Dinosaur National Monument: How to See Fossils, Petroglyphs, & More

Did you know there’s a town called Dinosaur, Colorado?

It’s not as weird as it sounds; Dinosaur is the headquarters of and gateway to Dinosaur National Monument. This massive park spans over 210,000 acres, stretching between Utah and Colorado in the high desert mountains.

The site gets its name thanks to its massive paleontological impact. The area is home to 1,500 dinosaur fossils, many of which are well-preserved and nearly whole. There are also important petroglyph sites throughout the area, giving you direct access to some of our continent’s oldest human activity.

Even if those topics don’t tickle your fancy, Dinosaur National Monument is still a great place to hike, raft, and even camp. As of 2019, it’s also part of the International Dark-Sky Association, giving you unspoiled views of the constellations at night.

Still, the sheer size and scope of this park make it hard to explore off the cuff. If you’re heading to Dinosaur, Colorado, or Vernal, Utah, and want to stop in, here’s what you can’t miss.

What to do at Dinosaur National Monument

Explore the fossils at Quarry Exhibit Hall (Utah side)

One section of the famous Wall of Bones showing large Jurassic dinosaur fossils, Dinosaur National Monument. (Getty)

Head to Quarry Exhibit Hall to take a closer look at some 45,000 objects that are catalogued and displayed. The most impressive is the Allosaurus skull, which looks like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. There are even remnants of extinct plants, too.

The coolest part of the hall is the quarry wall, where you can see actual fossils still sunken into the ancient rock and even touch them.

Or you might be more drawn to the holotypes section. Holotypes are the first-ever discoveries of their kind. In other words, Quarry Exhibit Hall is an active research site where new dinosaurs are being discovered.

See the petroglyphs around the park (most on Utah side)

Panels galore to be seen at McKee Springs at Dinosaur National Monument (Getty)

I’m a history fan more than a paleontology fan, meaning I’d head straight for the petroglyphs. They date back to Fremont culture, some as old as 300 CE and as young as 1300 CE. They depict humans, animals, deities, and more.

You can explore different petroglyph sites here. Some are easily accessible from popular hiking trails, while others require a longer hike. I’d personally head for the Deluge Shelter petroglyphs and the McKee Springs pictographs.

Soak up the gorgeous views from Echo Park and Harpers Corner (Colorado side)

Views from Dinosaur National Monument (Getty)

When you’re all tuckered out from exploring the quarry and hiking to Dinosaur Natonal Monument’s coolest pictographs, you can take a load off at multiple scenic stops. Echo Park is the most famous, as it showcases the monolithic Steamboat Rock. Sheer cliffs rise around the Green River, letting you kick back inside a gorgeous canyon.

Harpers Corner is another popular stop. This one offers panoramic views from 2,000 feet above the canyons and the Green River. Just be ready for a bit of a hike; if you’re tired, stick to Echo Park instead.

Hike the dramatic canyons around the visitors center, Cub Creek, and Harpers Corner

View from Desert Voices Nature Trail and Split Mountain Campground in summer in Dinosaur National Monument Park in Utah (Getty)

Speaking of hiking, you’ll have plenty of options on how to get around. Dinosaur National Monument has made it easier than ever before by dividing its trails into difficulty levels and state access. Make sure to look for whether or not pets are allowed on the trails—many hiking trails are off-limits.

Go rafting down the Green and Yampa Rivers

North America, United States, Colorado, Dinosaur National Monument, Green River, children in kayaks near whitewater raft in canyon (Getty)

Dinosaur National Monument is home to the Green River and the Yampa River, which join near Echo Park. Both rivers are renowned for their rapids, which are great for more experienced rafters. They’re home to Class III and Class IV rapids—and one of the Yampa River’s most popular passes is called the Maytag thanks to its boat-flipping tendencies.

Camp to get the full experience

Split Mountain Campground, courtesy of National Parks Service

If you’re swooning thanks to all those fossils and petroglyphs, know that you can camp inside Dinosaur National Monument to slowly explore its many offerings. There are five campgrounds and one no-water site for you to pick from on the Colorado and Utah sides.

Echo Park is one, in case those canyon and river views appeal to you. Split Mountain is another popular choice based on the gorgeous canyon and mountain views.

Looking for even more things to do at Dinosaur National Monument? Check out the tilted rocks and more.

