Getting a perfect tan is the reason for many a beach vacation. However, increasing consciousness about our environment has made us aware of the harmful effects overexposure to the sun might have. Does that mean that you stop enjoying trips to the sea? Of course not! A much easier solution would be to simply use beach umbrellas.

Beach umbrellas are one of the basic accessories of beach vacations these days. Not only do they protect you from the harsh sunlight, you can actually spend more time at the beach just sitting under them and enjoying the breeze on your face and the surf at your feet. And if you happen to be sitting under a particularly huge one, you can enjoy a few drinks with your family and friends as well.

If you are planning a trip to the sea any time soon and want to take along a beach umbrella, here a few things you need to keep in buying while purchasing one.

• Durability – Remember that you are going to the beach where there will be plenty of sand and light and breeze. So you don't want your umbrella blowing away every time there is a strong wind. It is best to opt for one made of wood or aluminum. These are sturdy and do a good job of keeping the umbrella fixed in place. You can also choose one that comes with separate pols since it'll be easy to tilt these umbrellas.

• Fabric – This is one thing you always need to be careful about. Not only is it important to get an umbrella made of water resistant fabric, you would also want one that would keep the sun out. So before buying, check to see if the underside of the canopy has a coating for ultra protection factor. This means that it will prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching you. Go for ones made of rugged polyester fabric that will withstand wear and tear.

• Size - As they say, the bigger the better. Make sure your beach umbrella will provide sufficient shade for your family and friends. You can easily get ones that are 6.5 feet in diameter and ideal for a small group of people. If you are thinking of something bigger, it is best to opt for those that are 7.5 feet in diameter. After all, you wouldn't want to risk an unhealthy sunburn!

• Anchor – Having an umbrella that does not anchor well can be very annoying indeed. Make sure that when you are buying a beach umbrella you get a sand anchor device as well. This is built to fix the umbrella's pole firmly in the sand and keep it in place. It enhances stability and makes the umbrella more secure. And if you are going someplace that is known for high wind speeds, you would do well to opt for umbrellas that have a vented canopy with fiberglass ribs. This gives it more flexibility and ensures that in windy conditions the umbrella does not bend out of shape.

To buy the best beach umbrella at the most competitive price, visit www.beachmall.com.