9 Things to pack for a day at the beach - what you need for a relaxing day

While you may want to go to the beach to get a nice tan, be sure to take care of your body by applying sunblock. Your skin will definitely thank you! Look for sunblock above 30 SPF that has UVA and UVB coverage. Also be sure to re-apply it whenever needed, especially if you are going swimming. There are plenty of different types of sunblocks to choose from, and even some brands that are good for kids. Sunblock is important for many reasons, from preventing a painful sunburn to reducing your chances of getting serious skin diseases, so don't forget to pack it and use it. Look for sunblocks that are coral safe, and do not have chemicals that can damage our precious reefs.

A beach trip isn't complete without a dip in the water, so be sure to pack some swimwear. Whether you want to simply soak up the sun or go for a sea bath, there are plenty of options. Pick a swimsuit that is comfortable and suited for how you want to spend your day; anything from sunbathing to surfing.

A day trip to the beach doesn't mean that you need to stay only on the beach. The surrounding town might be worth exploring too, especially if it's a foreign country, and you will definitely want to pack some comfortable clothing to go explore. For instance, Sri Lanka is famous for its beaches, but also for its rich and fascinating culture. When picking where to stay for the day, anything from Hotels in Ahungalla to Trincomalee, be sure to pick somewhere centralized. Reputed places such as Heritance Ahungalla will undoubtedly be glad to help you find out where to go.

Everyone hopes that their trip to the beach will be sunny and clear, but when the sun gets too strong, you will appreciate having these two on hand. Plus, your beach photos will look far tropical and fun if you are wearing a hat and sunglasses.

Even if you don't take a dip in the water, a towel will be useful to lay down on and to wipe away all the sand before you head back home. If you don't, you may find yourself cleaning sand out of your car for weeks to come!

There's nothing quite as relaxing as sunbathing while reading a good book. Take that book you've been meaning to read with you to the beach and soak up the sun while you read. Whether you take a paperback or an electronic reader, make sure that you keep it away from the sand and water.

There's something about the salty air that makes everyone hungry when they go to the beach. Pack a delicious picnic, and have a fun meal that everyone of all ages will enjoy. Be sure to pack reusable cutlery and straws, and minimize how much plastic you take. Keep the beach clean by taking your trash with you when you leave. Litter is harming the ocean, so please be considerate of that.

Beach photos are sure to impress on social media. Whether you take photos on a camera or on your smartphone, preserve your precious memories from your fun day at the beach by taking lots of photos.

Children (and even some adults) love building sandcastles at the beach. Take a few beach toys such as buckets and spades that will help your family build the best sandcastle ever! Water toys will also be fun to use.