Where to See Carnivorous Plants in the Wild in the US: Venus Flytraps & More

When you imagine a carnivorous plant, what comes to mind?

Most people see the dainty but intimidating jaws of the Venus flytrap. This well-known plant comes in bright green shades and has a red mouth-like clamp, which it uses to attract flies before chomping down.

In the realm of exotic plants, the Venus flytrap is one of the most recognizable in the world.

That being said, the Venus flytrap isn’t nearly as foreign as we imagine. In fact, it’s not foreign at all—

The Venus flytrap is American as hell, originating in the swamps and bogs in South and North Carolina. To top off that surprising news, here’s another one: the Venus flytrap isn’t the US’s only indigenous carnivorous plant.

The US is home to a handful of small but hungry carnivorous plants. Though the Venus flytrap is the most famous, it’s joined by the cobra lilies of the West Coast and the purple pitcher plants found along the East Coast and further inland toward the Great Lakes.

Aside from Venus flytraps and cobra lilies, you can also find smaller, lesser-known carnivorous plants like sundews, bladderworts, and butterworts.

Ready to come face to face with the US’s tiniest predators? Here’s where to find them across six states.

Venus flytraps in Carolina Beach State Park (SC) & Green Swamp (NC)

Venus Fly Trap at Green Swamp Preserve (Courtesy of Nature Conservancy)

Not only are Venus flytraps not exotic, but they’re actually easy to reach. Less than twenty miles from Wilmington, South Carolina, is Carolina Beach State Park.

There, you can find a designated Flytrap Trail that takes you through the swampy park and showcases the types of diverse habitats that Venus flytraps love. You can also see purple pitcher plants in this park, which we’ll cover below.

In North Carolina, you can also head to Green Swamp Preserve to catch a glimpse of wild Venus flytraps. The Green Swamp is a private preserve that’s owned by The Nature Conservancy and is the domain of around 75% of the world’s total Venus flytrap population. (It’s also home to some of North America’s most stunning orchids and more of those gorgeous pitcher plants!)

Here’s the part where I remind you to treat these little insect-hunters well. They’re populations are very small and are threatened by habitat loss and poaching.

Cobra lilies in Florence, Oregon (Darlingtonia Botanical Wayside)

Pitcher plants in Darlingtonia Botanical Wayside (TripAdvisor)

Many parts of the US are home to pitcher plants. These carnivorous plants have pitcher-like structures that fill with liquid, which is used to lure in and digest unsuspecting insects. Cobra lilies are a variation of pitcher plants, named after their snake-like shape.

Uniquely, cobra lilies are only found in the wild in small parts of Northern California and Southern Oregon. The easiest way to see these bad boys is at Darlingtonia Botanical Wayside in Darlington, Oregon. The gardens have a whole plot of gorgeous cobra lilies for you to closely observe.

Purple pitcher plants (aka turtle socks) in Acadia National Park (MA)

Cobra lilies are the fussiest pitcher plants, preferring the dry climate of Northern California and Southern Oregon. However, the most common type that you’ll see around the US are purple pitcher plants (also called turtle socks) and trump pitchers (below).

You can see purple pitcher plants in Acadia National Park wherever there are bogs and wetlands. The Sundew Trail at Schoodic Peninsula is a hot spot, along with Witch Hole Pond.

But know that purple pitcher plants are found around huge swaths of North America, including almost all of Canada’s southern provinces. So long as you’re new a swamp, bog, fen, or wetland, you could see one of these purple plants noshing on an unsuspecting fly.

Trumpet pitchers in Brown’s Lake Bog (OH)

Flower of the pitcher plant (Courtesy of Nature Conservancy)

Similar to Green Swamp, Brown’s Lake Bog is another private holding from The Nature Conservancy. They use the natural area for research purposes, helping learn more about trumpet pitchers and other carnivorous plants. You can take a tour to see dozens of unique trumpet pitchers, some of which have leopard-like spotting.

See (almost) all of them in the Big Thicket (TX)

Field of pitcher plants at Big Thicket (Courtesy of National Park Service)

Want to knock out four of the five types of carnivorous plants in a single park visit? Head to Big Thicket in Texas, which is a national preserve. You can see a range of pitcher plants, and the lesser-known species like bladderworts, sundews, and butterworts.

