You know my grandfather wouldn’t be happy with me using that title of this post (RIP Grandpa!). Really because he/we have very sensitive skin and “soaking up” the sun has become a problem. But I can’t help it, I love summer and being outside in the summer. Who doesn’t? Well, I actually know a bunch of people that would prefer the winter months over the summer months. Sorry, that is not me! I like all the seasons but summertime, is fun time!
My love for summer comes down to my family. Growing up it was the time that we packed up the car and headed to the Jersey Shore. Even though we lived in Massachusetts, where all my siblings considered where we are from, our parents grew up in New York and their family’s and friends were still in New York. Our summer life ran down the turnpike and the parkway to a a sleepy, small town that was populated by many of our extended family. We couldn’t throw a stone without hitting a family member. Even more amazing was our closest family friends in Massachusetts also ended up being from New Jersey so every summer it was an exodus from the mosquitoes to the beaches!
It was and still is a simplified existence. Once the car is parked it, we would hit the road on our feet or our beach bikes. Young or old you can find people on the beach all day long. I will have to admit now, I prefer the beach early in the morning or around sunset, when the beach is quiet and cool. As opposed to back in the day, when we would aim for sunrise to sunset (grandpa would be proud of that too). We had more freedom as kids at the beach too. Maybe that is because we had such a tight knit group and we traveled in packs. Everyone just seemed more at ease at the beach. I am not sure what that was; the breeze, the cool sand or just knowing we were all close by.
Being at the beach brings, almost immediately, a calming effect over on me. Once I drive over the bridge I can feel my mood change, my body relax and my heart fill. Yes, a lot may have to do with my childhood memories of family and friends, my wedding bliss but it’s more than that it. It’s not just “my beach” but every time I hear the sounds of the ocean, the sand between my toes, the sun on my face, the breeze and colors that fill the sky at sunrise and set. It’s all of it. It brings me h(om)e.
Sometimes, I have to remind myself when I am white knuckling it trying to get down there from NYC that feel the breeze if even I am stuck in hot sweaty summer traffic. It is very easy to forget all those amazing feelings of calm when I am anxiously entering the Lincoln Tunnel. Oh brother… don’t get me started on the traffic!
After many years of making the trek (from near and far) I have found the following to be helpful tips to keep feeling my beachlife bliss. Maybe these tips will also help you when planning your summer trips (or really any trip).
Tips for Summer Travel (in peace)
Travel Off Peak Hours
Yes, this might be hard but I have found that if I wait until after high traffic times or leave early, I am much more relaxed through the whole trip. My mantra is, “I get there when I get there,” but creating a timeframe that promotes a calm drive versus a chaotic jockeying has been helpful for me.
Schedule Downtime
Once I have arrived, I always have to remember to take some downtime. Whether that means a nap on the beach, I stroll to the bay or a rock on the porch giving myself more time to relax and recharge has kept that summertime bliss. My favorite is a nap on the beach!
Meet Your Neighbors
Living in NYC, we live in such tight and close quarters but it’s hard to know your neighbors. At the beach not only do I make an extra effort to stop by and visit with my neighbors. It’s such a comfort to know thy neighbors, we watch out for each other. People take in each others garbage, watch the house, feed the animals and plants. It’s a community an even bigger extended family. Even if it’s just a “good morning” to another dog walker, it puts out a welcoming vibe that will last all day. Better believe it, you will see that person on the beach, in the local market or cafe too.
Unplug & Recharge
This has taken me a bit longer but I feel most relaxed when I have put my phone away. I pick up a book instead. I can head to the beach or for a bike ride with confidence that I will be ok and the world will still be there when I come back. Yes, if someone needs to get in touch with me or if I am waiting on my parents I will have my phone but instead of ALWAYS it’s only as needed. When I come home and am settling in for the evening my device(s) are charging, on silent and in another room. We all need a break and so do they!
These tips have helped me plan, arrive and enjoy my time at the beach. Hopefully, they can help you experience and feel the sunshine this summer!