How to Manage Your Stuff and Enjoy

Do you avoid going to the beach alone because you have questions such as:

• What do you do with your things? Where do you hide your keys? What about your camera and money?
• How do you apply sunscreen on your back?
• Where can you swim alone safely?

Fear no more: we have answers for all these challenges!

Obviously, whether you’re at a busy resort or a secluded beach, there will be things to consider when going alone.

Members of our Facebook community, the Solo Travel Society have enjoyed beaches around the world. When we asked them how they take care of themselves and their belongings so they can relax at the beach, they generously offered their expertise based on personal experience from their solo travels. Members regularly use this forum to ask for and receive advice and tips on traveling alone. If you haven’t already, please join us!

What to Do with Your Stuff

1. Waterproof bag with lanyard. “If you’re going to the beach alone and want to go in the ocean, you need to buy a small waterproof bag to keep your essentials. I have a small one that works well. It has a lanyard on it and it stays afloat. I keep my regular digital camera in it (it’s small) and my money/keys in the bag. For my iPhone, I have a Lifeproof case (works wonderfully) that I take in the water with me, as I am always taking pics/video underwater and all around.” – Emily
2. Wrist pouch. Kim says, “I bring only the essentials (card, key) in a ziplock bag and wear in a wrist pouch.” I hadn’t seen these before, but here’s an example of what Kim recommends.
3. A multi-purpose option. Barbara recommends “a dry pack, like the Sundek one, that also acts as a floating pillow.”
4. Special towel. Reima shares, “I have a Moasis Towel from Lil Helper that comes with a pocket with a zipper. It’s not really visible unless someone looks at the towel closely.”
5. Wear it around your waist. Dayn says, “I wear a waterproof small pack that belts around my waist for my ID, keys, phone and money. I leave my day pack wide open on my towel so thieves can see at a glance that there is nothing worth stealing. I don’t take anything but basic necessities.” You can find lots of examples here.
6. Leave valuables behind. “If worried about your room key, why not leave it at the front desk of your hotel? They don’t want you to lose it either.” – Craig
7. Make your stuff look like trash. When you’re at the beach solo, “buy or bring a snack package of chips. Put some paper trash or even a banana peel or orange skin on top. You can hide your keys or wallet in the bottom. Snatch thieves will not bother with trash.” – Jomi
8. Rent a chair and umbrella. “I’ve found hiring a chair and umbrella meant that my stuff was looked after. If you go back to the same vendor, it can be social too.” [This depends on the beach. In some places your things are watched, however, in other places, like the south of France, this simply means that you get a chair and an umbrella.] – Jacquie
9. Befriend a family. “The adults are usually happy to have another adult to chat with and you can leave your things near the giant encampment of family ‘stuff’ if you want to go in the water.” – Tracy
10. Keep an eye out. “Last year I stayed in a hotel just opposite the beach so I went for my swim first thing in the morning. I just took my towel and room key with me and as there was no one sitting on the beach, it was easy to find a spot right by the water to put them down where I could keep an eye on them as I swam.” – Rachel
11. Don’t take anything you don’t want to lose. “If I plan to go in the water I don’t take anything to the beach that I wouldn’t want to lose. Just my towel, sunscreen, and water bottle mainly. If I’m really anxious about it I’ll pin my hotel room key to my suit. The only two times I’ve done the beach solo though, my hotel was just a short walk away so I didn’t need a day’s worth of stuff.” – Melissa
12. Hide your things in plain sight. “Clean out an empty sunscreen bottle and make a bit of a hole for access, then stow your keys, money, and phone inside.” Technosyncratic
13. And finally... “Nude Beach = No belongings needed!” – Active Planet Travels

Applying Sunscreen Alone and Other Solo Safety Issues

1. Spray-on Sunscreen.
   • “Bring your spray-on sunscreen! I spent a week on my own at Krabi beach in Thailand and I would have had handprint cutouts of sunburn on my shoulders if it wasn’t for spray-on sunscreen.” – tars on the Ceiling
   • “Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 60 is designed to help you reach those hard-to-reach spots with one-touch continuous spray that works at any angle.” – Tracey
2. Use an umbrella. “Hiring an umbrella, or bringing your own also will help keep away the sunburn of spots you might miss with sunscreen. Sunburn when traveling solo could potentially ruin a trip for several days if you aren’t careful.” – Christin
3. Drink water. It’s easy to become dehydrated or get sunstroke at the beach. Be sure to have water handy when you go to the beach alone.
4. Don’t be fooled.  “Watch for the unintentional/intentional frisbee landing at your feet, as a ploy to get to know you.” – Simon

More Tips for Going to the Beach Alone

1. People-watch. “Take a good book and a dark pair of sunglasses so you can people watch on the sly!” – Kapcha The World
2. Relax or join a group. “It depends. A: take a good magazine or book and relax or B: Join a group outing and go snorkeling or do something else exciting!” – Mindi
3. Go for a walk. Walking on sand takes more energy than walking on a hard surface and it is strength-building. Take a walk and do a workout at the same time.
4. Swim where it’s safe. “Swim at an official beach with lifeguards or, at minimum, find out from a local authority what dangers the beaches may present, such as riptides or jellyfish.” – Janice
5. Bring snacks with you. The last time I went to the beach solo I left my valuables in my car, but kept the keys well hidden. Take a bag of snacks from a grocery store as beach/boardwalk food can be expensive.
6. Write a postcard. Take the time to write a postcard or update your diary. Traveling alone is affecting but sometimes you don’t know how it affects you until you tell someone or write it down.
7. Listen carefully. If the beach is quiet you’ll have the sounds of the ocean. If it’s busy, you’ll hear conversations, laughter, and possibly some drama.

New to solo travel? Here’s what you need to know: The Ultimate Guide to Travel Alone and Love It.

Last updated: 12th May, 2025