There’s even a pitcher plant trail so you can learn about these amazing plants and spot them just off the pathway. Just don’t expect to see the most famous of the bunch; the Venus flytrap is only found in the wild on the East Coast.

Caribbean Shipwrecks That You Can Explore While Snorkeling—Plus, Where to Stay

When it comes to underwater adventures, shipwrecks are the holy grail.

Sunken ships hit a range of interests. For divers, they’re another chance to descend into the great, blue depths. For divers with a love of history, there’s added intrigue; few ships are sunk voluntarily, after all. Even those without an appreciation for seafaring vessels are likely to get caught up in the details.

Unfortunately, shipwrecks are almost always reserved for certified divers and their professional gear.

That’s a pretty big catch for travelers like me who would love the chance to get up-close and personal with a shipwreck but have no plans of getting dive certified.

To put it simply, travelers who aren’t scuba-certified have limited chances to explore life under the sea.

In most cases, at least.

There is one place on earth with leagues of shallow waters, and they’re chock-full of sunken vessels.

Welcome to the Caribbean

The Caribbean is home to the highest concentration of shipwrecks in the world. These sites span centuries of complex (and, at times, very pirate-y) history. They start with Spanish raiders in the 1500s all the way up to modern, planned shipwrecks created for tourists.

The best part? Some of the coolest sunken vessels can be found in shallow waters, meaning they’re fair game for snorkelers in the Caribbean.

With just a handy breathing tube and a functional set of water goggles, you can glimpse some of the most intriguing Caribbean shipwrecks without descending more than a few feet. Many of these snorkel-friendly sites are covered in healthy reefs and surrounded by tropical fish.

Best of all, they’re accessible for Americans in terms of price, distance, and infrastructure.

Snorkelers, assemble! I’m counting down the best Caribbean shipwrecks for snorkelers, along with how to get there, where to stay, and when to go.

(Are you a certified scuba diver, instead? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy all the sites listed here!)

Caribbean shipwrecks that you can snorkel (plus, where to stay)

The Montana & The Constellation (Sandys Parish, Bermuda)

Bermuda is often regarded as the shipwreck capital of the Caribbean, with around 300 wreck sites. In fact, the islands were first discovered by stranded sailors without a vessel. They washed up on the shores back in 1609 thanks to Bermuda’s massive, healthy reefs. Many of these shipwrecks are still visible to snorkelers today.

The Montana (sunk in 1863) and the Constellation (sunk in 1943) are the most well-known picks, as they’re situated on either end of a long reef in Northwestern Bermuda in Sandys Parish. They’re also close to the Western Blue Cut Reef, giving you plenty of chances to get in the water.

But if you’re specifically looking for tropical, colorful reefs, look no further. Because the vessels were sunk around 150 years ago and close to 100 years ago, respectively, they’re overgrown with marine life and home to schools of tropical fish.

How can you snorkel these shipwrecks in Bermuda?

Dive Bermuda
Island Tour Centre
Snorkel Bermuda (TripAdvisor) or Snorkel Bermuda (Viator)

Hotels & resorts that are located close to the wrecks in Sandys Parish:

SS Antilla (Malmok Beach, Aruba)

A bird’s eye view of the SS Antilla shipwreck dwarfing a tiny kayaker off the Northwest coast of Aruba (Getty)

The best Caribbean shipwreck to snorkel in Aruba is the SS Antilla, which is only accessible by boat ride. It’s the third-largest in the Caribbean, as well, giving you tons of space to snorkel around in wonder.

But there’s a historical angle to the Antilla that you should know about.

The SS Antilla was a Nazi cargo ship that was used to transport supplies around the Caribbean. To make a long story short, the SS Antilla docked in Aruba, thinking the Netherlands would remain neutral. Then Germany invaded the Netherlands, ending any neutral port activity.

A group of Dutch marines went to meet with the crew but weren’t allowed onboard. Rather than fall to the Dutch, the ship was set alight, and its crew was handed over as prisoners of war. Almost a century later, the Antilla is still partly intact, now covered in healthy coral just off the coast of Aruba. That means it’s only accessible by boat.

How can you snorkel this shipwreck in Aruba?

