Tips for the Perfect Beach Weekend Getaway with Kids in Tow
Having a weekend getaway with kids is simply a thing that you must do. Since it is inevitable for the daily grind to wear both you and your spouse down; not only do you have to focus on your jobs and doing all the household chores, you have to make sure that all is well with your children.
At the same time, your kids are also probably exhausted from school or the daily things that take time. When all of the stress from living in the city and fulfilling your responsibilities get to be too much, the sure-fire solution is to go on a weekend getaway with kids.
Going on a family vacation is one way you, your spouse, and your children can spend some quality time together and just relax, focusing on the importance of having fun together as a family.
If you want to go on a family weekend getaways with kids, one of your best options is to go on a beach weekend getaway. There are several reasons why going to the beach for a weekend is a good idea and they are listed below:
Why a beach weekend getaway is a good idea
A beach weekend getaway is a great way to relax and unwind. It offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, giving you time to reconnect with your family and loved ones.
With crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and plenty of activities to choose from, a beach vacation can be both fun and relaxing. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, the beach is sure to provide lasting memories and unforgettable experiences.
Plus, with all of the nearby attractions and activities available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on family weekend getaways! Here are the reasons we do it:
Staying in a beach resort is much better than in an ordinary hotel
While certain hotels can have lovely services, nothing beats being in a beach resort.Staying in an ordinary hotel can be quite restrictive for your kids, especially as the only in house services usually provided for by ordinary hotels are good restaurants, a outdoor pool, water park, private beach and perhaps a gym or play area, kids club. Some have unique options like horseback riding, hiking trails or other fun activities the whole family can enjoy.
However, going to a beach resort for a weekend getaway with kids provides your family with so many other options as to what to do. You can swim, go for walks, and maybe take advantage of some spa services. Resorts with beaches are generally more fun for the entire family, as both the adults and the children have something to do.
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It’s a healthier option for a family weekend getaway
Going on a beach getaway means that you and your children actually get to go out and spend some time outdoors. So many children these days don’t get to exercise and do physical activities anymore. They are so caught up with new advances with technology that they no longer know how to appreciate the beauty of nature.
In addition, kids aren’t the only ones guilty of this. Even adults nowadays tend to stay in more, watching TV, playing games on their tablets and smart phones and the like. If you go on a weekend getaway with kids, why not give them – and yourself – the chance to get some sun, play in the water, and just enjoy life without the chains of the modern age?
Beach getaways are often much cheaper
Another good thing about going on a beach vacation for your weekend getaway with kids is that it is a much cheaper option. If you choose to stay in a hotel or resort, most of these places already offer all-inclusive packages that include not only your accommodations but other activities in the rates as well.
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If you decide to simply drive up to a public beach, perhaps rent a cottage or a tent, that’s alright too. It also costs much less. All this being said, beach vacations are a good, quality way to spend the weekend with family.
How to Protect Yourself in the Sun on Your Next weekend getaway with kids At the Beach
A beach vacation is the perfect time to unwind, relax, and soak up some sun and family fun. But while the sun’s warmth and light can be rejuvenating, overexposure to UV rays can wreak havoc on your skin and your overall health. As a mom, it’s especially important to protect not just your own skin, but your family’s as well.
So before you start packing for your next beach adventure or family weekend getaways, take note of these tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.
5 Ways on How You Can Protect Your Eyes at the Beach
A relaxing vacation is one of the best ways American families bond and have fun together. Every year, over 400 million beach trips are made in the United States. That said, despite this being a time for leisure and adventure, the threat of a beach injury is common and always present. In fact, many beach safety experts warn of risks like sunburns, skin irritations, flea bites, and jellyfish stings, to name a few.
One thing many beachgoers tend to overlook, though, is how different elements at the beach can cause eye damage. As such, they neglect to take precautions to protect themselves.
If you’re traveling with family, it’s important to take preventative measures to ensure that your time at the beach goes smoothly without any hiccups that may affect your vision. Listed below are a few tips on how you can better protect your and your family’s eyesight.
1. Pack sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must-have for any vacation, even at a water park. Apart from being great accessories, these travel essentials will protect your eyes from sun damage at the beach. The sun tends to be more intense at the beach as sand reflects harmful ultraviolet rays by up to 80%.
Long-term exposure to these UV rays can lead to several medical issues, such as cataracts which can cause vision loss. To combat this, if you have poor eyesight you can go for prescription sunglasses.
They can accommodate your prescriptions while effectively blocking out 100% of harmful sunlight. You’ll also be able to see better without squinting, giving your eyes some well-needed rest on vacation. With these sunglasses, you’ll be able to see clearly at the beach without worrying about any sun damage.
2. Wear a hat
While hats only block about half of the UV rays you may be exposed to at the beach, they work exceptionally well when paired with sunglasses. Some frame styles may have gaps at the sides, allowing sunlight to pass through. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can solve this by covering a bigger area of the face.
