Are you tired of dealing with sandy fingers, uncomfortable sunbathing, and the hassle of applying sunscreen?

Say goodbye to your beach-day woes with these hacks that can help take the stress out of your next retreat, ensuring that you and your loved ones fully enjoy your day at the shore.

Freeze water bottles or balloons

Instead of going out and buying a bag of ice for your cooler, why not freeze some small items yourself? A water bottle is an easy choice since it will give you fresh, chilled water once it begins to melt, but water balloons can also be a great option that leads to some additional fun. Simply fill and freeze the balloons the night before your trip, then add them to your cooler to keep your food and drinks cold. By the end of the day, they should be melted, allowing for an epic water balloon fight with your loved ones.

Pack two towels per person

It’s never fun attempting to dry off with a sand-covered towel, which could easily irritate your skin and make the process miserable. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: if you have the space for it, bring a pair of towels for each person. Then everyone will have one to sit on and another to dry off with. By keeping them separate, you can get down in the sand to build a sandcastle or bask in the sun and still have a fresh towel to use after going for a swim.

Optimize your sunscreen application

Enhance your sun-protection routine by applying the first layer of sunscreen fifteen to twenty minutes ahead of going outside, such as right before you leave for the beach. This will give it time to soak in, creating a base layer for prolonged defense against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Throughout the day, make sure to stay on top of your subsequent applications (at least every two hours) with an alarm on your phone; you could also use a Sharpie to write the times directly on the sunscreen bottle.

For wriggly toddlers (and perhaps even for yourself), consider using a makeup brush or sponge to spread sunscreen across the face and neck. This process can keep the young ones entertained while also creating an even layer that will quickly absorb into the skin, protecting it until it’s time for the next application.

Use a fitted sheet as your home base

You’ve likely seen this hack many times on social media, and for good reason—a fitted sheet is the perfect tool for creating a sand-free zone to rest in with your loved ones. Once you’ve claimed your spot on the sand, spread out the sheet, weigh down each corner with your bags and coolers, and pull the fabric over the heavy items. With the high sides, you won’t have to worry about accidentally kicking sand across everything. Just make sure to leave all sandy items outside to help keep the area clean. You could also bring an extra bucket, clear tub, or small, inflatable pool you can use to rinse off your hands and feet before stepping onto the sheet. As a bonus, opting for a pool would provide an additional space for young children to safely play.

Create a sand pillow

You can easily turn sunbathing into a luxurious experience with this sand-pillow hack. All you need is a small pillowcase with a zipper; simply open the case, fill it with as much sand as you want, and zip it closed. Then you can lay it on top of your beach towel, giving you the perfect spot to rest your head while soaking in the rays. It’s a small thing, but it could make your relaxation that much more enjoyable.

Remove sand with baby powder

Though it may be in the name, sand does not belong in a sandwich. If you struggle to keep your food (or anything else) free from this ingredient, this is the tip for you. Before reaching into a bag or heading to the car, dust a little baby powder on your skin. The powder will absorb excess moisture, making it easy for you to simply wipe away any particles clinging to it. This solution is perfect for yourself, but it’s even better if you have young kids who may not want to sit with sand on them all day.

Whether you’re a sunbather, a parent, or someone who loves seaside picnics, these tips will undoubtedly enhance your beach experience. So pack up your essentials, settle in the sand, and make the most of your sun-soaked moments this summer.