What's In Mrs LT's Beach Bag....

I live in Rome - which is great - but during the summer I go to the beach to cool off! Some beach clubs are more equipped than others so, as a seasoned Italian beach-goer, and to cover every eventuality - I have a regimented, slightly obsessive list of what goes into my beach bag - and what goes on me!

Clothing

Flip Flops - I don't like the ones with a toe post so I have them without. One pair I've had for over 10 years and they are still the most comfy pair I own (pictured bottom).

Espadrilles - I can't praise these enough. The natural fibres allow the feet to breath and they don't chafe because your feet don't slip in them and the tops are soft cotton.

Headscarf, sunhat and/or parasol - this might seem over-the-top but I've had heat-stroke and it was pretty scary! So when it's very hot (over 36°) I soak a headscarf in cold water, wear it on my head and then put my sun hat on top of that. The parasol is often required as well and just about fits in the bag.

Swimming Costume - obviously, or bikini...and a slightly oversized thin cotton top with 3/4 sleeves, which I keep on when I go paddling in the sea and need extra protection from the sun.     

For Travelling - floaty palazzo pants and lightweight cotton or silk top, or loose lightweight cotton dress.

Anti-mosquito spray & after bite gel - I have sensitive skin so I use brands with formulas suitable for babies. I usually stick in a small tube of antiseptic or cortisone cream too (useful to have it, just in case).

Ladies 'things' - if you've timed it right this shouldn't happen but you never know...so, yes I carry one or two items to be on the safe side. Actually I did find myself in this embarrassing situation once. I had to leave the beach...go all the way into the nearest town...find a pharmacy...and then come all the way back to the beach. But it would have been sooo much easier if I'd been prepared.

Mineral water & sports drinks - kept chilled with those bricks from the freezer in an insulated bag (instead of having them turn into warm 'soup'). I also boost myself with magnesium and potassium mineral salts, since our bodies lose them when we sweat and need replenishing.

​Sunglasses - the best quality lenses I can afford and that cover the entire eye area.

Sun-screen - I like Piz Buin Allergy 50+, Avène for intollerant skin, Athena L'Erboristica for sensitive skin, and La Roche-Posay Anthelios for sensitive/allergic skin. I don't know if my skin is allergic to the sun or allergic to some sun-screens when they're exposed to the sun, but these four products are great for my skin's particular needs.

Swimming costume bag - for wet swimwear.

​Thermal spring water atomiser for face & body - an absolute must! I don't mind which brand it is: Evian, La Roche-Posay or Avène ... but it has to be in the bag! I love the sensation of the cooling mist on my face.
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Two large beach towels - one for me and one for the sun-bed.

Shower foam & shampoo - I love Clarins Eau Dynamissante shower foam and L'Erbolario after sun hair and body shampoo which help get rid of sea salt.

After-sun soothing gel - when we've finished at the beach, showered and am ready to head home, I use after-sun gel to provide immediate relief for any pink or sunburned areas.​

Thanks for stopping by.
We hope to see you in Rome soon!