At the beach solo - who's "watching the store?"
Feb 20th, 2009, 05:56 AM
#1
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At the beach solo - who's "watching the store?"
I know about waterproof ways to keep my valuables close to me, even when I am in the water, so I am not asking about that. But I am not usually a beachgoer, so I don't know what solo travelers do about other stuff one brings to the beach - clothing, sunscreen, glasses, a book, etc. Do you just leave them on your beach towel or blanket and hope they are there when you get out of the water? ( Assuming you can even remember where they are, that is!)
Sill question, huh?
Thanks
Jess
Sill question, huh?
Thanks
Jess
Feb 20th, 2009, 06:34 AM
#3
It depends what kind of place you are swimming. Is this alone on a deserted beach? A busy public beach right in a town somewhere? Something in between?
Basically I just don't take anything of value to the beach, only things like you said... in a canvas tote I pack a towel, water bottle, sunscreen, maybe a book or disposable camera. Yes I leave it on the beach.
That said, I don't swim far enough away to be out of sight of that spot, and certainly would forget where they were. Swimming solo I don't think it's safe to be going too far out on your own in the ocean, most places, in any case.
Basically I just don't take anything of value to the beach, only things like you said... in a canvas tote I pack a towel, water bottle, sunscreen, maybe a book or disposable camera. Yes I leave it on the beach.
That said, I don't swim far enough away to be out of sight of that spot, and certainly would forget where they were. Swimming solo I don't think it's safe to be going too far out on your own in the ocean, most places, in any case.
Feb 20th, 2009, 06:56 AM
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What suze said. Don't take anything to the beach you'd be heartbroken to lose.
I have a light weight tote with handles for book, sun screen, water etc, that I usually shove under the chair and loop the handles around the chair leg using the chair as a kind of anchor. Lacking that, anywhere as much out of sight as possible.
My daughter brings a backpack with snappy straps that she loops around a chair leg or umbrella stand and snaps together. It won't deter a very determined thief but it makes it more difficult for the stroll by snatcher.
One more option, and I've met some folks I'm still friends with this way, start a conversation with your beach neighbor. Once you get to know someone even just a little bit and spend some time talking, those around you that might have been prone to snatch your stuff now assume you have some relationship with those that you've been talking with. It's a win-win for you too, you might just meet some really cool people.
I have a light weight tote with handles for book, sun screen, water etc, that I usually shove under the chair and loop the handles around the chair leg using the chair as a kind of anchor. Lacking that, anywhere as much out of sight as possible.
My daughter brings a backpack with snappy straps that she loops around a chair leg or umbrella stand and snaps together. It won't deter a very determined thief but it makes it more difficult for the stroll by snatcher.
One more option, and I've met some folks I'm still friends with this way, start a conversation with your beach neighbor. Once you get to know someone even just a little bit and spend some time talking, those around you that might have been prone to snatch your stuff now assume you have some relationship with those that you've been talking with. It's a win-win for you too, you might just meet some really cool people.
Feb 20th, 2009, 09:04 AM
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My Beach items
Towel
Sun Tan Lotion
water proof watch
Money tube around my neck
Paperback
What's to lose? If someone takes any of the items laying no big deal.
PS My towel disappeared once at my fave café MJ & Richie's on Playa Madera, Zihua. The owner was more upset than I. The Next day someone had returned it over night leaving it on a table.
Towel
Sun Tan Lotion
water proof watch
Money tube around my neck
Paperback
What's to lose? If someone takes any of the items laying no big deal.
PS My towel disappeared once at my fave café MJ & Richie's on Playa Madera, Zihua. The owner was more upset than I. The Next day someone had returned it over night leaving it on a table.
Feb 21st, 2009, 04:40 AM
#9
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solo traveler here.
depends on the beach your going to. Ipanema Beach - just a towel. A cove with a scattering of people on a Croatian island - no worries. Mykonos - tied my backpack to the lounge chair I was renting and put a lock on it - not too worried. I've done two beach trips in Mexico - Huatulco (stayed at a resort) and La Paz (it was chilly on the beach, not many people around) -I off to Acapulco tomorrow but am staying at a resort.
I agree with the idea of only bringing what you're willing to lose. I also believe a majority of people in the world are not thieves.
depends on the beach your going to. Ipanema Beach - just a towel. A cove with a scattering of people on a Croatian island - no worries. Mykonos - tied my backpack to the lounge chair I was renting and put a lock on it - not too worried. I've done two beach trips in Mexico - Huatulco (stayed at a resort) and La Paz (it was chilly on the beach, not many people around) -I off to Acapulco tomorrow but am staying at a resort.
I agree with the idea of only bringing what you're willing to lose. I also believe a majority of people in the world are not thieves.
Feb 21st, 2009, 07:12 AM
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Personally, I don't even like to lose sunscreen or my towel, so I have a drybag just big enough for those things, too, and trail it with me when I'm snorkeling. I'm not a lie-around-on-the-beach sort of gal, though, so I wouldn't be in the position of spending the day lying on the beach with dips to cool off.
Mar 23rd, 2009, 08:10 AM
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Of course you will bring very little to the beach in Brazil. I suggest Ipanema Beach and set your towel close to a nice looking Brazilian lady who is looking after her children on the beach. When you go into the water --- do the Brazilian sign language for "watch my stuff please!" You smile, point to your things then point to your eyes -- maybe once or twice -- and smile again! For sure -- she will nod her head and smile back. Say "Obrigada!" if you are female and "Obrigado!" If you are male! That's THANKS in Portuguese of course! When you return -- give her the thumbs up! And of course smile again!
And before you go - learn a little Portuguese for free here http://www.brazilianpodclass.com/blog/
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
And before you go - learn a little Portuguese for free here http://www.brazilianpodclass.com/blog/
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
