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Speed shopping for: binoculars, a vacation camera, beachwear for women, shorts for women, t-shirts & tank tops for women, beachwear for men, shorts for men, sweaters, t-shirts & tank tops for men, winter clothes for men, winter clothes for women, winter clothes for children, travel guides and journals, learn the language, maps

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Having taken a trip to the BVI, (British Virgin Islands), in the middle of one nasty US Winter, I can say there is not much like the anticipation of warm sand, hot sun, and total relaxation to get you through the dreary days Winter can provide.

Favorite spot in the BVI?
Virgin Gorda

More about why here...

Beaches are great vacation venues...any time, any place. Depending on whether you are flying off to a tropical location or driving to the nearest coast, many beach-oriented items can be planned for and purchased ahead of your vacation that will save you time and money versus buying once you get there.

Once again, advance travel and vacation planning pays off - big time.

Linked below are some items usually found on a beach-goer's wish list or on their, "I wish I had" list. Most are top sellers with high rankings and also tops in user reviews. Buying in advance, when practical, will save you a lot of dollars and later aggravation so start shopping...

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Beach Chairs

Smaller and more compact...easier and lighter to carry. Beach chairs have come a long way in providing portability and comfort. Low-back, canopy, or carry in your backpack...these chairs all offer great value.

   

Bought one of those low-backed beach chairs for the beach trip 2010 - very comfy!

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Beach Mats & Blankets

No one says you have to sit in a chair and if you are traveling by air to your beach destination you may not want to bother carrying one. So, how about a small bag or roll containing all you need for soaking up the sun on the beach. Highly portable, easy to stow - convenience AND comfort once you get there. One of the mats below will even offer you travel assistance in case you've forgotten where you are!

HINT: "Cool colors" like blue and green will make you feel less hot on that 95-degree beach...

           

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Beach Shoes

Forget to make a selection here and you could be looking at some uncomfortable walking time. Beach sand gets very HOT and it isn't easy to walk in to begin with. Beach shoes are really a necessity - for comfort AND safety. The cros Beach Clog comes in over 20 colors and they are relatively inexpensive so get an extra pair to match those extra colorful beach clothes. Same with the sandals and flip flops..it's your big vacation - so splurge on color and comfort!

           

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Sunglasses - A Beach Necessity

You may take them off while sunbathing but if you care about your eyes and also want to avoid frown and squint wrinkles in future, you will get yourself some great sunglasses and even think about buying a spare pair.

Summer and beach light is harsh and hard on your eyes. Headaches are a common vacation-interrupter because of glare from the sun and water and from squinting caused by lack of sunglasses or cheap sunglasses. Why take the risk?

           

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Beach Hats

I must admit to not being a hat person. However, some of the few instances in my life I've been glad I had a hat were at the beach. I remember more than one frantic trip to a beach shop to find anything to wear to protect my head and face from getting more sun than either wanted or needed. And I paid dearly for my lack of planning.

Many people wear ballcaps at the beach but frankly, I am tired of looking at them and as the links below show you, there are some very fashionable alternatives.

           

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