach umbrella can be a lifesaver, providing much-needed shade and protection from the sun. Look for a lightweight and portable umbrella that is easy to set up and take down. Opt for an umbrella that offers a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating to ensure adequate sun protection. It’s also wise to choose an umbrella with a sturdy anchor or ground spike, so it stays securely in place even on windy beach days. A beach umbrella provides a relaxing oasis where you can escape the sun’s rays, read a book, or take a much-needed nap.
Beach Towels
A beach day wouldn’t be complete without a comfortable and absorbent towel to relax on. Look for oversized, quick-drying beach towels that are both soft and durable. Microfiber towels are an excellent choice as they are lightweight, easy to pack, and dry quickly. Consider opting for towels with vibrant and fun patterns to bring some extra flair to your beach setup. Don’t forget to pack enough towels for everyone in your group, and you may want to bring an extra one to lay on the sand as a barrier or makeshift blanket. A good beach towel allows you to relax and enjoy the warm sand while keeping you dry and comfortable.
Beach Umbrella
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Just like head-up displays (HUDs) are starting to transform the way fighter pilots see the world as they battle it out in the skies, augmented reality is destined to change how we see, perceive, and interact with the real world.
Writes Engadget, “By using a wearable HUD, users could, for example, see real-time metrics such as altitude, heading, and the horizon without needing to take their eyes away from where they’re flying” — HUDs, in brief, allow pilots to superimpose relevant information directly into their eyeballs: velocity, altitude, approaching projectiles and even enemy shapes and silhouettes.
But when something seems too good to be true, it usually is, which begs the question: Are we dreaming to hope for an inventory HUD, linking to our bank accounts, as we do believe our Apple Watches or Google Glass glasses obtainable?
Are we?
Of course we are.
But the time it will genuinely become a ground-conquering reality, positioning us as augmented receptacles of the GDR of the future, will take many roam-light years.
For now, though, the applications are endless.
In surgery, patients could be fitted with computerised lenses, with surgeons viewing stats, details, and real-time data from their patients.
Athletes could snap on a pair of augmented shoes, giving them perfect vision on the hardest court, in a huge amphitheatre, amidst amplifying cries and hysterical attendees.
In education, students’ lenses’ monotonous concerns of rote learning could be eradicated, replaced instead by the mechanical dexterity of “Google-ing up” scattered bites of facts that can be implemented on the spot.
In simpler realms, directions in a foreign country will take on a whole new, turbo-charged perspective.
In “Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography” by Walter Isaacson, Isaacson quotes Sheryl Crow as saying that Jobs’ team “wanted to create to the ability to just have the word ‘restaurant’ or the word ‘hotel’ pop up” and give them a real-time feed “tying into your GPS signal down to the road level, the level of information about that place.”
Crow continued: “Just the simplest little usual things that the consumer is constantly looking up or constantly having to know… (Imagining it as) on afterburners — real time.”
Imagine, you’re flying into Shanghai on a layover, hungry and jet-lagged.
As you saunter off the jet bridge, cutting through airport facilities, instantaneously Chinese symbols appear floating above bubbling pans and baskets.
“One hundred feet away, a 3D restaurant video runs and you virtually walk down the street,” says Matt Mills of Aurasma, a developer of augmented reality. “Three hundred feet away, ingredients dance off a menu into the air, which you can then contently catch.”
But beyond commerce, education, and sky traffic, what other realms are on the horizon?
Well, for one, the oft-debated realm of driverless cars, and, of course, our gaming habits…
After accosting Mark Zuckerberg in the gym and trying to convince him to utilise HUD technology on Facebook, “I ran in and said, ‘Zuck, you’ve got to do this, I’m telling you'”, Mills talks of the bleeding edges; the trillion-dollar realms our minds salivate for.
The necessary stepping stone, he says, will be implementing augmented reality in a social context, potentially even industry wide.
Why?
Hierarchical categorisation, says VASCO Data Security’s Stephen Cox. Cox cites the example of a Rolls Royce, saying that those who own or even lease the machines form a club, their minds set on “protection, security, and intimate customer relationships.”
This, conceptually, rolls into the initial realms of gaming.
As Cox suggests, horror-game platforms will also come-before vehicles, becoming the cornerstone for gamers to “immerse” themselves in new worlds, each evolution inching us towards blistering, unprecedented realms.
As the artificial world increasingly blends with that of reality, it seems fitting to end with something I recently came across whilst reading Kurt Anderson’s article on The New Yorker entitled “The Decline and Fall of the English Major”.
He ponders the future of text as literacy evolves into something spelling begins to abandon.
Suppose, Anderson postulates, future readers consume media by donning storytelling “shades”.
These “shades”, he says, will blow up our devices’ screens, instead displaying a transparent holographic overlay, with text demarcated by swerves, bolts, or even smiles, implying virtual reality and theatre, cascading words across our visual cortexes.
Our possible takeaways here, in this GDR of augmented inevitability?
Well, a certain nostalgia sticks in our minds, indicating that — following the cannon-lined hallways of developed gaming circles as they amalgamate with our socially-asphyxiated futures — characters from our favorite books will walk, interact with us, and appear in our daily adventuresongs.
Novels will go from being mere two-dimensional, gothic arts, floating limply on paper in front of us, to full-bodied entities rendered in silicon.
But what’s more, is the creation or perception of characters currently hide-bound by the limits of the words we use for them.
Reading “1984”, for example, with a transparent overlay of the character Winston Smith, we’ll be able to see his fears, dreams, and worries on his face. We’ll converse with him if we like, fully engaging with the idea that a book is something not merely scanned and intellectually interpreted, but virtually lived — either entered into or pushed away, only occasionally consulted.
