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Australia is a nation of summer lovers, and holidays by the beach are a cherished tradition for most of us.
As the warmer months approach, now is the time to make your packing list and check it twice. And these seven beach-day accessories should definitely make the cut!
1. Eco-friendly sunscreen
Whether it’s a snorkelling safari off Ningaloo or a beach bliss-out in Byron, shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is a must. Using sunscreen is one way to do it, but choose one that’s low impact on the natural world. For example, avoid products that contain the UV blocker Oxybenzone, which can be toxic for marine animals and corals. The range of eco-friendly, vegan certified sunscreens from SunButter provide reliable SPF50 protection using natural mineral content.
2. Fashion rashie
The idea of covering up in the sun sounds counterintuitive to many holidaymakers, but this simple step can reduce your reliance on sunscreen and its potential impact on the environment. So, reach for a rashie! Check out the sleek and sassy offerings from Hakea, Sea Folly, Aqua Blu, and Speedo.
3. UV protective sunglasses
For most of us, sunglasses are first and foremost a fashion accessory. But they have a much more important function: to protect your eyes from glare and harmful UV rays (which can lead to issues like cataracts and macular degeneration). So, when choosing the best sunglasses for your holiday, consider aesthetic factors like colour, shape, and frame size, but also the degree of inbuilt UV protection and polarisation.
Stylish and relatively affordable brands like Ray-Ban or Oakley look great and offer a high level of UV protection. Large-size frames like those of Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Versace VE4387s provide increased protection for your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Opting for polarised eyewear further reduces glare and eye strain — essential for a dazzling day on the sand.
4. Wide-brimmed hat
When spending time in the harsh Australian sun, good sunglasses are only part of the protective equation for your eyes; pair them with a wide-brimmed hat and knock out almost 100% of those UV nasties, while also shading the rest of your face and neck. Look for hats that carry a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating; UPF 50 fabrics block 98 percent of the sun’s rays.
The wide-brimmed hat is also a versatile style accessory and can glam up any beach look. Aussie label Lack of Color offers a fabulous range of sun-smart headwear — some of which are collabs with the likes of American fashionista Devon Lee Carlson and Aussie model Jordan Barrett. Lack of Color’s use of natural materials ensures a soft and pliable product, which can be easily packed for your summer sojourn.
5. Summer scarf
Not into hat hair? That’s OK; don a summer scarf instead! Bright, breezy, and also easy-peasy to pack, a scarf draped around the head, neck, or shoulders can be as individual as you are. Look for scarves made from breathable fabrics (like cotton, linen, or silk), that are soft touch, and that drape with precision. Innovative Australian brands like Zimmermann, Gorman, and Country Road offer an array of chic scarves in glorious technicolor.
6. Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated in the heat of summer is crucial for good health; even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, poor concentration, and many other unpleasant and potentially even life-threatening symptoms. Yes, water is good — as are reusable water bottles, which will save you money and reduce plastic waste in the process. Frank Green has built a global following for its rainbow of ceramic-lined bottles, while Worthy’s vessels are made of 100 percent sugarcane and produced with zero waste. And a Bluetooth-connected Botell will remind you to sip via notifications sent to your smart phone!
7. Sand free beach towel
Speaking of plastic waste, one person’s single use drink container is another’s beach towel, thanks to Aussie sustainable outdoor brand Nakie! Each of their supersized Sand Free Recycled Beach Towels are made from approximately 28 post-consumer drink bottles. And the ‘sand free’ bit? Well, that’s a minor miracle. Just give them a shake and all those pesky particles fall right off.
This post was published thanks to OPSM.
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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best beach-day accessories for this summer? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Envato/Bigstock
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
