Avoid Skimping On This Essential Clothing Item For Beach Vacations And Surfing Trips

Spending a sun-soaked day at the beach is one of the major highlights of a great vacation. There's nothing quite like the feeling of soft sand between your toes, or the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Compared to some other types of vacations, a trip to the beach is incredibly relaxing – which is probably why spectacular beaches around the world are some of the most popular places to visit. As long as the weather cooperates, you're almost certain to have an excellent time, even if you don't do a ton of trip planning. That being said, there are still a few beach essentials that every traveler needs in order to have the perfect beach vacation.

Good quality swimwear is an absolute must-have on your packing list for a beach vacation if you plan on spending time in the water. For travelers who enjoy surfing and other water sports, a durable swimsuit becomes even more crucial. Choosing the right swimsuit ensures you'll feel comfortable and cute, so it's a good idea to spend a bit of time considering which type of swimwear will work best for your travel style. It's worth investing in high-quality swimsuits that are well-made instead of purchasing something inexpensive and trendy that will barely last the summer.

The swimwear you choose for your beach vacation should be dictated by the types of activities you hope to experience. That "itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, yellow polka dot bikini" might be perfect for lounging under a beach umbrella with a good novel, but if you're planning on taking a surf lesson you may want to opt for something more substantial.

Consider sun exposure and movement when choosing your swimwear. If you're mainly hoping to get a great tan, choose a bikini with minimal coverage. If you plan to spend the entire day snorkeling, consider something with UPF to protect your sensitive skin from extended time in the sun. If you're participating in any type of water sports, you'll want to select a swimsuit that stays put. (But remind yourself to reapply sunscreen at the beach regardless of what you get up to.)

Comfort and fit are important things to keep in mind when choosing a swimsuit. Make sure the fabric is high-quality and dries quickly so that it won't cause chafing when it rubs against your skin, and make sure it fits you well so you don't have to adjust it repeatedly throughout your day. Choosing a one-piece or a bikini with a racerback is a good idea if you're surfing or stand up paddle boarding. They're more likely to stay put if you fall off or get throttled by some big waves. Nothing puts an end to a great day of surfing or swimming faster than a missing bikini top.

Fast fashion brands release new trendy swimwear each season, but usually it isn't made to withstand the test of time. For beach vacations and surfing trips it's a good idea to consider how many swimsuits you really need, and invest in high-quality swimwear. It might be a bit more expensive up front, but you'll likely end up saving money in the long run. A well-made swimsuit can last for years.

Marijs, a travel blogger who writes about her adventures on her website Rooftop Antics, shared some top beach essentials. A great bikini is one of her must-have items. "I never gave the quality of bikinis much attention," she wrote. She wasn't worried about the fact that they only lasted one season. "Buying a new bikini every summer was part of the fun." But after spending a week in Bali surfing for six hours every day, she changed her mind, and decided that it's worth paying more for quality swimwear. "​​Since you're moving around a lot and the waves will keep pounding you, you won't want to worry about what you're wearing. A sturdy bikini that will stay in place is worth a little more money."

One way to judge a swimsuit's quality before purchasing is to examine the material. A well-made swimsuit will usually have thicker fabric that is lined. Double stitching along the seams will help ensure that your swimsuit doesn't fall apart quickly. Marjis recommends the brand O'Neill which has been creating high quality clothing for swimming and surfing since the 1950s. Patagonia is a sustainable outdoor clothing brand with highly-rated swimsuits. There are plenty of great options on the market at a variety of price points at surf shops and outdoor outfitters.