Summer is here! It’s time to pack up the car, get the family together, and head to the beach! Although beach days can be fun, they can be stressful if you aren’t a seasoned pro (especially if you have little ones). Don’t worry, we’ve got the best beach hacks for you and your family to have the best summer ever!

Just Throw It In The Bag

First things first; having a good beach bag is essential for a day at the beach! A bag that’s large enough to fit everyone’s needs and that is easy to carry is a must. Some of the best beach bags can be found at local surf shops and souvenir stores. Backpacks also make a great beach bag, just make sure you don’t mind getting a little sand in it!

Protect What You Love

When you’re on the beach, please keep in mind that we all need to make an effort to keep it clean! Put those plastic grocery bags to good use (and out of our oceans) and use them for trash disposal. Most beach public beach accesses on the OBX have garbage cans for disposal of your trash at the end of your beach day. If you want to go a step further and eliminate the need for single-use plastics, bring a recyclable bag to the beach for your trash, dump it at the end of the day, and wipe it out for the next time!

Choose The Right Beach Access

Each family and group that visits the Outer Banks is different and has different needs. Beach accesses up and down the Outer Banks feature beaches that have lifeguards on duty, bathhouses with changing facilities, handicapped parking and wheelchair access, and more. The handy website OBX Beach Access shows beach accesses from Corolla to Hatteras and the features of them all!

Learn About Rip Currents + Ocean Safety

While the beach and the ocean can be fun, it’s also important to be safe. Make sure to be safe while swimming and keep a very close eye on children and pets. Rip currents occur on the Outer Banks and can be very dangerous and can pull you out to sea quickly. If you find yourself in a rip current, remain calm and swim parallel to shore until you’re no longer being pulled. Whenever red flags are up at the beach, DON’T SWIM. If they’re yellow, exercise extreme caution. Remember, if in doubt, don’t go out!

Have A Kiddie Pool For Babies

If you’re bringing baby to the beach, be sure they have a good space to play! Inflatable kiddie pools are great for babies and toddlers. The pool can be filled up with ocean water for a little play space or left empty for a perfect playpen or nap area. Make sure the area over the kiddie pool or wherever baby plays is well-shaded.

Bring Baby Powder

When leaving the beach at the end of a long day, being covered in sand is guaranteed. Baby powder helps get sand off of the skin with ease! Just sprinkle baby powder on the sandy area and wipe it away. No more sand tracked in the car, in the house, or the bed!

Pack A Fitted Sheet

A fitted sheet in your beach bag can be the difference between the Sahara desert in your sitting area and a sand-free oasis. To keep sand out of your sitting area on the beach, bring a fitted sheet and place coolers, beach bags, and backpacks in the corners of the sheets for a perfect beach setup.

Protect Your Tech

Nothing is a bigger bummer than dropping your phone in the water or getting sand in the speakers and between buttons. Place your smartphone in a ziplock sandwich baggie to avoid spills and sand. By using a sandwich bag, you can still use the touch screen! If you want a longer-lasting solution, Lifeproof cases are amazing.

Freeze Your Drinks

Unnecessary ice packs make lugging your cooler to the beach that much harder. Eliminate the middleman and freeze your drinks! They’ll keep everything else in the cooler cold and when it’s time for a drink of water or juice, the bottle will be thawed out enough!

Be Smart In The Sun

Practicing safe sun care is super important at the beach. Make sure to reapply sunscreen often and wear hats and sunglasses. For more information on sun safety, check out our blog right here! In the event you get sunburned (it happens) turn to apple cider vinegar (ACV). Dilute 1 part ACV with 1 part water in a spray bottle and spray on sunburn. It’ll take the sting and redness out. After, apply aloe or coconut oil to soothe and rehydrate the skin.

Vacation just wouldn’t be the same without your four-legged best friend, right? Make sure you and your pet are well prepared with our how-to guide on traveling with a dog.

1 . Know Your Dog

Do you know if your dog has travel anxiety or gets car sick? Take them out for test drives if they don’t like to ride around already. Start with short rides of 10 to 15 minutes to help your dog acclimatize to your car and the motion of the vehicle. Then, increase the time daily or weekly until it’s time for your trip. If your pet does exhibit anxiety or car sickness, talk to your vet and they may be able to prescribe them a light sedative or something to help nausea.

2. Stay Safe

According to AAA, 30,000 accidents a year are caused by unrestrained pets roaming freely around the vehicle. Keep your dog secure by either using a pet barrier, crate, or pet seatbelt.

3. Plan Your Pit Stops

Plan to stop every 2-3 hours so your dog can get out and exercise, use the bathroom, or have a snack!

4. Hydrate

The ASPCA recommends having a gallon of water handy so your pet doesn’t dehydrate on the road trip.

5. Don’t Leave Your Pet Alone

On an 85 degree day, a car can reach 110 degrees in 10 minutes. If you have to stop somewhere that isn’t pet-friendly, like a restaurant, leave the windows down at least an inch and order your food to go. If it’s available, go through the drive through.

6. Don’t Let Your Pup Hang Out Of the Window

As much as they love the wind flying through their fur, please don’t let your dog hang his head out of the window. High wind speeds can cause damage to the dogs’ already sensitive ears and lungs. Flying debris and cars driving too closely also can pose dangers to your pup.

7. Have Documents Handy (Just In Case)

Just in case the unimaginable happens, happens, make sure you have important documents handy. Proof of vaccination, microchip registration, and insurance are just a few examples of what you should bring along.

Just a few more tips:

• Bring a few snacks or treats to reward your furry friend for good behavior
• Bring along a familiar toy or blanket to make them more comfortable
• Turn off the speakers in the back of the car to avoid damaging your pets’ hearing
• Give them positive reinforcement and lots of love along the way

Now that you know how to travel with your four-legged family member, check out the array of pet-friendly vacation homes Resort Realty has to offer you! Between this checklist and our awesome homes, you and your pet will have the best vacation yet!