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Which of these two descriptions would you say best matches your experience of reading on a tropical beach?

The warm ocean lapping onto your feet, the gentle sound of  wind in the coconut palms, the hot tropical sun shining down, a dolphin gliding seamlessly through the big blue on the horizon, and your favourite book in hand… (“Reading on the Beach – The fiction“)

or

Eyes hurting from squinting to see the text in the sun, head aching from worrying about getting crows feet around your eyes, and a football kicked onto your head as you try to read. (“Reading on the Beach – The reality“)

To help you avoid the suffering and get into “the fiction“, the Spectacled Bear Team has spent some arduous hours researching the activity, and has come up with these 5 tips on how to be a happy beach reader:

1. Find a Sun Lounger / Hammock

Even if you’re tempted to read lying down on the sand, don’t do it. By placing yourself on a sun lounger or hammock, you will avoid discomforts such as sand between the covers, a painful arm, and getting a football kicked onto your chest.

2. Stay in the Shade

It may be tempting to get a tan while catching up on the chapters of your chosen fiction. But beware: If you get too into your book, you’ll forget that you’re in the sun and quickly turn into a lobster.

3. Avoid Eye Contact

Beaches are a bit like pubs. As soon as you make eye contact with someone, they will either chat you up or start an argument. If you aren’t looking for this kind of interaction, wear shades or a big floppy hat during your reading session.

4. Keep your lotions at a safe distance

If you a trip to the beach means a rucksack full of bronzing oils and sun protection lotions, it is ESSENTIAL to store your book inside a clean plastic bag or totally separate section of your pack. Pages stained with sun cream makes a book aunpleasant to read, and impossible to exchange.

5. Be prepared to explain yourself.

People will question your motives for reading in a place principally used for football/swimming/sunbathing/beer drinking/socializing. Are you a student? If you’re not a student, then why are you reading?

So, grab your paperback and get to the beach! And we’d love to hear any tips you can add to the list – please send them via the comments box below.