Hotels & resorts that are close by Malmok Beach

MV Captain Keith Tibbits & Balboa (Cayman Brac & Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

MV Captain Keith Tibbits (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

As one of the most pristine regions for diving in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands are a top choice for divers. But snorkelers will also have options when it comes to exploring a handful of shipwrecks around this British territory.

The MV Captain Keith Tibbits in Cayman Brac, for example, is an intentionally sunk Russian frigate that you can snorkel to straight from the shoreline. However, because it was sunk recently in 1996, there’s not too much coral growth to see compared to other sites. It’s ideal for those who like larger ships, as this is a 330-foot vessel.

On the shores of George Town, by contrast, you can swim out to explore the wreckage of the Balboa. The Balboa went down in 1932, meaning there’s a bit more in the way of coral, so long as visibility is good.

How can you snorkel these shipwrecks in the Cayman Islands?

MV Captain Keith Tibbits is in Cayman Brac. You can explore this shipwreck by swimming out from the beach. No official tour guides needed. Be mindful of water conditions.
The Balboa Wreck can be accessed from the beach in Grand Cayman. Once again, you don’t need to join an official tour group. Be mindful of water conditions.

Hotels & resorts that are close by

(Cayman Brac) Le Soleil d’Or
(Grand Cayman) Hotel Indigo
(Grand Cayman) Hampton by Hilton

Carlisle Bay Shipwrecks (Carlisle Bay, Barbados)

While Bermuda comes out ahead in terms of the sheer number of Caribbean shipwrecks in its shallow waters, Barbados’ Carlisle Bay is actually known as the Shipwreck Capital of the Caribbean. That’s because it has many well-preserved shipwrecks in a small area, whereas Bermuda’s are spread out across the cay.

In fact, there are so many options in terms of shipwrecks you can snorkel that I won’t list them all here. There’s the Bajan Queen, the Cornwallis, the Barge, the Berwind, and more. The area is also a hot spot for sea turtles, letting you come face to face with hawksbill and green sea turtles.

If you’ll be traveling with a non-diving and non-snorkeling group, Carlisle Bay is a great option, as other members of your group can stay busy on the beach. Plus, Carlisle Bay lets you explore other Barbadian hotspots, like Harrison’s Cave.

How can you snorkel these shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay?

Hotels & resorts in Bridgetown/Carlisle Bay

La Famille Express (Provo, Turks & Caicos)

Seated in the crystal clear waters of Providenciales, this soviet era ship is a stunning landmark and tourist attraction (Getty)

La Famille Express was a massive cargo ship that ran ashore during a devastating hurricane in 2004. It hasn’t been moved from the sands of Providenciales Island (aka Provo) since then.

Uniquely, much of the wreck is above water, making this one of the more visually stunning and grand Caribbean shipwrecks. As with other sites on this list, you still need to book a tour to gain access to the site, which is done via boat. (Or possibly jet ski, depending on your tour.)

Many charters also bundle in other activities, such as other shipwreck tours and even kiteboarding. Just keep in mind that you should not climb this shipwreck—it’s not stable after decades of decay.

How can you snorkel this shipwreck in Turks & Caicos?

Hotels & resorts that are close by

SS Sapona (Alice Town, Bahamas)

If you’ve been to Bimini before, you’ve probably heard of the SS Sapona. It’s one of the most popular things to do for visitors heading to the Bahamas’ westernmost chain of islands, aka Bimini.

The SS Sapona was wrecked in 1926 during a major hurricane, and today it remains an important navigational landmark for sailors. Prior to sinking, this US ship was docked in the Bahamas with plans to become a floating nightclub and alcohol warehouse to bypass Prohibition laws in the US.

But that’s another story. Today, the SS Sapona is a top pick for snorkelers, as the wreck has since become a healthy artificial reef that’s home to schools of tropical fish. (It’s also been graffitied, in case you’re into aquatic art.)

I’d also recommend exploring the submerged Fountain of Youth on your snorkeling tour of Bimini! There’s not too much to see, but you might consider poking around if everlasting life piques your interest.

How can you snorkel this shipwreck in Bimini?

Hotels & resorts that are close by in Alice Town

FAQs: Snorkeling at Caribbean shipwrecks

Do you need to bring snorkeling gear to explore Caribbean shipwrecks?

The easiest way to explore the sites listed here is by signing up for a tour. When you sign up for a tour, your guide will provide all the necessary equipment to explore the shipwreck, from fins to goggles to breathing tubes. That means you don’t need to bring any equipment with you.

