Tomorrow is the last day of term for my children – and I know for many of yours too.
This brings me untold joy. My days are not dictated by school hours and lunches. We can go with the flow a little bit more. And I very much like that.
I’m also a little bit lucky to live at the beach because I get to stay here, tell the kids we get to be on a beach holiday everyday and continue to chip away at the damage done to the credit card during our recent US sojourn 
But you? You might be coming to our beaches or beaches elsewhere in Australia where spring has well and truly arrived.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration about what to pack, look no further.
I’d love to tell you to pack light … but you know me better than that now, don’t you? I need options.
I will say this though, of all the holidays you can go on, a beach holiday does give you more of a chance to … attempt … to minimise.
10 beach holiday essentials
1. Beach bag. Size does matter. The bigger the family, the greater the amount of “stuff” that needs to come with you. I love a classic market-style bag that can double for picking up supplies as well.
2. Towels. Until last week I would have told you – big and fluffy are essential qualities of a beach towel. Not any more. In one beach visit, I’ve been converted to the Knotty Turkish cotton beach towels. I got mine (pictured above) from Willow & Bird at Cotton Tree (they do mail order). These towels are seriously more absorbent than a normal beach towel plus after drying one wet Nipper the towels themselves dried almost quicker than it took to wait for a sausage on bread afterwards. The big bonus for me – three towels hardly took up any space in my bag. Winning.
3. Sunscreen. Ella Bache Great 30+ Sportsbloc is my go-to beach sunscreen for preventing my pale skin from frying but the new Neutrogena Wet Skin is already getting my thumbs up from the whole family. You know you’re supposed to re-apply after swimming or extended time at the beach but it’s so damn hard to get a good application on wet skin. Not any more – this stuff is made for wet skin. It goes on in a spray. And it works.
4. Swimsuit. There’s no escaping a swimsuit if you plan to swim (unless you go to one of *those* beaches). I know they’re not the most fun clothing purchase but there are so many designs around now that there really is one for you. My money is on a vintage-style look for a bit of fun. I’ll bring you a separate swimwear post as we get closer to summer.
5. Cover-up. I invest in at least one or two of these every year. You need easy dresses or kaftans you can throw on to go to the beach, while sitting on the beach (when the sun gets too much) and coming off the beach. For me, loose and flowy wins every time.
6. Hat. With a wide-brimmed hat I bring my own shade to the beach. Plus they look pretty damn stylish too.
7. Sunglasses. Ditto on the sun protection factor and the style. I’m working on creating a sunglasses wardrobe.
9. Thongs. Essential for to and from the beach and general beachside activities. Have some fun with them though. No need to stick neutrals here.
10. Fancy sandals. Fancy sandals can turn a beach outfit into a cocktail outfit in one easy move. Your feet will still love you for staying close to the ground but with a bright pedi you’ll be mango daiquiri ready.
Shopping suggestions
Click on the gallery below and scroll through – these are all available now online. Just click on the caption for a link through to buy or have a closer look.
Are you heading away these school holidays? If so where are you headed? If you’re a regular beach holidaymaker what is on your essentials list?
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