Top 10 Items You Should Keep In Your Beach Bag.

Summer is right around the corner which means...beach vacations. If you're like me and live in the Midwest, where the weather can go from winter, spring, summer, and fall in just one day, you might not be prepared for the consistent weather the beach has to offer. Therefore, from personal experience, here are the top 10 things you should keep in your beach bag.

This is the most important on the list. Sunscreen can protect your skin from the harmful UV rays the sun produces especially if you're traveling closer to the equator. Many people don't understand the risks that the sun can cause, while others have heard them a million times. I would just like to preface how dangerous the sun's UV rays are, acquiring multiple sunburns can cause premature aging and a risk of skin cancer. Plus who wants to have dry, cracked, and red skin when you can have a sunkissed glow instead? Just make sure you reapply every few hours or follow the product directions.

You should be drinking water regularly but especially when you're outside all day. it's important to stay hydrated. dehydration can cause fatigue and headaches, and it's just overall not fun, especially when you're out with friends and family. I recommend using a stainless steel insulated water bottle to keep your beverage cold. Plus cold water is a great way to stay cooled off especially when it's hot outside.

The beach is pretty sandy and nobody wants to be covered in sand so make sure to bring a towel to lay on or if you decide to go for a swim you're going to want something that you can dry off with.

Sunglasses are a must-have when you're laying on the beach, walking on the boardwalk, or driving to the beach. Plus sunglasses are such a great way to complete the style of any look.

Always make sure to bring a granola bar, chips, or anything of your choice. A lot of the beach shops are overpriced and if you're like everybody else you don't want to walk and stand in a line for a bagel that's probably way more expensive than it should be.

If you have short hair you can disregard this one on the list but for all the people with long hair make sure to bring a hairbrush. It can be windy at the beach and if you take a dip in the water it's important to brush your hair while it's still wet and then again when it's dry. Ocean water can make your hair feel dry and gross so make sure you brush out those tangles so it doesn't cause split ends, damage, and breakage.

Getting sand out of shoes is nearly impossible and walking barefoot is extremely risky. Potentially stepping on a seashell and ruining the trip is not the ideal way to enjoy the beach. Therefore save yourself some trouble and bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops that are easy to clean.

Walking around wet and chafed isn't fun so it's critical to bring a comfortable change of clothes

Your lips are also susceptible to sunburn so it's important to keep them safe and moisturized.

This one doesn't need much explaining but it's a necessity. Body odor is natural but it can be annoying for you and anyone around you.

These are the essential items you should put in your beach bag but there are plenty of other items you can bring including moisturizer, perfume/cologne, a portable charger, etc. Make sure you always come prepared for any occasion. I hope this list helps you put together your beach bag for your next beach trip.