However, if you have a pair of goggles or a mask that you love, feel free to bring them along. The equipment provided won’t necessarily be specialized, meaning the gear you have at home works just fine—so long as you have the space to pack it.

When is the best time to go snorkeling at Caribbean shipwrecks?

Generally speaking, the best time to snorkel (and dive) in the Caribbean is from December to April during the dry season. That’s when currents are calmest, the water is clearest, and you’re less likely to experience cloudy weather and rainstorms. That being said, you can explore Caribbean shipwrecks any time of year. The temperature stays warm year-round.

How can you stay safe when you snorkel at shipwrecks?

You should always listen to your tour guide when it comes to the best safety practices at Caribbean shipwrecks. Your guide should have plenty of experience navigating the waters and tell you what to look out for.

That being said, there are a few general rules that will keep you safe. When snorkeling at shipwrecks, always maintain sight of your group. Don’t let yourself drift too far from the group or shore. Additionally, don’t touch any marine life or coral that you see. It helps preserve the reefs you love to explore, and also prevents injury—coral is sharp, y’all!

What kind of wildlife will you see when you snorkel in the Caribbean?

You’ll see unique marine life at every site. A few of the Caribbean shipwrecks listed here are preferred by sea turtles, including those in Carlisle Bay and the Bahamas. Aside from sea turtles, expect to spot fish like surgeonfish, angelfish, and wrasses, plus other reef locals like sea stars, sea urchins, and anemones.

How Moving from the West Coast to the Midwest Saved One Couple $46k

When the youngest child flies the coop, empty nest syndrome sets in.

Even for couples that aren’t yet retired, the change in atmosphere can be jarring. For some, it’s enough to inspire a big move. That’s the case for one couple, Julie Taylor and her husband, who recently made the big move from Los Angeles to Joplin, Missouri.

After sending their youngest child off to college, the pair turned their attention eastward. Lured by the promise of more space and fewer expenses, they made the decision to buy a home in Joplin, pack up the life they’d lived for twenty years, and head east.

The move involved more surprises than originally anticipated, especially in the way of lifestyle changes. Still, aside from a handful of unexpected challenges, most of those surprises have actually been pleasant for Julie and her husband.

If you’ve ever considered making a big move from the West Coast to the Midwest, consider this your case study.

Here’s how Julie and her husband did it, along with what they’ve saved along the way and what they’ve traded off in terms of lifestyle.

Moving from the West Coast to the Midwest: A closer look at the savings

Julie and her husband left behind one of the US’s most competitive housing markets for one of its least competitive. Homes in LA cost around $1.25 million, while the average ranch in Joplin sells for closer to $250,000.

So, their biggest savings come from a slashed mortgage. Best of all, their new mortgage is contracted for 15 years instead of 30. Despite shaving 15 years off their new mortgage, Julie and her husband pay one-third of the monthly payment they owed in Los Angeles.

That change alone has led them to save around $32,000 a year, which makes up the bulk of their annual savings. The pair is also saving big on property taxes and gas prices.

Some things in Missouri are actually pricier

Here’s the big catch… some costs in Missouri are actually higher than in California. Though living on a median salary will give you the keys to a comfortable life in Missouri more than the Golden State, costs like groceries are still comparable.

The same is true for other utilities. In Missouri, home insurance is pricier, along with energy costs.

For a couple with a hybrid car, those costs have added up. Still, despite these small hikes, Julie and her husband are still saving a whopping total of $46,000 a year living in Joplin compared to Los Angeles.

Moving from the West Coast to the Midwest: The lifestyle change

Financially, the move has made sense for Julie and her husband. Unsurprisingly, however, some of the biggest ‘costs’ have come in the way of a lifestyle change. Compared to Los Angeles, Joplin has a very limited entertainment industry.

Plus, food is a lot more limited. Despite the fact that groceries cost around the same amount, the range of restaurants in Joplin isn’t nearly as diverse as in Los Angeles.

That being said, things like movie tickets, dinners, and cocktails are much cheaper. That means Julie and her husband can splurge on date nights more often—and that’s a higher priority for the pair now that they don’t have any kids at home.