It’s especially helpful if you plan to spend a long time under the sun because several skin cancers can form on the eyelids or around the eyes too. Specifically, sunburnt skin has a higher chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma. To avoid this, you can choose a fashionable hat and sunglasses pairing that will protect your eyes as well as complete your beach outfit.
3. Carry some saline solution
Playing in the sand is a fun pastime for most kids at the beach on family weekend getaways, but it can actually be dangerous for their eyes. A study discovered that, on average, children touch their faces around 23 times per hour. This can easily cause sand to get stuck in their eyes and scratch the cornea, which will cause sharp pain and irritation.
If this happens, it’s best to use saline solution to flush out their eyes and get rid of any foreign particles. This is recommended because it replicates human tears and has anti-microbial properties, which can effectively sanitize your children’s eyes.
4. Don’t wear contact lenses
Anyone who frequently uses contact lenses would know that water exposure is one of the biggest restrictions. It’s not advised to wear them if you plan on swimming, especially at the beach.
This is because germs and waste particles from ocean water can get trapped between your eyes and the contacts. This will create conditions in which bacteria can form, leading to painful eye infections, some of which can cause permanent vision loss. If you require prescriptions, it’s better to be safe with your regular lenses or prescription sunglasses instead.
5. Bring goggles
Most kids are fond of swimming in outdoor pools or beaches and splashing around, but doing this at the beach can be more harmful to the eyes compared to swimming in a pool. Younger kids aren’t as good with self-control, and it’s common for them to open their eyes underwater.
Equip them with goggles to prevent potential damage from this. Saltwater has dehydrating properties that can affect eye moisture. This can be worsened once kids come up for air and are exposed to the ocean breeze.
When this happens, children’s eyes can feel sore, turn red, and become itchy, which can easily ruin their time at the beach. By bringing goggles, you can ensure that all of your family members are protected and can enjoy their time at the beach.
Here are some more ways to keep your family safe at the beach:
Invest in quality sunscreen
Not all sunscreens are created equal, so spend some time researching and finding a product that will work for your skin type. Look for something that has an SPF of at least 30, broad-spectrum protection to protect against both UVA and UVB rays and is water-resistant. Make sure to apply it liberally to all exposed skin areas, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours or more if you’re in the water.
Cover up
While swimsuits and beachwear are all the rage, wearing long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Choose clothes that are made from lightweight, breathable, and protective fabric. You can also opt for a UV-blocking umbrella or shade to avoid direct sunlight.
Timing is Everything for Sun Exposure at the Beach
The sun’s rays are most intense during peak hours, which are typically from 10 am to 4 pm. Try to avoid being outside during these hours and plan indoor activities or shade when possible.
Alternatively, make sure to seek out shaded areas on the beach, such as cabanas, tiki huts, or coconut palms. You can also take long walks along the beach during the early morning or late evening hours when the sun is not as strong.
Stay hydrated
It’s essential to keep yourself and your family hydrated when you’re out on the beach. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks that can dehydrate you even more. Proper hydration helps to keep your skin plump, healthy, and youthful, reducing the chance of wrinkles, sunburn, and other skin damage.
Listen to your skin
Despite your best efforts, you may still get sunburned or experience other skin irritation. Pay attention to your skin and take note of any changes or unusual spots. If you notice something abnormal, don’t hesitate to consult with a dermatologist. Early detection of skin cancer is critical for successful treatment.
In conclusion
It’s easy to understand why so many people love the beach for family weekend getaways. The sun, the sand, and the surf, what’s not to love? But, as with any outdoor activity, it’s essential to keep safety top of mind. By taking measures to protect yourself and your family, you can enjoy your beach vacation to the fullest without worrying about the long-term consequences.
Remember: sunscreen, cover up, stay hydrated, time your activities, protect your eyes and listen to your skin. Have a great time soaking up the sun while taking care of yourself and your family!
Some families prefer other options to the beach, some popular ones include a theme park, national park, or amusement park. Amusement Parks often offer whole family entertainment such as water slides, zip lines, mini-golf, and more.
National parks often have more natural beauty to explore like mountains, lakes, forests, and valleys. The top national parks include: Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Exploring these parks offers a great opportunity to take in the wonders of nature. You can also find activities like hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and more. Additionally, some national parks offer camping for an even better outdoor experience!
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Amusement parks usually offer a mix of fun rides and attractions for the entire family. Whichever option you choose for your family vacation there are plenty of activities that will keep your family entertained. No matter what type of vacation your family is looking for, you can find something to fit everyone’s interests and budget.
When planning a beach family vacations, consider the best time of year to visit. Weather is an important factor when selecting the right destination. If you’re looking for warm weather and sunshine, summer months are usually the best choice.
However, if you’re looking to save money on a beach vacation, the off-season months (September through April) are typically less expensive. Additionally, many coastal towns host events and festivals throughout the year that can add to your experience.
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