Sunburn is one the most common vacation ailments. Families visit the beach and forget to reapply sunscreen or perhaps they end up doing a lot of outdoor walking and never think to apply sunscreen at all. Having lived in Arizona for many years, I know the dangers of the sun. I can count on two hands the number of friends I’ve have who have been cursed with skin cancer. It’s dangerous and very scary.
Before you head out on your next vacation, here are some tips for your family on how to stay safe in the sun:
Sunscreen. The morning ritual should include sunscreen application regardless of the time of year and where you vacation. I lived in a ski town and remember the countless tourists who didn’t realize the severity of the sun at altitude. Oftentimes, the sunburn was so bad their vacation was ruined. Don’t make this mistake.
The great thing about sunscreen is the companies are always looking to improve their product. For example, Coppertone’s sweatproof Coppertone Sport with Replenishing Antioxidants is especially useful for physical activity. This product won’t sting your eyes and you can pick the protection (lotions SPF 30, 50, 70+ and 100+ as well as continuous sprays SPF 30, 50, 70+ and 100+). The Coppertone Sport Carbiners which easily clasp to jackets or bags for easy toting.
Hats. Wallaroo makes some of the cutest hats on the planet and in addition to looking good, there are various options that are UPF 50+ (look for the sun icon when shopping). Wallaroo also makes adorable hats for children. The main reason I’m focusing on Wallaroo is – besides the fact that they’re easy to fold and pack making them great for travel – they are also tested by the Australian Radiation Protection Agency and have been found to block 97.5% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. (The company also donates 1 percent of its profits to skin cancer research, education and protection in the U.S.) But remember, hats only protect the skin they cover so also take precaution with the rest of your body.
Clothes. Not long ago I wrote about some terrific travel clothes by Columbia. This specific line is equipped with Omni-Shade Protection which means it has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ranging from 15 to 50 which helps protect your skin from harmful rays.
Cosmetics. A number of cosmetic companies now include sunscreen in their products, and that includes chapstick and lip gloss. In fact, it seems most chapsticks have some semblance of SPF in them. Elemental Herbs’ “All Good Lips” with SPF 12 is made with organic ingredients: ColoradoGal covered the lip balm at Practical Travel Gear.
Sunglasses. Even sunglasses have options for UV ray blocking which can consist of an absorption rate up to 99% or 100%. Consider Baby Banz for your baby or toddler; they wrap around the head so kids aren’t so prone to pulling them off.
Hydrate. Water is a top priority for travel and it should be a habit while flying, driving and visiting a destination. Water may not protect your skin from the sun, but it will help prevent the miserable dehydration travel can trigger and altitude sickness if you’re heading to the mountains. Make it fun for your kiddos by purchasing water bottles for your next trip; if you let them choose ones they like, they’ll be more apt to use them!
Staying safe is in the sun is one of the best ways to guarantee a successful vacation. In summary, wear sunscreen, wear clothes and hats with UPF, choose cosmetics with sun protection and drink water often.
Great tips! I recently returned from a trip to the Great Barrier Reef (Australia). Here’s some sunscreen related info specific to that area: http://travel.desiblonde.com/2011/02/sunscreen-in-great-barrier-reef-area.html
–Meliha
Jen is SO good about wearing a hat. She had on her wide-brimmed turquoise hat throughout our Orlando trip & Disney cruise. I love my Wallaroo, but don’t wear it enough. Will do in Lanai & Mexico next month!
I’m always surprised by how frequently people DON’T protect their skin! I’m super pale so it’s a constant consideration for me, but I know so many people who still heavily tan. Even if I wasn’t prone to burning, I’d still be terrified of skin cancer!
I’d never heard of Wallaroo before, though, so I’m definitely going to check them out. Thanks!
Nothing like a little health scare to make one more responsible about the sun, Kara.
I really learned my lesson. Beth, I think after reading this that I’m going to go invest in a Wallaroo hat myself. That blue hat Kara was talking about has see better days.
Going out in the sun is my main concern whenever I travel. I have sunscreen in every pocket I have, it seems! Curse of the Irish!