With the summer holidays looming, there’s packing to do, plans to wrangle, and at least one child to bribe into putting on their own shoes. If you manage to leave the house with your dignity, keys, and kids all intact—you deserve a medal (or at the very least, a gin and tonic). So here it is: your ultimate beach day staycation checklist. Because chaos is inevitable, but forgetting your beach towels is unforgivable.
🍸 Order Booze
Because hydration is a spectrum.
- Gin – For giddy excitement
- Vodka – For reasons you don’t need to explain
- Rum – Delicious in banana cake and helps the kids sleep (just kidding… sort of)
- Whiskey – Keeps him frisky
- Rosé – It’s so pretty, it must be good for you
- Champagne – The kids think it’s Mummy’s shampoo, so enjoy guilt-free in the bath. Just hide it from their "helpful" hands.
🧂 Essential Household Bits
Stuff no one tells you you’ll need, until it’s 9PM on arrival and there’s no salt for the chips.
- Bottle of wine (obviously)
- Salt, pepper, olive oil
- Loo roll (minimum 27 rolls for a 5-day stay)
- Soap, dishwasher tabs, washing up liquid (you will forget at least one of these)
🚗 The Journey
Survival gear for the long-haul UK drive.
- Car serviced (MOT, oil, tyres—the boring but vital bits)
- Sweets – Doubles as dental surgery for wobbly teeth
- Tissues – Someone will cry, or sneeze, or spill
- Water bottles – For the kids, the dog, and the planet
- Sick bags – You know the one who will...
- Roof box – Get the garage to fit it. DIY = divorce risk
📅 Things to Book in Advance
- Surf school (yes, for the kids, but also for the eye candy instructors)
- Tennis courts – the kids can stash their kit in dry bags
- Sailing lessons, wetsuit hire (if you haven’t got your own to wee in)
- Restaurant bookings – at least four nights, you deserve a break Babysitter
- Online food delivery – for PM arrival or bleary-eyed first thing
🐾 Key Ingredients (Including Kids & Dogs)
- Kids – Obviously. All of them.
- Partner – Take whichever one’s still standing.
- Pets – Ensure dogs are allowed at the let. Prioritise boot space. No one wants a hot, panting labrador huffing over them for five hours.
- Quick-dry towels for dogs – For when they find that puddle or roll in poo.
- Dry bags with ice – Sneaky wine coolers. Cheers!
👙 Clothes & Beach Kit
- Giant beach towels – Quick-dry, sand-resistant and roll smaller than a paperback. Honestly, why wouldn’t you buy beach towels online?
- Beach ponchos – For cold, whiny, sandy kids
- Dry bags – Everyone gets one. Great for beach kit, snacks, and dignity
- Swimming cozzies & sunnies – Even if it rains (which it will)
- Knickers – Always extra. Wet bum, wet jeans, flashback to that picnic in the car.
- Tennis rackets (with balls)
- Floaty dresses & air loungers – If not for style, then for sanity
🧴 Medical & Grooming Bits
- Sponge bag – Needs its own suitcase
- Sudo Cream – Chafing relief for surf wipeouts and long bike rides
- Coloured sunblock – For accidental face painting and sunburn protection
- WaspEZE – For when the wasps want your rosé more than you do
🌞 Conclusion: Don’t Just Survive—Thrive (and Stay Dry)
Hopefully you’re now ready to pack like a pro? From the must-have essentials to those giant beach towels you’ll be forever grateful for, your staycation can be more fabulous and less feral.
So grab the dry bags, line up the booze, and don’t forget to buy beach towels online before the mad summer dash begins. Your future, sandy-bottomed self will thank you.