In fact, Julie’s husband has even been able to open a bar thanks to all their savings. That type of financial and professional freedom has meant a lot to the pair, and hasn’t prevented them from saving for their children’s college degrees, either.

The cherry on top? No hours-long traffic jams in Joplin.

Welcome to Heaven on Earth: Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil

With tens of thousands of passionate and qualified travel content creators out there, we’re constantly being served drool-worthy reels of exotic places.

From exotic beaches at the end of the world to sunsets over ancient cities, these images fuel our wanderlust.

But not all of these places are as visually striking as advertised.

And there’s nothing like showing up to a destination with high hopes only to be confronted with a subpar sight. The feeling is even worse if you’ve set aside a lot of time and energy into making that visit possible.

I’ve covered a few of these spots before, including the famous Elafonissi pink-sand beach in Crete. Though the sand is often pinkish, it’s hardly the bright pink scenes that you’ll see billed on many travel sites and accounts. It’s a gorgeous little detail that enriches the experience—it’s not the end-all reason to show up.

That being said, some destinations meet the hype.

The spare few even surpass it.

That’s the case with Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in northern Brazil. It’s a soft-sand dessert with gently sloped dunes that fill up during the rainy season with pools of electric-blue water. Last year, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning it even more acclaim, protection, and publicity.

It’s the most delicious landscape I’ve ever laid eyes on, and one of those places that photos don’t do justice.

I’m sure you’ll see it on your travel feeds sometime soon. Here’s what you need to know about visiting this stunning natural wonder.

Heaven on earth: welcome to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

There’s a lot of history and ecology behind the current state of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Here’s a quick rundown: monsoon rains blanket the region for half the year, creating interconnected lagoons of freshwater in the dune valleys. They provide shelter to over 100 unique species of flora and fauna, some as deep as ten feet.

The lagoons connect the dunes to other freshwater sources, such as rivers and aquifers. That means you can spot otters, manatees, and other unique mammals in the area.

When the monsoon season ends, the dry season begins. In quick order, the lagoons dotting Lençóis Maranhenses National Park dry up, and the area transforms back into an arid desert until the next rainy season arrives.

What is there to do at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park?

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is a popular tourist pick for domestic travelers and international visitors. But it’s a bit farther off the beaten track, meaning only the dedicated make the journey from Rio and São Paulo. Around 60,000 enter the park every year.

You can find tours offering jeep rides, sand surfing, swimming, stargazing, and plenty more. But keep in mind that this is a preserve that’s monitored by a certified biodiversity organization, meaning you can’t head into the park solo. (More on this below.)

Here’s where it gets a little tricky.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park’s bright blue lagoons form during the rainy season, meaning you might need to dodge a few rainstorms to enjoy your visit. That being said, larger lagoons such as Lagoa Bonita, Lagoa Azul, and Lagoa Tropical are very deep, letting you swim even when the monsoon ends.

Try to book your trip from May to September when the lagoons are likely to have plenty of water and there are fewer rain showers. Be prepared for temperatures hovering in the 90s.

How can you get there?

Lagoon in the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Getty)

Like I mentioned above, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is far off the beaten tourist track in Brazil. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to reach. The best jumping-off point to get into the park is Barreirinhas, where you can find accommodation and also book tours with certified agencies.

To get to Barreirinhas, rent a car in São Luís and make the four-hour drive. The best way to get to São Luís is by taking a short flight from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.

Start planning your trip now

10 Beach Vacation Tips for Families: Small Details, Big Impact

Beach vacations are family favorites for many good reasons.

Parents get to lounge on the sand under the sun without the threat of work emails and morning drop-offs. Children get to run and scream and thrash in the waves and sand until it’s nap time. Grandparents get to soak up precious family time that probably doesn’t come around too often.

Aside from a family camping trip, there are few vacations that feel more American and nostalgic than the beach vacation.

That being said, planning a solid beach trip takes a little time and effort.

First, you need to find the right beach town, whether a newer destination like South Walton or a classic pick like Myrtle Beach. From there, you need to find the perfect rental or the right hotel for your family’s needs.

Last is figuring out how to unwind while juggling all the responsibilities of a beach trip. After all, though parents are technically on vacation, they still need to do things like feed the troops, buy tickets to the next adventure, and keep everyone entertained.

It’s a lot to figure out, even if you’ve done it all before.

