During your beach vacation, you will likely spend most of your time lying on the sand. While they're a lot of fun, beach days can quickly get pretty hot as the sun shines overhead and the sand beneath you soaks up the heat. Luckily, you can keep the whole family cool by trying the following tips. 

How to Stay Cool on Your Beach Vacation

1. Pack an Umbrella

Your body isn’t used to spending hours unprotected in the sun, so give yourself a break by packing a beach umbrella or plan to rent one from a local company. Set these up when you arrive with a cooler, chairs, or towels underneath so that you can relax there. When your family members start to feel a little hot or worry about getting sunburned, they can continue enjoying the beach from the comfort of the shade. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have a "Leave Only Footprints" ordinance to preserve our beautiful beaches, so remember to take all of your belongings back to your vacation rental at the end of the day. 

2. Slather on the Sunscreen

Pack sunscreen with an SPF of 50. Ensure everyone in the group puts it on about 30 minutes before you head down to the sand, then reapply every hour you’re at the beach. If anyone gets in the water, immediately help them reapply once they get out. 

3. Stock a Cooler

There’s nothing quite like a few frozen snacks to cool everyone down. Pack a cooler full of water to keep the family hydrated, and encourage everyone to drink water throughout the day even if they don’t feel thirsty yet. Pack some refreshing cold snacks such as grapes, popsicles, and yogurt.

4. Take a Lunch Break

The hottest part of the day is typically the early afternoon. Try to arrive at the beach in the early morning to enjoy the cooler hours, then go back to your vacation rental for a lunch break while the sun is at its hottest. This time will allow you to eat, relax in the air conditioning, and let the kids take their naps. You can return later in the afternoon to enjoy the rest of the day’s sunlight and watch the sunset. 

If you want to enjoy the perfect beach vacation, visit Gulf Shores Rentals Inc. in Gulf Shores, AL. They offer a wide selection of vacation rentals along the beach. Whether you want an intimate condo or a vacation rental for the whole family, you'll enjoy an ideal getaway. Learn about their Stay and Play program on their website, and call (886) 783-0702 to ask about their available rental options.