Many times we complicate our lives just thinking about packing for any vacation. But in reality, it should not cause us stress. On the contrary, we should all pack with the same happiness we feel on the day we know we won't be going to work because we are looking forward to delicious days of sun, sand, and sea!

Here is a basic checklist so that when you pack, you don’t forget any of the important things when you arrive at your favorite beach.

Bathroom items:

- Shampoo, conditioner, styling cream (especially if your hair tends to frizz with humidity), razor, alcohol-free perfume (to avoid staining), soap, and face creams.

- Nail polish remover and the same nail polish you have on; it’s typical for your polish to chip due to the sand, sun, and chlorine, and half-painted nails look horrible. Be prepared!

Sun Protection:

- Facial, lip, and body sunscreen (preferably with a high SPF). I recommend applying sunscreen to your body on the first day and gradually applying tanning lotion with protection. This way, you tan better without burning, more evenly, and the color lasts much longer.

- Aloe Vera, apply it at night after showering. Your skin will thank you; it will look hydrated, and the color will last much longer.

- Sunglasses. Try to use ones with UV protection. Try to take comfortable ones for when you’re lying face down sunbathing that won’t hurt you. Preferably in a neutral color that matches all your outfits; for example: beige, nude, or brown.

- Evian water or any spring water spray to keep your face hydrated all the time, so you don’t sweat too much, don’t turn tomato red, and so you don’t get those typical pimples from sweating.

- A comfortable hat.

Entertainment:

- Magazines, a good book, iPad, and music to relax.

Clothing:

- Beach bag (with more than enough).

- Comfortable and versatile sandals (that you can wear for walking, at the pool, and on the beach).

- A basic short cotton dress in a fresh color like white, for going to the pool, beach, or a stroll.

- A maxi skirt or a long beach dress for walking at sunset, going for a frappuccino or ice cream at the mall, and even, if you wear some nice accessories and espadrilles, you can go out to dinner without feeling sloppy.

- A pair of shorts and some t-shirts preferably with a “V” neck (to avoid sweating) in white or in some bright color (to make your tan stand out more) or even in any trendy color.

- Swimsuits. I recommend taking one for each day you will be on vacation. But if you plan to stay for more than 4 days, just take the most comfortable ones and try to mix and match them, preferably in basic colors (white, navy blue, nude, pale pink, beige, etc.); this way, you won’t get visually tired.

Accessories:

- Waterproof watch (if you really can’t live without checking the time).

- Comfortable small earrings that you can wear in the pool or the sea. Avoid wearing bracelets so they don’t leave marks when you sunbathe.

I hope this checklist is very useful every time you travel to any beach destination, whether for a weekend or a longer stay.

The point is to enjoy every moment without stressing about anything. On the other hand, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun, drink plenty of water, and if you can have carrot juice for breakfast, I highly recommend it, as it contains beta-carotene which, among its many benefits as a precursor to vitamin A, helps you achieve a beautiful tan.

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