How do you get all that sand off your
feet? Fix a broken bikini? Or stay cool during a hot day in the sun? Here are
our top ten tips from readers:
•Take a container of baby powder along
the next time you go to the beach. Before you get back into your car, sprinkle
the powder on your feet—the sand falls right off!—Christine DeFrehn,
Mercerville, N.J.
•When we go to the beach, we put a damp
washcloth in a Ziploc bag and keep it in our cooler. It's an instant refresher,
and it's great for removing sand and saltwater residue.—Sharon McCormac,
Richmond, Ind.
•While I was on vacation in the
Caribbean, the plastic hook on the back of my bandeau bikini top broke. Most of
my friends throw their bathing suits away when this happens, but I didn't want
to give up so quickly. Instead, I threaded a key ring through the loops to hold
the top together. It turned out to be a great quick fix, and I was able to mend
the top as soon as I returned home.—Kaye Powell, Washington, D.C.
•My wife and I always bring our own
towels to lay across our lounge chairs when we go to a beach resort, to a hotel
with a pool, or on a cruise. Because most of the other guests use the white
towels supplied by the resort, our chairs are easy to spot. We use the resort's
towels to dry off if we go into the water.—Brian Metzler, Fair Lawn, N.J.
•I've found yet another use for
antibacterial wipes. On a beach vacation in Ixtapa, Mexico, I cut my leg on
some coral when I was snorkeling. I used the wipes to first treat the cut so it
wouldn't get infected.—Genny Goode-Chase, San Diego, Calif.
•When we were in the Dominican Republic,
we walked many miles collecting seashells, but someone told us we might not be
able to take them home. We looked into it and learned that some Caribbean
countries limit the number and type of shells you can take from the islands.
Offenders can be delayed at the airport and get slapped with a fine.—Donna
Mercier, Stratham, N.H.
•My husband and I often vacation in St.
Maarten, and a fellow traveler gave us this tip: Get your boarding pass and
check your luggage as soon as your airline counter opens. Some companies, like
JetBlue and United, will help you at 10 a.m., even if you have a later
departure. Once you get your seat, it's back to the beach—a five–minute walk
away.—Kathy Baker, Manakin-Sabot, Va.
•For family vacations, we pack matching
beach towels, which serve as pillows, blankets, or seat cushions on the plane.
If we arrive before our hotel room is ready, we can also dive right into the
pool or ocean.—Calli Berg, Coloma, Mich.
•Scuba divers know how difficult putting
on a wet suit can be. My wife and I figured out a solution: Place a Ziploc bag
on your hand or foot before you slide it into the suit's sleeve or leg. The
smooth surface of the bag helps you slip the wet suit on easily.—Eugene L.
Dubay, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
•If you don't have a sunglasses case,
store your shades in one of those tube–shaped containers that Crystal Light is
sold in. The tubes are just the right size and rigid enough to protect the
glasses. Plus, it's no great loss if you misplace one.—Christopher Wolters,
Pearland, Tex.
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