Category Archives: To Do

It’s summertime and we’re here with our Top 5 summer essentials you need while you’re vacationing!

Summer and my mind turns to physics. You know the law: a body at rest tends to stay at rest. And, what could be better than R&R at the beach. It does a body and the mind good. Some people even think there’s something in sea spray – little positive ions that are beneficial in some scientific way. It all sure beats the neighborhood beauty salon, head to toe. A few highlights in the hair, bronze glow on the cheeks, heels smoothed by the sand and a little vitamin D for the body (just 15 minutes to meet the recommended daily allowance).

So get going and spend a day or two – or three, four or more at a beach. Here’s my packing list.

Beach read – Whatever floats your boat. I’m going to read Atlantic Fever, the new book on the race to conquer the Atlantic by airplane. Back in 1919, a $25,000 prize was announced for the first nonstop aircraft flight from NY to Paris. But, it wasn’t until eight years later and thirteen attempts by others that young Charles Lindbergh succeeded, flying 33 and1/2 hours. We owe Mr. Lindbergh for his triumph. He opened up the skies for travel! Now, it’s so easy to get the Caribbean!

A cover up – (No, that’s not what I meant. If you’re going to read Fifty Shades of Gray, get a Kindle to keep your secret.) If you’re settling in for a long read on the beach, you’re going to have to cover up from the sun after awhile. Whether a pareo, maxi dress, long-sleeved T-shirt, Everything But Water has a huge selection, including this long caftan.

Sunscreen – Don’t leave home without it. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends at least 30 SPF, partly because people don’t use enough. It does get expensive, but it’s your skin and your life we’re talking about here. It’s got to be the “broad spectrum” type. My final three words of advice: Reapply. Reapply. Reapply.

Big hat – Skin does not survive by sunscreen alone. I come from a long line of hat wearers. It was once strictly for style, but in this day and age, it’s a necessity. My all-time favorite hat designer is Helen Kaminski from Down Under. I figure an Aussie knows a little about scorching sun. Many of her styles are packable, so when you see me around Divi in Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, St. Croix or St. Maarten, that’s a Helen Kaminski hat I either packed in my suitcase or put in a carry-on tote for the trip. Either way, these hats are good travelers. For the guys: lather up with sunscreen and get under the umbrella.

And last, but certainly not least:

Summer love – Good things are best shared with others. So, take your honey to the beach. I suggest Aruba right now, because the Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort has a special that’s, well, pretty special – with a petal-strewn bed, flickering candles, chilled champagne – all in the room upon your arrival. The deal also includes a sunset sail. The special is $499 for four nights for two! That’s a great deal. And, deals are sexy.