#ItsaEssentials

[theitsa1122]

Beach Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner

Let’s admit it—beach days are supposed to be easy, but they rarely are.

You plan for sunshine and saltwater bliss… and end up with sand in your snacks, a sunburn on your back, and a towel that takes flight every time the wind picks up. Sound familiar?

If you’re tired of overpacking, under-planning, and chasing runaway towels, these beach hacks will change the game. These tips are simple, smart, and most importantly—they actually work. After years of beach trips, trial and error, and too many “why didn’t I think of that?” moments, here are the hacks I wish someone had told me sooner.

1. Pack Multi-Use Beachwear (Ditch the Clutter)

The key to packing light is choosing items that do more than one job. Think of a beach wrap that doubles as a towel, dress, or even a blanket. It saves space, looks great, and dries quickly.

A great example is this beach wrap from The ITSA—lightweight, elegant, and compact enough to toss in your bag without a second thought. Instead of packing 3 different items, just pack one that does it all.

2. Turn a Fitted Sheet Into a Sand-Free Oasis

Towels always invite sand—there’s no avoiding it. But a fitted sheet? That’s a beach secret few people know. Just flip a fitted sheet upside down, place heavy objects (like your bags or cooler) in each corner, and create a sand-free zone. It keeps the mess out and gives you a clean space to eat, nap, or relax.

Bonus: it’s perfect for families or groups who don’t want sand on every single thing they own.

3. Say Goodbye to the Flying Towel

The towel always gets the worst of it—bunched, blown away, twisted. Stop the madness by anchoring it smartly. Instead of using shoes or rocks, invest in a towel designed to stay in place.

The Itsa Towel Trapper (Inflatable) is a brilliant fix—it combines a comfy beach pillow with towel anchors, so you can lie back without constantly adjusting your setup. It’s lightweight, inflatable, and fits in even the smallest bag. If you’ve ever had a towel flap in your face mid-nap, you’ll appreciate this one.

4. Use Baby Powder to Remove Sand Instantly

Sandy feet and wet skin = a sticky, scratchy mess. Before hopping in the car, sprinkle baby powder on your feet, hands, or wherever the sand’s sticking. It absorbs moisture and helps the sand fall right off. This one hack alone will make you wonder why it’s not sold alongside sunscreen.

5. Freeze Your Water Bottles Instead of Using Ice

Bringing a cooler? Ditch the ice. Freeze your water bottles the night before and use them to keep your food cool. As they melt, you get refreshing cold water without any mess. Bonus points for being eco-friendly—no more single-use plastic.

6. Waterproof Bum Bags Are a Must

You don’t need a big tote for every little item. Keys, phone, cash, sunscreen—all that fits neatly in a compact, waterproof bum bag. You’ll keep your essentials dry and accessible while staying hands-free.

I've been using this waterproof one for beach days, hikes, and festivals. Once you go bum bag, you never go back—especially when you realise your phone didn’t get soaked from that surprise wave.

7. Ziplock Bags: Simple, Effective Protection

Ziplock bags are your best beach buddies. Use them to protect electronics, store snacks, organise first-aid items, or keep your phone safe from sand. You don’t need fancy beach gear—just a few smart bags and a plan.

8. Create a “Leave-in-the-Car” Beach Kit

Keep a small kit in your car with essentials you might forget: extra flip-flops, aloe vera, a dry towel, sunscreen, a plastic bag for wet swimsuits, and even a bottle of water. It’s a low-effort way to be that person who’s always prepared—even if you’re running late.

9. Freeze Aloe Vera Cubes for After-Sun Relief

Got too much sun? Aloe vera is your best friend. But here’s the hack: freeze it in ice cube trays. Rub one on your skin after a long day in the sun and feel the instant relief. It’s soothing, cooling, and helps calm sunburns before they get worse.

10. Download Your Playlist Before You Go

Streaming burns through battery and doesn’t always work at the beach. Download your playlists beforehand and go into airplane mode to save power. Bring a small portable speaker and your beach soundtrack becomes the cherry on top of a perfect day.

Final Thought 🌞

Most of us overthink what to bring and forget that the beach is about simplicity. A few smart items, a little planning, and some tried-and-tested hacks can turn your next beach trip from average to amazing.

Don’t waste another sunny day wrestling your towel or digging through an overstuffed tote. Choose gear that makes sense, pack only what adds value, and keep things light—literally and mentally.

Ready to upgrade your beach setup? Discover minimalist-friendly towels, wraps, and beach gear at The ITSA Collection. Because once you travel smart, you never go back.