Take a quick load off with these ten simple beach vacation tips. You’ll have every generation raving about the adventure for years to come.

10 beach vacation tips for families

Tip #1: If you’re flying, buy toys at your destination—but not the shade structure

If you’re driving to your destination, feel free to pack all the beach toys and umbrellas that you want. But if you’re flying, you’re probably worried about space—and packing those toys isn’t going to be nearly as easy when it’s time for your return flight. (Unless they’re inflatable—feel free to pack those!)

To avoid trying to stuff sandy pieces back inside your luggage, buy a few small beach toys at your destination. They’re usually easy to find and reasonably priced. By contrast, try to pack your favorite beach umbrella with you, if possible. They’re not usually nearly as cheap to pick up after you’ve arrived, and might not be very effective, either.

Tip #2: Bring bags—many, many bags

Keeping a spare plastic bag in your back pocket isn’t enough for a beach day. Even if you have a few with you, it always pays to have more. After all, you might need a bag to keep something dry in addition to isolating your wet, sandy items. The more children you have, the more other unexpected messes are likely to pop up.

**Tip #3: Apply sunscreen before getting to the beach**

This tip comes from parents who have kids with texture sensitivities. If your little one gets a little finicky about textures like sand and lotion, save yourself some fussing by putting on their sunscreen before heading to the beach.

Even if you don’t have kids with sand sensitivities, this is just good sense. Even if you love staying exfoliated, nobody likes putting on sunscreen after they’ve gotten sandy.

Tip #4: The nicer the beach, the earlier you need to head out

The earlier you get to the beach, the more likely you are to find the perfect spot. To be fair, this tip is geared toward travelers who are visiting more popular and traditionally crowded beaches.

But it also applies to vacationers who are heading into new territory or are driving further to see a new beach. When heading into the unknown, so to speak, you’ll always benefit by arriving early.

Tip #5: Bring one or two frozen waters

You’ve probably heard these types of beach vacation tips before: bring a cooler, ice packs, and other frozen options. Most beachgoers take a loaded cooler with them, which is one of the best ways to stay hydrated and fed throughout a long beach day.

Still, whether or not you’re taking a cooler, it’s always a good idea to bring a few frozen bottles of water. These are great for anyone who tends to overheat, and also gives you an ice-cold refreshment hours into your beach day.

Similarly, you can use and reuse bottled water as ice packs. No need to buy the reusable plastic ice packs unless you have a way to bring them home.

Tip #6: If you’re renting a car, bring a sand solution

The vast majority of beachgoers drive to their favorite spots. If you’re driving your own car, and especially if you’re renting, you need a sand solution to keep the car (reasonably) clean.

Regardless of whether the beach has public showers to clean off, you need a second line of defense. The best hack I’ve ever seen is someone dumping water into a plastic bag, then every member of the family sticking their feet in before entering the car. (It’s also another reason why you always want an extra bag in your arsenal.)

It doesn’t matter what solution you have in mind—just make sure you have a plan in place.

Tip #7: Avoid bringing electronics

Aside from smartphones and a Kindle (or another e-reader), there’s not much reason to bring electronics with you on a beach day. Not only are they liable to be stolen, but most devices can’t handle multiple hours of high temperatures.

Tip #8: Forget the nice shades—you need a flexible pair of sunglasses

Similar to avoiding bringing electronics, you might always want to leave those nice Ray-Bans at home. That’s doubly true if you’re heading to a crowded beach with a larger group. It’s easy for sunglasses to go missing, for someone else to pick them up by mistake, or for them to get crushed in the setup hustle.

Stick to those cheaper plastic sunglasses for a more stress-free experience.

Tip #9: You’ll save big by bringing your own snacks

If you’re heading out on a full-day beach excursion, you probably have a game plan for meals. But let’s not forget one of the most tried-and-true beach vacation tips out there: get ahead by bringing your own snacks.

While you might need to head to a restaurant for a proper meal, you’ll save big by avoiding those smaller beachside purchases. Even bottled water can go for exorbitant prices during high season.

Tip #10: Stand out from the crowd

Don’t let your setup or your family drift. Whether it’s a brightly colored t-shirt or cap, make sure you know what your ‘tribe’ looks like, especially when on a crowded beach.

This will make it easier to keep track of your kids, especially when they want to play in the water, along with helping you get back to your shady umbrella faster.