Our social life is shrinking by the minute, which makes holding on to some traditions even more important. Taking a trip to the beach to spend a balmy afternoon is a great family tradition that many people look forward to. For the avid beach visitor here are some cool tips on how to pack your cooler for a day trip to the beach.
Choosing a Cooler
First off, try to use two coolers, one for food and the other for beverages. That’s because while bottled beverages fare well in icy, wet conditions, foods will most likely not.
To stay safe, try to match the size of the cooler you are using with the amount of food that you will be taking to the beach. It is also important to note that a full cooler is able to remain colder for longer as compared to a half cooler.
Also, you should always go for coolers that have insulated lids. You can also use recycled water bottles by filling them with water and placing one on each side of the cooler (with the food in the center) this is a much better option than using loose ice that will eventually melt and spread throughout the cooler, and could quite possibly damage the food items you have in the cooler as well.
But, if you do go with loose ice, store your food in water tight containers before you fill your cooler to the brim with ice.
The Food You’ll Need
Water:
How can you forget water? This is the most important item to pack when going for a picnic, simply because you can stay without food, but not water. To prevent dehydration or headaches, take a couple of bottles of cold water, you can even fill a recyclable bottle with juice or green tea as well.
Veggies:
Cut up some veggies such as carrots, peppers and cherry tomatoes and use hummus for dipping. This makes for a delicious and light snack during your stay at the beach. Keeping things light also means you won’t have to deal with those painful cramps because you ate too much.
Sandwiches:
Ditch the bread and go with some whole wheat pita. You can pair that up with sliced deli meat and mayo free fillings to reduce the soggy factor. If you’re looking to take grilled sandwiches, prepare the chicken the night before so that it’s ready to go in the morning. You can also throw in some string chess for a light and salty snack between swims.
Fruits:
And don’t forget your fruits. Toss a delicious fruit salad in Tupperware and take it along with you. Fruits are a great way of getting the nutrients you need while spending the day at the beach, since you won’t be eating anything heavy during meal times.
If you have been blessed to live in a place where there are lots of beaches or parks then having a picnic at one of those places can be a great getaway from the everyday hustle and bustle of life, especially if you’re living in a big city. Hopefully, the tips mentioned above will come in handy for your next trip to the beach.
