What's In Our Beach Bag: Indagare's Picks for What to Read, Wear and Pack This Summer

What’s In Your Beach Bag? It’s one of our favorite questions. Because it means the weather is warm, the days are long and sunny (well, some days) and the time is now for relaxing with a good book, strolling in the sand or swimming in the sea. Here, we asked the Indagare team what they love to pack for a day at the beach. Read on for a glimpse of what the Indagare team has in their beach bags, whether they’re hitting the sands of Nantucket, the Hamptons, California, the Mediterranean or beyond.

Contact us to answer your travel questions or consult with our expert trip designers to start planning your next trip today.

Sun Protection

“Barbara Sturm sunscreen drops and Brush on Block mineral sunscreen for face and Tatcha and Beauty Counter sunscreens for body.” - Founder and CEO Melissa Biggs Bradley

“My newest obsession is Raw Elements, which is an all-natural sunscreen (also safe for our oceans) that comes in a cool recyclable tin.” - Creative Director Simone Girner

Elta MD UV Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 36 - Destinations Assistant Ali Malecka

“I never leave the house without my Elta MD face sunscreen, which my dermatologist recommended. It’s super lightweight and great for your skin. I also bring Sun Bum sunscreen spray for body." - Indagare’s Annabel Bradley

Super goop glow sunscreen - Numerous staff members, including Content Director Jen Barr, Destinations Assistant Bridget McElroy and Trip Designer Kial Church

Related: Indagare Index 2021: Top 10 Beach Resorts in the World

Coverups

“I always pack an extra sarong that can also be repurposed as a scarf if temperatures drop. Matta in Sag Harbor always has a wonderful selection. One of my favorite brands there is Happy Pareo which comes in a cute bag and also make great gifts.” - Simone Girner

“My favorite cerulean blue coverup from Le Toiny's beach boutique, and Calypso St. Barth Christiane Celle sarong.” - Content Director Jen Barr

All the Accessories

Straw hats: Melissa Biggs Bradley has colorful ones from Morocco and Italy, while Ali Malecka has one from California company Madison & Company.

“A squashable beach hat that can take a beating. Right now I have a straw one from Madewell that works and a red Ralph Lauren bucket hat, but I am always on the lookout for a fun packable hat.” - Jen Barr

Sunglasses: “I love my Moscot Sunglasses,” says Kial Church while Jen Barr is partial to her Ray-Bans

“I'm usually wearing my Birkenstocks which are comfy and durable!” - Kial Church

Staying Hydrated

“A S’well bottle for hydrating as well as Polase sachets that restore minerals in hot weather (but can only be bought in Italy)” - Melissa Biggs Bradley

Related: The Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe

The Setup: Towels and beach chairs

“I recently bought 2 sling beach chairs and an umbrella from Savannah boutique Asher & Rye. They're fringed and fun! Plus, a Brazilian canga—the country's super lightweight towel that dries quickly in the sun and fits anywhere.” - Peter Schlesinger

Tommy Bahamas beach chair: “World's most superior beach chair” - Ali Malecka

A Turkish towel for Annabel Bradley

Essential Electronics & Storage

“A terry pouch by Lalla for my phone and sunglasses and car keys” - Melissa Biggs Bradley

UE Boom speaker - Peter Schlesinger and Ali Malecka

Kindle - Kial Church

"My iPhone (and a zip lock bag to protect it) or a Flight 001 Clear Travel bag and headphones, plus an Away portable charger that came with the suitcase. It lasts for hours.” - Jen Barr

2021 Things

“Olika hydrating sanitizer, and an Athleta camo mask. I have one in every bag, just in case.” - Jen Barr

Beach reads we love

Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller and The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante - Simone Girner

The Adventures of China Iron by Gabriela Cabezón Cámara - Peter Schlesinger

Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead -Melissa Biggs Bradley

Close to Shore by Michael Capuzzo “a great nonfiction book about great white shark attacks along the Jersey Shore (warning doesn’t inspire much ocean swimming!)” - Annabel Bradley

Adam Grant's Think Again and Paul Theroux's Under the Wave at Waimea - Jen Barr

Related: Indagare Summer Reads 2021: The Best New Books We’re Reading at the Beach & Beyond

Contact us to answer your travel questions or consult with our expert trip designers to start planning your next trip today.