Here’s a riddle: What do island people do after a hurricane? We go to the beach… which is what I’ll be doing this weekend and at my favorite beach town on the island, nonetheless. You don’t need much to happy in Las Terrenas, just a few things: swimsuit, flip flops, and a drink in hand – but here’s my beach vacation checklist – some things on my wishlist for this weekend’s beach vac-heeeey.

BEACH VACATION CHECKLIST ✅

WEAR ✅

BEACH COVER-UP

Getting something that is quick to put on and light is essential at the beach. In fact, I’d argue it’s maybe the only 2 requirements for beach clothes.

TRUCKER BEACH HAT

Duh. Of course I think you should all be wearing this beach hat to, ehem, keep the sun from hitting your face.

USE ✅

BOHEMIAN TAPESTRY

I’ve wanted one of these for years. They’re versatile and light and easy to shove into a bag. And this one is huge so you could fit your whole family on it and be far enough away fro your kids to avoid sandy body parts.

TURTLEBACK SAND COASTER

Speaking of sand, I especially hate putting my water bottle or can on it. I like to keep my stuff as sand-free as possible. So now I can. Plus, these little neat inventions are a great place to hold other things too!

WATERPROOF CASE

I think about one of these waterproof cases every time I grab my phone at the beach or am packing up a bag with wet suits.

ACCESSORIZE ✅

BEACH BAG

Obviously, you need a catch all bag for all of your beach things, preferably one that is water resistant. The black and white stripes class it up a level too.

BEACH GIRL BANGLE BRACELET

I’m not one for accessorizing at the beach so this is more of a beach evening bangle for me.

BEAUTY ✅

LEAVE-IN PROTECT SPRAY

Uhhhh… I love this stuff. It smells tropical, like mangoes and passion fruit, and is so light on your hair with no greasy after effects that I spray it in my hair and my kids’ hair and then shake my hair out like a 1950’s pin up girl, spectacular style.

RODAN + FIELDS’ MINERAL SUNSCREEN

I have been using this sunscreen for all of my beach adventures this year for one reason: NO BREAKOUTS. When you are in the sun as often as I am, your skin can take a beating. I’ve bought and tried other brands that make face sunscreen but they are still too greasy and I end up breaking out for days. Now I’m using Rodan + Fields’ mineral sunscreen and what a difference. It’s so light, I use it on my kids’ faces too sometimes and -bonus- if you accidentally get too much sun, the full Soothe regimen can help calm the redness.