Galveston in the sun. Photo: Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
👋 Jay and Shafaq here! We both love a beach day — but we go about it very differently.
🏖️ Jay's way: The earlier you take off, the better. I'm usually on the road by 9am to claim a solid spot, where I set up with my lawn chairs and trusty canopy tent.
My go-bag stays packed with the essentials: change of clothes, sunscreen, snacks (kind of like a hurricane kit, but more fun-spirited), lip balm, a comb, a first aid kit and plastic cups (most beaches don't allow glass containers).
🌅 Shafaq's way: My fun New Year's goal was to go to the beach or be near some body of water 10 times this year. It's grounding for me to be near the water every so often and unplug.
I'm halfway to my goal. I lean into living close-ish to the coast and head out on a whim, spend a few hours by the water and stay for sunset. In the summer, I'm usually there for just a couple of hours before the heat gets to me.
My go-bag comes together fast — a couple of towels, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, snacks (cucumber with Tajín!) and a book I bring but rarely read.
